“Of all the stupid, dim-witted, stupid things you could have done,” Vivian ranted.

“You said stupid twice,” Kai said.

“Because it’s that stupid!” She slapped her hands to her temple, “How could you choose to work for the Aranea Syndicate?” It was a difficult question to answer. Made worse by the fact it was the Syndicate that drove them to the life they lived now. “But, worst of all, you did so without telling me.”

“Well,” Kai scratched at the tattoo. “I didn’t really have a chance to debate it. Would you rather I have died?”

“Maybe!” Vivian was clearly upset. Making it easier for him to dismiss what she had said. It still hurt, but he knew she didn’t mean it. “Tell me you haven’t joined them.”

“I haven’t,” Kai said. He watched the stress fade from his sister’s face. “It’s just this one job. Once we’re done here, we’ll never deal with them again.”

“How can you be sure of that?” Vivian asked. Tone more accusatory than Kai imagined she wanted. “I mean, you know what their kind are like.”

“Yeah, I do.” He knew his sister would never understand. Kai went to leave. Pushed back onto the bed the moment he stood. “What are you—”

“You need to sleep, brother.” The look in her eyes told him all he needed to know. Kai had no chance of winning this argument. He would still try, “Can I at least go eat first?” Vivian started to speak, interrupted by a knock. “Come in,” Kai called to whoever stood on the other side. Mira stepped into the room.

“Sor—” she had begun to apologize for seeing Kai shirtless. However, the spider mark caught her attention. Replacing all embarrassment with concern. Nearly tripping over her own feet to rush to his side. “When did you get this?” her hands began to shake. The priest slowly reaching towards the spider.

Kai grabbed her by the wrist, “Don’t worry about it. It’s only temporary, and I wear it willingly.”

All eyes grew wide. Mira raised her voice louder than they’d ever heard, “Are you stupid?!” She pulled away her arm. The usual kind and gentle face furrowed into a scowl, “What were you thinking?”

Vivian couldn’t help but laugh, “I thought the same thing.” She stood by Mira’s side. Her eyes locked on the creeping webs, “My brother isn’t going to die, is he?”

Mira shook her head, “It’s not that kind of curse. Exactly.”

“And what does that mean?” Vivian asked.

“Well,” Mira held a hand over the tattoo. A shimmer of silver-gold radiated from her palm.

“No need,” Kai groaned. “It’s a servant’s curse, at least I believe that’s what they called it. It’s not deadly, so long as I do what they say. Though from what they told me, defying orders is unlikely. I wasn’t told why, but that bastard made it clear. ‘You will do as my partner commands’ or some rubbish like that.” He could see the fear in Vivian’s eyes. Though her face said otherwise. Mira on the other hand wore her emotions on her sleeve. You would think he was already dead. Kai chuckled, “Mira, Viv. I’ll be fine. So long as I don’t stray, I’ll live.”

“You’d better be right, brother.” Vivian paced across the room. Leaning against the door, “Mira, can you confirm what my baby brother claims?”

“Well,” Mira reached toward Kai. Hand once more alight, “He’s right about one thing. The curse isn’t deadly on its own. But there’s something woven into the curse. Sorry, I’m not so familiar with this one. I can’t decipher it.”

“Will you all be quiet,” Torrik groaned. “Hard to nap with all this talking.”

Mira turned to the dwarf, “But Kai’s been—”

“Yeah, yeah,” Torrik grumbled. “Curse, bound to the Syndicate. Doesn’t matter so long as we do our job. So let me rest, will yeah?”

“Rest does sound nice,” Kai laughed. Lying down across his mattress. “Go now, I’ll be fine.” Vivian shrugged and left. She could act as nonchalant as she wanted, her true feelings were not well hidden. Mira placed her hand on Kai’s forehead. He let out a low groan as he felt his face heat up. “What are you doing?” Mira’s lips moved in silent prayer. Kai was only able to make out a few words here and there. Enough to know she was asking her god to watch over him. “Mira,” he spoke as her hand pulled away. Kai took hold of it gently. Their eyes locked and for a moment neither of them spoke. Once he realized this, he let go. Turning away to face the wall, “Thank you.”

Kai stirred awake. Unsure just how long he’d been asleep. Turning from the wall, he found Torrik still snoring away. Must not have been out long. He stepped out of the room. Not taking the time to put his shirt or cloak back on. In the night of the corridor, Kai noticed the webs had receded some. Strange, he shrugged. Magic was not something Kai had bothered to study in his youth or his young adult years.

While he stood there examining his curse, members of the crew walked by. Stopping just long enough to ask about the tattoo. Showing off a few of their own in the process. Kai lied as best he could. Saying how he’d only gotten it on a dare. Explaining how he hoped to find someone capable of removing it with magic. He’d heard of some healers doing so. Usually leaving behind the faintest of outlines. Magic not being able to fully heal "tarnished skin" as they put it. Once they decided their talk had gone on long enough, they left Kai to himself.

