Chapter 3 - All good things come to an end

      It took them few months to settle down in Netherfell, but it was going well. Their life was going well again. Shortly after they moved, they met a man that gave them a job and a place to stay, they worked with him at the port, helping out with upgrading and fixing airships and planes. They didn't make much from it, but it was enough to provide for themselves.

     Rose walked into the port, as she did almost every day for the past months. Most often, she was the one to run errands in the city if Christopher wasn't available and usually would catch up to him and her brother at the docks. 
 - Hi, Pumpkin. Did you get the papers? - the man that walked out of the workshop was significantly taller than her, his dark hair was tied in a low ponytail with a few strands left loose around his face. He was older than the twins, his skin was already gently marked by time and the beard just made him look more his age. 
 - I did. - Rose said and passed the document to her boss. - Where's Johnatan? 
 - Working on the same ship as yesterday. It's been a quiet day so far and I'm pretty sure he can handle it alone, but I have another job in the port and I'll need you there. - Chris smiled. Rose liked him, he believed that a woman can make a good engineer, treated her equally to her brother, knowing that, in that profession, knowledge is more important than strength or gender. He even helped with developing her fighting skills in their free time. She didn't think that she's ever going to need sword fighting but was pretty glad that she's gonna be able to defend herself if needed. 
 - Lead the way, then. - she said and passed him. 

     Something didn't feel right. Usually, Chris would explain the job to her on the way, but now he hasn't said a single thing. Like he didn't want to, or just wasn't allowed to talk about it at all. She looked around the docks to determine if something was out of the ordinary and she saw an airship that she has never seen before. And maybe it wasn't a rare sight, Netherfell is a big city after all, but this one seemed different. It didn't have any flag attached to it, any sign that would put it under any of the governments. An outlaw ship just moored to one of the quays, it seemed to be. Rose has never seen pirates in her life before. She didn't know how to distinguish them from every other person and even the name of the ship, The Howling Hellhound, haven't rang a bell in her head. 
 - Care to tell me, at least, where the hell are we going? - she finally asked again, but her boss didn't answer. They were getting closer and closer to the airship, what made Rose feel a tightness in her stomach. Even the air around the ship was heavy, Rose thought she smelled blood for a second, her vision blurred and she couldn't breathe properly. She prayed to every higher power she knew of, to never be forced to step foot on that deck. - Chris, for fuck's sake, either you talk to me, or you're doing this job alone! - she nearly screamed, holding herself back only to not make a scene. 
 - I can't, okay? - he turned to her. His blue eyes were filled with fear and Rose knew, where they are heading off to - Listen, Pumpkin, I just need you to go there, do what you have to, and not talk to anyone in the process, especially Ashway. I can handle that bastard myself. 
 - It's Captain Ashway for you. - Chris's face went pale in a second when the words dropped. Little drops of cold sweat appeared on his temples, as the sound of heavy boots beating on the wooden deck was getting closer to them. Rose looked up at the crew, she felt their eyes crawling on her body, like insects on a dead pig. She put her hand on her chest, to make sure, that the buttons on her shirt were closed all the way and her fingers stumbled upon the sharp edge of the shark tooth she was wearing. She wrapped her palm around it, just like she was seeking safety in the gift from her mother, but the only thing she felt was the cold of the steel ferrule around it. It was like that airship was sucking out all the good aspects of the world. 
 - Please tell me it's not here. - she prayed, looking at Chris and frowning. 
 - I wish I could, Rosie, I wish I could... - he answered and stepped forward, waiting for the Captain to get off his ship. It was then when Rose saw his face for the first time. Her blood froze as he stood in front of them. One of his eyes was stitched shut and crossed with a scar, but there were a lot of those on his skin, it was the one on his cheek that was the most terrifying for the young engineer. Clearly burned on, a round mark with two H's inside. She looked up at the crew again and realized, that some of them had the same scar either on the neck or face, just as their captain. What was it? Punishment of some sort? It would appear so, but then, why would the captain himself have it? She wondered it for a minute, thought of every possibility that crossed her mind, but didn't come up with anything that would make sense.

