BLOOD CURSE

~ FIVE ~

How dare he order her around?! Lyria thought to herself as she slammed cupboards and drawers in her Quarters.

Ordering her crew to enjoy themselves in any tavern other than The Broken Hull, even giving them permission to feed, Lyria used the silence of the ship to curse the man in her head. And sometimes out loud as she searched for her finest fighting leathers and corset.

Caleb and James had been informed of her plans for this evening, and were to follow her to the tavern but sit on a table far away enough to be hidden, but close enough to hear the conversation.

Strapping her sword around her waist, Lyria checked that not a hair was out of place before exiting her cabin. Be it with words, swords or looks, she was getting the Spot removed and getting rid of the man who threatened her crew.

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As soon as the trio approached the street that The Broken Hull resided on, they could tell why it had been chosen as the meeting place. Busy, full to the brim, and noisy. Bar fights would not be uncommon and if any unfortunate deaths were to occur, they would not be questioned.

However, as soon as the infamous Captain Lyria Blackwood entered, everyone hushed. Absolute silence.

"It would appear my reputation precedes me." Lyria announced, sizing up with patrons.

Caleb and James left her side, choosing a table and ordering some drinks. Everyone watched them as they did so.

Taking a step towards the group of men sneering at her, everyone's eyes snapped back to the frightful woman.

Stood behind the main man was the pirate that had pinned Lyria to the side of a building just this morning. Shooting him a flirtatious wink, Lyria stalked towards them until she was stood in front of a tall, muscular, handsome man with eyes as bright as the clear blue sea.

"Hello, Lucien. Long time no see."

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Lucien Whitelock, Captain of The Mermaid's Revenge, attempted not to glare at the young woman stood before him. A woman who had cost him so much. The blond man resisted the primal urge to launch himself across the space between them and gut her with his sword. He had had a duty to protect those ships, those men. And, thanks to her, he had failed them.

"Cut the pleasantries, wench." Lucien spat, eyes burning with a hatred so profound.

"Wench? I guess we really are cutting the pleasantries, cad." Lyria's eyes held nothing but amusement.

Something that annoyed Lucien to no end. Stood there in her finery, hair left loose around her shoulders, Lyria knew she was riling him up. Not just with her words but with her mannerisms, her looks. The Vampyre knew that no matter what happened tonight, she was going to win this argument, and her Black Spot would be gone.

"Your tattoo really suits you." Lucien smirked, taking pleasure in the fact that Lyria's hand clenched in her anger, the Spot stretching as she did so.

Before walking over to Lucien, the black haired woman had removed her gloves so that her Black Spot was on show; her way of showing that Lucien's scare tactics didn't affect her.

"Your failure really suits you."

Lucien was not as good at concealing his emotions. Slamming his sword into the ground, he stood and stalked towards the Captain of The Crimson Rose. Eyes as blue as the Caribbean sea met dark brown ones. Blond stubble was forming around his chin and upper lip and Lyria had to admit that the facial hair suited him.

"It looks like something died on your face." Lyria smirked, noticing how Lucien squirmed uncomfortably at how close they were.

Much to the amusement of James and Caleb at the back, their Captain was not above petty insults. They were aware that she was just toying with him, riling him up until he burst so that he would look unhinged.

"Enough messing around, Blackwood. Why did you slaughter members of my crew? Give me back the treasure." Lucien growled, taking a step away from her.

"Everyone out!" Lyria demanded, venom seeping into her tone.

It was that tone of voice that had caused people to fear her; her sharp tongue and quick wit petrified everyone long before she placed the sharp blade of her sword against their neck.

Scraping of chairs and scared whispers filled the room as the patrons, and even the barmaids, scurried out of the room. Away from the wrath of the feared Captain Blackwood.

"Including your men."

Flecks of gold flickered and burned in her eyes as she turned them upon Lucien. Flinching, he held his ground.

"You must think me insane if you believe I'd be alone in a room with you."

"You send yours out, mine will go as well." Lyria bargained, motioning to the two Vampyres who revealed themselves from the shadows.

Lucien could not disguise the shock in his eyes. Somehow, he had not noticed her Second and Third even entering the building. Sighing in agreement, he motioned to his men to leave the tavern. Ensuring that every last pirate from The Mermaid's Revenge had walked out the door, Lyria informed Caleb and James to find the rest of the crew, or enjoy something to 'drink'.

Letting silence settle between the two Captains, Lyria could smell the tension rolling off the blond Captain. Eventually it became too much for the human and he demanded that Lyria start speaking.

"I am going to regret saying this but, Lucien, I need your help."