The Pirate Chronicles: Cursed

So, I know I've been slacking as far as story updates go, but as it is I've been busy :/ school starts in a week and I also went on a camping trip... So much to prepare for! Anyhow, I hope you can forgive my tardiness and that you enjoy this (somewhat short) chapter that I've put together after much thought as to how this story should end! (I work backwards... Start with the end, finish with the beginning XD)

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Morgan came to an abrupt halt in the center of the dance floor, resulting in a near collision with the dancers gliding around them. Although he allowed Serena to admire the artwork staining the tanned skin of his forearm, Morgan's stance was defensive, and his shoulders had visibly tightened.  He was rarely rendered surprised, but in this particular moment, with this oddity of a woman, the look his features conveyed was one of shock.

As if noticing the crack that had formed in his painstakingly crafted armor, he quickly wiped all traces of emotion from his face with a practiced ease. Now if Serena looked at him, try as she might, all she would see was a detached sort of indifference, even boredom perhaps, anything but the truth. She wouldn't see the curiosity that was slowly burning inside him. He couldn't fathom how a noble girl could, or would even want to, know anything related to piracy.

Tapping his shoulder subtly, Serena met his light-less eyes with her gold pair, a slightly smug smile stealing its way across her features as she tugged the black sleeve of his coat back into place, hiding what was visible of his traitorous tattoos from sight.

"You don't seem at all concerned by the fact that I'm a cold blooded killer." He remarked suddenly, the question clear in his voice.

"I find I'm to pleased at having proved myself correct, to be overly concerned with what you do in your spare time." She answered as casually as though she was discussing the weather.

"It isn't a joke. I imagine you would bring a high ransom price, do you still find yourself at ease?" He waited for her to step away, proving his point.

Serena remained stubbornly in place, sensing a challenge. "Would you hurt me right now?" She asked simply, innocently even.

After much deliberation, Morgan met her eyes once again. "No. Not tonight at least." He confirmed, pursing his lips as he mulled over his words. The captain wasn't accustomed to making promises of that sort, but he found himself bending with ease to her will in response to a few kind words.

"Sir, it's my opinion that if we remain frozen on the dance floor for very much longer, we will begin to look rather conspicuous. Don't you think?" She inquired teasingly, breaking him out of his reverie.

Morgan blinked, and then lowered his gaze, taking note of the truth in her statement. With her fragile body resting so closely to his own, in a manner that could only be considered trusting, he realized how improper this must look. If it weren't for his need to use discretion, he could have cared less about the impropriety of his actions, but as it was he couldn't afford to draw any more attention to himself. With eyes growing impossibly darker, her begrudgingly confessed to himself that a part of the truth was, he didn't want to disappoint what was quite possibly the first person of his acquaintance to have such instant and absolute faith in him.

Moving his feet out from under Serena's, Morgan put a few feet of distance between them before taking her hand in his and inclining his head in her direction ever so slightly, in what somewhat resembled a bow. 

"I find myself weary of dancing." Morgan announced as he continued to back away from her.

"I couldn't agree with you more." She said, a smile in her voice.

Morgan relaxed slightly, he could escape the searching gaze of the naggingly familiar, and undoubtedly bold Lady Riddler, if only for a little while.

Unaware of the effects she was having on the stoic man before her, Serena followed him as he backed off of the dance floor. Morgan retreated to Anne's side for safety, coming to the conclusion that no matter what her rank was, she wouldn't dare follow him if she saw him lingering by the side of another woman. He was mistaken of course, momentarily forgetting the relationship between the two women.

Anne lifted her chin slightly as she caught sight of Serena. Smiling, she waved to draw their attention. Serena's eyes locked onto Anne's, and dodging swiftly past Morgan, she stopped in front of the red head.