A feeling of hunger overcame Kai. Something he hadn’t felt since first being branded. Had taking care of himself caused the curse to weaken? Was that why the spread had been reversed? And was it only sleep, or would food do the same? Only one way to find out, he laughed.

Kai found himself alone in the gally with Mira. The two of them sat silently. Mira picked at her fruits and cheeses; Kai nibbled on stale bread and burnt strips of pork. His dinner was nothing more than leftovers from lunch. Kai’s awkwardness was swallowed down alongside a mouthful of bread, “How much do you know about curses?”

“Not as much as my mother,” Mira said. A forced smile on her face, “When I was younger, I wanted to be just like her. So, I would sit in on her healing sessions. And when there was no work to be done, I would study her scriptures.”

“So, it’s because of your mother that you became a priest?” He watched her roll around the half-dozen grapes on her plate. As though she were searching for an answer. Kai started to change the subject, “My father once—”

“Not her,” Mira answered. “Sure, she got me interested in the art. But it was my father who pushed me to become a priest. Told me it was the only thing worth doing. For someone like me.”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Load of dung,” Kai downed his pint of ale. “Why’d he tell you that mess?”

“Because I’m meek,” Mira said. Turning her eyes to the floor. “Told me there was no reason for me to learn real magic. That I would be unable to control it.” Kai sneered. Far from pleased by what he’d heard.

He then placed a hand over his curse. Taking notice that the webs had again begun to recede. “Wish I knew more about this damned thing. Like, why the webs have started shrinking.”

“It could be a number of things,” Mira turned to face him. “But, without knowing the exact formula, I can’t tell you why that might be.”

Kai was fine leaving it at that. He placed a hand on the spider, “Mira, there’s something I need to tell you. Because I don’t know when I might get a chance to again.” The half-elf’s eyes seemed to shine as he spoke those words. Her gaze moved back in his direction. Kai grew a bit flustered. Now turning his gaze from her. “In case this curse, or this job, kills me. Mira, I-I have feelings. For you.” Mira’s gaze was unmoving. The priest remained quiet. “Mira? Are you alright?” I see, he internally sighed, she’s trying to let me down easy.

Mira grabbed Kai’s arm as he stood up. The two sat quietly. Kai wished she would just say something. Heart drumming against his chest; he found himself unconsciously holding his breath. A smile appeared on her face. The faint shimmer of light welled up in the corners of her eyes. Reflected off tears. But he could tell, these weren’t sorrowful. No, she had tears of joy.

“Thank you,” she said breathily. Her words were just above a whisper.

“So,” Kai cleared his throat, “does that mean you feel the same?” Mira nodded her head. Wiping the tears away with her free arm. Kai flashed a smile. “I’m relieved to hear that. Um, can I get my arm back?” Mira blushed and released her grip. With both arms free, Kai walked over to her side of the table. Taking his place at her side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Pulling her down into his chest, “Now what? Do we follow our feelings now? Do we wait?”

“I-I don’t,” Mira’s words trailed off. Silence enveloped them for a moment. She finally found an answer, “After the mission.”

“Huh?” Kai pushed her just far enough away to look in her eyes.

“After the mission, we’ll have a date. And then, then we’ll make our choice.” Kai nodded. It was a plan he could agree with. There was no reason to rush into anything more serious. He was just pleased to have made his confession. And to learn his fears were unwarranted.

“Then let’s make a promise,” he held out his hand. Little finger extended. Mira mirrored the gesture. The two wrapped their fingers into the other’s. Kai smiled, “Neither of us will die. Not until that date.” Kai once more pulled her in close. Just because they were waiting, it didn’t mean they couldn’t enjoy one another’s company.

The rest of the trip to the island had been rather uneventful. Vivian had become friends with many of the crew members. Torrik had spent most of his time below deck. Surprisingly not in the gally, but in the training grounds. Many were impressed with his skills with a hammer. And he did his best to help train others.

Kai had also spent some time in the training grounds. But he’d been less involved with the ship’s staff. None of them really showed interest in his skills with a bow. Not that he cared much. Fewer distractions let him get in more practice.

During the nights, Kai and Mira would sit and talk while looking out at the stars. Their topics could range from childhood memories to the dreams they had for the future. Mira seemed to glow when she talked about her homeland. A place Kai decided he would one day visit. But through all their talks, neither ever brought up their family. Seemed they both found the subject taboo.

And after four days and three nights; Karo appeared over the horizon. The trip had taken longer than expected, due to needing to fly around a storm forming in the sea. But they finally made it. Vermilion Wing stood at the ship’s bow. Kai placed a hand over the tattoo. “We’re finally here,” Kai smiled. Ready to get this job over with. He looked to either side of himself. Taking in the excited looks of his team. “Whatever lies ahead, I’m glad to have you by my side.”

