The serene atmosphere aboard the cruise ship, with its gentle rocking and soft hum of distant music, was shattered when a figure plummeted into the frigid dark waters below. A girl’s piercing scream followed, stirring the celestials, once tranquil in their observation, into a flurry of activity. Straton leaped from his seat, eyes wide with alarm, as he watched one of his favored mortals dive off the deck after the figure. Casting a suspicious glance at Feronia, who sat beside him emotionless, he rushed towards the water’s edge to better understand the unfolding events on Earth.
Seizing the opportunity presented by Straton’s departure, Feronia rose gracefully. She exchanged a knowing glance with Aeonara, who lingered nearby, before slipping away to the sanctuary of her garden. There, undisturbed, she could continue overseeing her charge. With Garrett no longer attending the prom with his sister, the magical mirror’s revelations had lost their allure to her. Aeonara, however, stayed by the pond, ready to relay any significant updates to Feronia.
The deities’ gaze locked onto Mirathrend’s Mirror, their anxiety mirrored the reflection of Adeline, Eric, and Kaylynn. All eyes scanned the dark waters for signs of life. Back on Earth, the ship’s crew sprang into action, spotlights sliced through the darkness in search of the fallen passengers. A safety raft bobbed alongside, crew members peering into the depths.
On the celestial outskirts of the pond, Eloquen observed the chaos from a distance, his expression unreadable. Maris, relieved her charge was safe with her best friend and boyfriend, looked on with concern for the humans in peril below. Some deities busied themselves casting simple blessings, their powers shimmering in the air to guide, calm, and safeguard the mortals below.
Straton, unable to contain his restlessness, paced the edge of the mystical pond, momentarily distracted from his concerns for the mortals over his questions for Feronia. The thinning walls between realms were evident, and while some celestials seized the moment to intervene, others waited, biding their time for the right opportunity to act. The scene at the pond mirrored the tension and urgency aboard the ship, binding the fates of mortals and celestials in a shared vigil for survival.
Back on the ship, Kaylynn’s heart pounded as she clutched the railing, her breath hitching in her throat. She scanned the turbulent waters, her eyes wide with fear and desperation. “Go back! There, someone…” The spotlight relocated, revealing Lance and the passenger who had fallen overboard.
A collective breath was held as the crew retrieved them from the icy waters, their safety confirmed shortly after. Both celestials and mortals sighed in relief. The deities resettled into their seats, reassured that the worst had been averted. Straton returned to find his marble bench cold and empty in Feronia’s absence. With his mortal charge safe for now, he shelved his concerns about Feronia to focus on the scene unfolding through the mirror.
Back on the ship, the crew swiftly hoisted the rescued passengers aboard. They pulled up the life raft and signaled to the staff to reassure the rest of the onlookers while resuming their voyage. As the staff and crew proceeded to help and provide counsel to the distressed passengers, Kaylynn turned from the deck to head inside. Eager to check on Lance, Kaylynn, accompanied by Adeline and Eric, hurried down to the lower deck. A crew member intercepted them, his voice firm yet gentle. “Only crew are allowed beyond this point.”
Kaylynn explained to him their purpose, her voice laced with urgency and concern for her date. “Seeing how one of the rescued passengers was your date, I’ll take you to him,” he told Kaylynn. “But your friends will have to wait here.” Adeline and Eric nodded, encouraging Kaylynn to go ahead as they waited by the elevators in the lobby. With a grateful smile, she hastened after the crew member leading the way.
As Kaylynn navigated the dimly lit corridors of the lower decks, her heart pounded in anticipation. The echo of her footsteps mingled with the distant murmur of the ocean, casting an almost surreal veil over her senses. Upon reaching the infirmary, the door swung open to reveal Lance sitting on a small bed wrapped in a thick blanket. His damp hair and the determined set of his jaw gave him the look of a battle-weary soldier. Spotting Kaylynn, he stood, his smile transforming his features into something warm and reassuring.
“Lance!” Kaylynn’s voice carried both relief and concern as she rushed towards him. Lance’s arms opened wide, and she embraced him tightly, the dampness of his body unnoticed against hers. “Are you okay?” she murmured, pulling back slightly to scan his face for injuries. “I was so scared when I saw-”
“I’m okay, Kay,” Lance interrupted, his voice firm yet gentle. “Thanks to your quick thinking and the crew’s help.”
