Spirits

Chapter 11

I waited until the first rays of the morning sun came through my porthole window before sitting up in bed. The ship was silent and I couldn't stand it anymore. A few yanks of the silver comb through my curls and the dress from yesterday pulled on and I was off.

The sea looked beautiful in the dawn. Each frothing crest caught the light and danced against the ship's hull. Even the salty breeze seemed bright.

It didn't take Helena long to appear, her hair wild as always. There were large bags under her eyes and her movements were long and dragged out.

"Have you ever docked on a ship before?" Helena asked, slumping on the rail. "If you haven't, you'll enjoy it immensely."

She was right. Around our already impressive vessel, passenger boats and multi-decked trading ships dwarfed us.

A deep red ship, filled to the brim with people from every corner of the world sailed by. Small children clung to the rails, energetic waves paired with toothless smiles as they made eye contact. Their parents smiled as we waved back, slight worry on their faces as they pulled their children back from the fall.

"This is what I love about docking," Helena said, leaning over the railing, trying to get as close as she could to the people around us. "I've been to so many places, but to see people from every walk of life managing to find their way to one place is a miracle. Don't you agree?"

"I can see the beauty of it," I gapped. "Is this what it looks like elsewhere? This many people and ships?"

"Not everywhere, but each port is different, that's the beauty of it."

"I can see why you fell in love with traveling." I looked over at her, the glow in her eyes unlike a Spirits, but brighter. "You've seen so much."

"You will too," she said, leaning over to smile at me. "You have the rest of your life to explore."

"Yeah," I muttered, clenching my hands in front of me. "You're right."

"Something is bothering you," Helena stated, with no room for argument. Her left eye was raised as she leaned on the rail, her body now facing me. "Is it your sister? You were upset last night when you mentioned her."

"Have you ever wanted to move forward, but the past keeps you tied down?" I questioned, the tired feeling from the island returning as the light feeling in my chest dissipated. "I want more than anything to have a new life and forget everything that's happened, but I can't move on without Isabella. She's a lifetime away and I don't know how to reach her."

"What does she need?" Helena leaned forward to look me in the eye. "If you're doing this for Isabella, then stop at no end. If this is for you, let her live her life."

"I can assure you this is not a selfish urge. She has always sacrificed for me, and I need to return the favor." I smiled, my teeth clenched tightly. "When I needed to escape my arranged marriage, she risked her safety to help me and I left her behind. She'll be in danger if she's a Hunter as I suspect the men believe."

"Do whatever it takes to help her, but make sure you are careful. Not every human is as accepting as I am. There are rules to being a Spirit, that much I know. Alexander broke enough for me and I am forever thankful. Make sure you ease her into the secret slowly and only what is necessary."

"I know she will understand," I laughed. "She has an open mind that rivals the brightest scholars. I have to believe she would understand us if she could only see the kindness I have been shown."

"Then I wish you all the best." She set her hand on my shoulder, guiding me along the deck. "I can't pretend to understand, but be careful with whatever you chose."