“I’m glad to finally get off this contraption,” laughed Torrik. Despite his protest at the beginning, he’d come to enjoy his time on the ship. Even if he tried to hide that fact from everyone.

“And no more curses, brother,” Vivian glowered at her twin.

“No promises,” Kai said. Shaking his head, “You know the dangerous jobs always pay better.”

“That’s no excuse,” Vivian scolded. She then cracked a smile. Turning her attention to Mira, “You agree, don’t you?”

“Oh,” Mira had been caught off guard. “R-Right, no more curses. Please.” It seemed that Mira and his sister were beginning to form a bond. Kai rolled his eyes. Vivian should have known full well his reply had been a joke. Now that Mira was involved, it was too late. The two of them continued to lecture him about how his actions had been. Making them truly feel like a family. So much so he couldn’t help but revel in his punishment.

“But what if the cursed job pays exceptionally well?” Torrik cut into the conversation. “Or if we have someone else get cursed next time?”

“You’re not helping, Torrik,” Vivian rolled her eyes.

“I might not be, but the money would,” he retaliated with a laugh.

From Mira’s description, Vermilion Wing had expected to land within a rundown fishing village. What they found was a sprawling city. Karo—not only the island’s name, but now the cities as well—bustled with life. A great shipyard was lined with vessels from all over Valstrom. Making use of the island as a trading port.

As the airship came to a stop, Kai pointed towards an estate visible from the opposite side of the city. “Our employer is located there.”

“Impressive,” Vivian said. Feigning being impressed. “Now, if only we knew what we were supposed to do. Brother.” Venom filled that final word. Still not forgiving Kai for what he’d done.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” Kai said. Shrugging off her clear annoyance. He still hadn’t told her one secret. The payment he’d shown her before they left was only a portion of their reward. Once they got the rest, he was sure her tone would change. Even if she was still angry, she could shop it all away. “Shall we get going?” he gestured for the others to disembark first. Torrik gladly took the offer, followed by Mira.

Vivian stayed back with her brother. As he went to remove his hood, she caused him pause. Jamming her pointer finger into his ribs with a smile. “Good for you,” she said. Slipping in front of him, blocking his view of the city. “Thought you’d fail at this.”

“What does that mean?” Kai scoffed. “You can’t make fun of me and leave me confused.”

“With Mira,” Vivian winked. “Never thought you’d tell her.”

“How do you—”

“Oh please, as if I wouldn’t know,” Vivian made her way down the gangplank. Kai followed close behind. Hands slipped free of his hood, keeping it up for the time being. She looked over her shoulder. Continuing the conversation, “Don’t be so glum. I’m proud of you, brother. You took a risk, and it paid off.”

“Please, can we not talk about this,” Kai crossed his arms. “I’d rather we focus on the mission at hand.”

“Oh, I intend to,” Vivian smiled. “But I wouldn’t be much of a sister if I just let this play out peacefully.”

“You’d be a great sister if you did that.”

“But not a fun sister.” Their banter came to an end as they caught up with their companions. “Shall we explore the town first? Or should we cover for our idiot here,” Vivian motioned towards Kai behind her, “and get this over with.”

“I say we hurry and get this over with,” chimed in Torrik. A glint in his eye. He had hope there’d be fun to be had on this mission. And if they read him right, he was hoping for something to fight. Brandishing his hammer, he pointed the weapon toward the estate, “So pick up the pace.”

“I’d like to get this curse off myself,” Kai shrugged. “Plus, we’ve been stuck on that ship too long. No use putting it off any longer.”

“Well,” Vivian placed a hand on her propped-out hip, “I get what you’re saying. Mira?”

“Seems we’re already decided,” she started.

“Your opinion still matters,” Kai encouraged her. “So, what do you want?”

Mira nodded, “I’d like to do the job. But after, I do want to explore the city.”

“Well, now that we’ve settled that,” Kai slipped around his team. “Let’s get this over with.” Instinctively, he placed his hand over the spider. Not much longer now.

There was no denying it now that they’d arrived. It was clear the entire city had fallen under the control of the Syndicate. It was subtle. Even Kai nearly missed the spider markings all over Karo. From shops to homes; he even managed to spot the webs creeping out from beneath people’s clothes. This place was far from safe. Everything upon the island was under the spider’s grasp. And the closer to the estate they got, the worse it became. Before long the spider imagery was no longer hidden. Brazenly displayed for all. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a hand rest upon his shoulder. Relief filled his breaths when he noticed it was his sister.

“Are you alright, brother?” she asked. The usual shine in her eyes dulled.

“I’m fine, Viv,” he replied. Removing her hand from his person. Kai smiled to himself, I’ve stepped into the spider’s web. His companions seemed to miss the Syndicate members all around them. Best to keep it to myself.