Just then, the infirmary door swung open again. A man in his fifties, dressed in a white uniform, stepped inside. “This man is a hero,” he declared, nodding towards Lance. It was clear from the crew’s behavior and Lance’s respectful nod that this was the captain. The man saluted, which Lance returned before turning his attention back to Kaylynn, now softly holding his hand.
“If it wasn’t for his quick actions, we could have lost Ana, the passenger who fell overboard,” the captain continued.
“Ana Wilson? That Ana?” Kaylynn’s eyes widened. “She was the one who fell overboard? What happened?”
Lance squeezed her hand gently, silencing her flurry of questions. “Captain, I apologize for breaking protocol, but when I heard the scream, instinct took over,” he explained. “I know every second counts, yet my actions could have put others at risk.”
“You are a Navy SEAL, aren’t you?” The captain glanced at the stripes on Lance’s jacket, now draped over Kaylynn’s arm. “Your training saved a life today. Thank you.”
He then smiled at Kaylynn. “Yes, that’s her name. She’s well and being looked after by our nurse. You’ll find her with her friends in the upper deck lobby. She asked to see you to thank you personally,” he added, patting Lance on the back before leading them toward the elevator.
As they ascended in the elevator, Kaylynn leaned against Lance, who had draped his jacket over her damp dress. In the close confines of the elevator, she allowed herself to exhale deeply, the earlier panic replaced by a comforting warmth from Lance’s presence.
The elevator doors slid open to reveal Adeline and Eric waiting alongside Ana, who was wrapped in a thick blanket and surrounded by friends. Ana’s nurse was attentively monitoring her condition under the watchful concern gaze of a chaperone parent.
Adeline quickly filled them in: Ana had inhaled a lot of seawater before Lance’s timely rescue. She had been unconscious when brought aboard, but CPR had revived her. Despite being pale from shock, Ana managed a weak “Thank you” to Lance before her date arrived with her belongings. The nurse told Ana she needed to change into dry clothes and rest. Ana’s date and a chaperone parent escorted her to the guest suites while Ana’s friends bid her goodbye.
Seeing Lance and Kaylynn’s soaked appearance after the ordeal, Adeline offered her suite key, her tone light but caring. “You both could use a warm, dry place after your midnight swim,” she teased with a small smile. “Why don’t you head to the suite while Eric and I collect your bags for you?”
Grateful, Kaylynn cast an appreciative smile at Adeline while wrapping her arm around Lance’s waist. As they approached the suite, Adeline turned to Eric with a light-hearted jest. “Looks like I’ll be spending the night in your room after all,” she remarked, a shared understanding of the night’s unexpected events passing between them.
The suite door clicked shut behind Lance and Kaylynn, revealing the opulent two-bedroom expanse of the cruise ship’s penthouse suite. They entered the large living room, adorned with plush sofas facing floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the dark, endless waters. Soft light from the wall sconces cast a warm glow over the elegant décor.
“You should warm up,” Kaylynn suggested gently, noticing Lance shiver slightly from the air conditioning. “A hot shower might help.”
Lance nodded, meeting her gaze with a grateful yet weary smile. “Thanks, Kay. That sounds perfect right now.”
As he disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water soon filled the suite. Left alone, Kaylynn sank into the plush sofa, her mind replaying the night’s harrowing events. The fear of losing Lance had awakened unfamiliar feelings within her, feelings she hadn’t fully recognized until now. She clutched Lance’s jacket tighter around herself, feeling a chill that stemmed not just from her damp clothes but from the night’s close calls. The warmth she now sought was not from the shower or dry clothes but from Lance himself.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
A knock on the door jolted Kaylynn from her thoughts. She opened it to find Adeline and Eric with their bags plus their belongings that scattered in the chaos. Relief mixed with apprehension crossed her face as she greeted them.
“Thanks, A and Eric,” she said, accepting her bag and rummaging for a change of clothes. Pulling Adeline into one of the bedrooms, she shut the door and whispered, “Hey, do you have… condoms?” Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and determination.
Adeline’s eyebrows rose, a flicker of concern crossing her features. “Kay, are you sure about this? It’s been a long, emotional night.”
Kaylynn’s gaze was firm, her decision clear. “I am,” she insisted, dismissing the concern with a wave of her hand. “A, we could have lost Lance tonight…” She trailed off, undressing from her damp dress. “You know I’ve had a crush on him before, and tonight, after what happened, those feelings resurfaced.”
Adeline, helping to hang the dress, looked skeptical. “But still, aren’t you rushing this?”
Kaylynn faced her best friend, now in shorts and a shirt, gripping Adeline’s hands. “I just… feel it’s the right time. If I’m going to lose my virginity, I want it to be with Lance.”
With a resigned sigh, Adeline nodded. “I didn’t bring any condoms, but Eric might have some. Do you want me to ask him?”
“Yes, but I’ll go with you. What if Lance comes out of the shower?” Kaylynn’s voice was determined.
Together, they found Eric by the window in the living room, pretending to be absorbed in the view. After a brief whisper, Eric handed a small packet to Adeline, who gave him a quick kiss before returning to Kaylynn, slipping the packet into her hand. “He only has one, but you can get more from the guest services desk if needed,” Adeline advised.
Kaylynn thanked them both and escorted them to the door. Before leaving, Adeline squeezed her hand again. “Be careful, okay? Don’t rush into anything just because of how you feel right now,” she murmured before the door closed softly behind them.
Alone again, Kaylynn’s heart pounded with a mix of nerves and excitement. Hearing the shower turn off, she quickly freshened up in the bedroom, rehearsing her approach. When she emerged, Lance appeared from the bathroom, his damp, tousled hair and chiseled body wrapped only in a towel, momentarily faltering her resolve.
“Feel better?” she managed, her voice soft.
“Much, thanks,” Lance replied, accepting his bag to get dressed. Once clothed, Kaylynn collected herself and stepped closer, her heart racing as she reached for his hand.
Lance, misunderstanding her intentions, squeezed her hand warmly. “Thank you for being here. I’m sorry I ruined your evening. Shall we get dressed and return to the festivities?”
Lance’s gentle, platonic touch made Kaylynn realize he wasn’t in the same emotional place as she was. Trying to mask her disappointment, Kaylynn met his gaze, searching for something more. “Of course, Lance. You’re a hero tonight. I’m glad both you and Ana are safe,” she said, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil.
“Let’s relax a bit here before heading out again,” Lance suggested, guiding her to the couch where they settled into an awkward yet friendly distance, winding down from the night’s excitement.
Meanwhile, Adeline and Eric retreated to Eric’s penthouse suite. Feeling the weight of the evening in her heels, Adeline immediately slipped them off and flopped onto the plush couch, her feet bare.
“You were right,” Adeline admitted, concern still etched on her face. “Kay is really interested in Lance. I didn’t think she would grow so attached so quickly.”
Eric sat across from her, loosening his bow tie and shedding his vest and jacket. “I called it, didn’t I? From the moment she mentioned he’d be her date, and especially after how she reacted when he jumped off the ship, I knew she’d fall for him. It was quite something to witness.”
“Do you think they’ll… you know?” Adeline asked, propping her feet up as she rubbed them. “Lance is a bit older than her; isn’t that inappropriate?”
“It’s only five years,” Eric remarked, standing to give Adeline a foot massage. “And Kay did ask for a condom. She seems pretty determined. But I trust Lance has more self-control than you think.”
Adeline leaned back, enjoying the massage. “I hope so. I don’t want Kay to regret this night just because she’s caught up in the moment. She mentioned she’s had a crush on him for a long time. Can you believe that?”
“Actually, I can,” Eric replied, his hands working more firmly into her arches. “Remember how she used to follow him around when we were kids?” He chuckled at the memory.
Adeline’s relaxation deepened under Eric’s skilled touch; her eyes fluttered closed as she mumbled an inaudible reply. As his hand moved under her dress towards her calves to just above her knees, she felt her heartbeat quicken and her body tense.
Sensing her discomfort, Eric paused and knelt before her, his azure eyes searching hers. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked, his voice a mix of hesitation and eagerness.
Adeline met Eric’s gaze, her initial surprise melting into a tender acknowledgment of his concern. “No, don’t stop,” she said softly, giving him a reassuring smile. Eric, reassured, refocused on her calves, respecting her boundaries and avoiding further progression up her leg.
After a moment of comfortable silence, filled only by the soft hum of the air conditioning, Eric gently withdrew his hands. He shifted to sit next to Adeline on the couch, drawing her close in a protective embrace without overstepping. Adeline nestled against him, feeling safe and understood.
“Eric, thank you. Not just for the massage but for being here tonight and respecting my limits,” Adeline said, turning to face him.
Eric nodded, his response sincere. “Addy, I’m here for you. Always. Making you feel safe with me is my top priority.”
Their eyes locked, sharing a deep, unspoken connection. Slowly, Eric leaned in, pausing to gauge Adeline’s reaction. She responded by tilting her head, inviting him closer. Their lips met in a gentle, respectful kiss that deepened gradually, filled more with affection than passion. Adeline opened her mouth slightly, signaling her trust in Eric as their kiss deepened.
Eric’s hands briefly caressed her back before tracing her zipper. As they continued to kiss, Eric gently guided her down on the couch. A knock at the door interrupted their moment of passion. Eric quickly straightened up, his cheeks flushed as he adjusted his clothing.
Another knock came, prompting Adeline to rush from her position on the couch. She brushed her hair while wiping her lips of smudged lipstick and checked her reflection briefly before opening the door.
Kaylynn stood there, a hint of realization crossing her face as she took in Adeline’s slightly tousled appearance. “Oh, sorry, are we interrupting something?”
“No, not at all,” Eric’s voice came from behind Adeline, pulling the door wide. “Please, come in.”
Kaylynn and Lance stepped inside, dressed in casual clothes. “We were thinking of heading back to the festivities. Maybe play some games or hang out by the pool?” Kaylynn suggested, taking a seat.
“The night is still young,” Lance added. “And I’d like to make it up to you for earlier.”
“Oh, don’t be silly,” Adeline replied with a dismissive wave. “You’ve done more than enough tonight, Lance. You’re a hero for what you did.” Glancing at Kaylynn, who shot her an appreciative smile. “I’ll just change into something more comfortable.” She excused herself. Kaylynn followed, leaving Eric and Lance in the living room.
After changing into more casual attire, Adeline, Kaylynn, Lance, and Eric rejoined their friends on the deck where the festivities were still in full swing. Many of their classmates had also opted for more comfortable clothing. The air was filled with laughter and music, a lively contrast to the night’s earlier disruption. Many people, especially girls, approached Lance, but he respectfully declined their attention to focus on his responsibility as Kaylynn’s date.
Entering the games room, they gathered around a table of cards and challenged each other to various card games. As they played games and chatted, the mood was light and joyful. Everyone was eager to make the most of the remaining hours of the cruise. Lance remained the center of attention wherever they went, but his humble responses only heightened their admiration of his bravery.
The hours slipped by unnoticed, filled with friendly competition, stories shared, and lots of photos. Despite the day’s exhaustion, the adrenaline of the night kept them all animated, laughing and recounting memories of their years together. Eventually, as games wound down and the first light of dawn peaked from the horizon, the group migrated to lounge chairs by the pool to watch the sunrise. Conversation turned quieter and more reflective as the ship gently rocked on the calm sea. Kaylynn and Lance found themselves side by side, their earlier awkwardness replaced by a comfortable silence.
As the first hints of dawn colored the horizon, the group disbanded to their rooms to freshen up before breakfast. Promising to meet in the dining room before docking, they returned to their rooms. Some took a quick nap while others packed and prepared themselves for disembarking.
Morning arrived all too soon. The dining room buzzed with the energy of the graduating class and their dates, all gathered for one last meal together. The tables were filled with talk of the magical night, the unexpected adventures, and most of all, Lance’s heroic act that had saved a fellow student. Plates clinked, toasts were made, and laughter echoed the room, filling the space with a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia.
As they disembarked, the air was thick with promises to keep in touch and plans for future reunions. Lance, Kaylynn, Adeline, and Eric lingered on the dock for a moment longer, looking back at the ship, their faces bright with the reflections of a night that would be remembered as nothing short of magical. As they walked away, the conversation naturally drifted to their plans, not just for them, but for their entire class.
“Can you believe it’s over?” Kaylynn asked, a hint of melancholy in her voice.
“It’s not really over,” Lance replied, squeezing Kaylynn’s hand gently. “It’s just the beginning, right?”
With smiles and nods, they agreed, the promise of future adventures lingering in the air. Hand in hand, they walked slowly towards a future they hoped would be as bright as the rising sun.