     Walking on that deck made Rose shiver, although she wasn't sure if it was fear or fury that made her body act like that. She didn't know where Chris was, or what exactly was she doing here. Isn't an airship supposed to have its own engineer on board? It didn't appear so, since that was one of the most hideous engine rooms she has ever seen, she hoped that the deal her boss made with Ashway wasn't a long one to accomplish. She did as he asked, did not speak a word to anyone on the ship, and tried to focus on her job.
 - You're a quiet one, aren't ya? - a man crouched down next to her. His skin was way darker than hers, therefore the round mark on the right side of his neck was even more visible, just as every other one that marked his face. He had harsh features, but what else would you expect from a pirate? She shook her head when she realized she was staring at him just a little too long and immediately went back to work. - No need to be shy, a proper lady like you has probably never seen a filthy pirate like myself. 
 - You're not wrong about that. - she mumbled, just before realizing she was not supposed to talk to anyone. The man smiled.
 - So you're not a mute, good to know. - he sat down, resting his arm on his knee, and looked at the engineer with a smirk. - Come on, darling, ya have to be called something, what's your name?
 - My name is none of your business. 
 - You're a barked-out young lady. Are you sure there's no pirate in ya already? - hearing that, Rose looked at the man and saw him smirking. She frowned her eyebrows and immediately got back to work.
- If there was something, it's buried very deep and I don't want to ever dig it up. - saying that Rose drowned herself with her duty.

     Rose wiped her face with her cloth and checked if all the parts were in the right place.
- This has to be one of the worst engines I've ever seen, don't you have a mechanic on this fucking airship? - she turned to the man that was still sitting in the same place but was probably half asleep by now. He looked up at her and sent her a quick smirk.
- We used to, but he died like a month ago. - he stood up as soon as Rose did.
- Let me guess, he fell in some kind of heroic fight with law enforcement? - the engineer started to pack up her things. Chris should be over with the talk with the captain by now, it's been a good two hours.
- No, he was a false son of a bitch, so the captain threw him overboard over the Arctic Ocean. - the man shrug, like it was not a big deal, but it made Rose's stomach twist so bad, she almost threw up. That was probably the most dreadful thing she has ever heard. What the hell is wrong with those people?!
 - I- I need to get some air. The repair is done anyway. - she mumbled, took all of her stuff, and left the engine room. The man caught up to her almost immediately.  - Can't you just leave me alone already? - she barked and snapped her head in his direction. 
 - And end up like our last engineer? No, thank you. - he smiled. Rose had to admit, he looked charming, but he was a pirate! She was sure, it was just a facade. 

     Rose was standing on the deck for maybe another ten minutes, but it felt like at least five times more. She felt the eyes of the crew on her. One man in particular. He was standing in the shadow of one of the staircases, quite away from her, so Rose couldn't really tell what he looked like. But he was keeping a very close eye on her like he tried to catch something she was hiding. He stopped just when Chris finally came back, and Rose let out a sigh of relief as soon as she saw him.
 - Let's go, Pumpkin. - he put his arm around her and escorted her off the deck.
 - What the hell took you so long? - she asked. It felt like someone was standing on her chest the entire time she was on that ship and stepped off as soon as she left. 
 - We had a lot to discuss. Anyway, how did the work go?
 - It had to be the worst engine I've ever seen. But it's all done and I hope I won't have to get back there ever again. - she looked up at him and frowned her eyebrows. For some reason, the face he made felt weirdly out of place. Like he was going to say something. - Are you okay? You've not been quite yourself today... 
 - Huh? Yeah, I am. Today was just... a lot. I need a break and a stiff drink. 

     Both the twins sat at the table in the tavern. Johnathan could tell, that something was wrong, but Rose refused to talk about it until she was holding a drink in her hand. 
 - That had to be the most terrifying man I have ever seen in my entire life, I'm telling you, I hope I will never see those motherfuckers ever again. It was awful. 
 - Why did Chris even let you work there alone? It doesn't seem to be the safest place in Netherfel... 
  - I don't know, but he was acting so weird today... Like, he seemed even more nervous than I was and it looked like he knew that captain. I love him, but that was sketchy as hell. I'm worried. - when Rose said that, Johnathan frowned his eyebrows slightly. Even if Chris was a good man, and both twins were truly grateful for his hospitality when they've first met, he was almost twice their age. Johnathan never liked his relationship with his twin. But Rose seemed happy and that was what was the most important. 
 - I'm sure it's nothing serious. Probably an old accomplice or something. - he smiled in an attempt to comfort his sister. She sighed and put her glass against her lip.
- Yeah, you're probably right. - she took a slow sip and frowned a bit. She went with something way stronger than usual. Not her favorite, but she definitely needed it today. - I'll talk to him anyway, though. 
 - Well if you won't, then I will. But I won't be as nice as you. - saying that Johnathan dipped his lips in the liquid.
- Why do you hate him so much? - Rose asked harshly, frowning her eyebrows once again.
 - He's your boyfriend, I have to hate him.

     For a long while, the crackling of the fire was the only thing to hear in Chris's bedroom. Usually, Rose didn't feel the need to talk when she was with him. The silence between them was never uncomfortable or awkward, but not this time. Now, Rose was slowly losing the trust she put in him, the longer her lover was silent.
 - So, you don't have anything to say? - she folded her arms and switched from one leg to another.
 - It's not that... - Chris looked like a beaten dog. The man that was usually so much bigger than Rose now seemed to shrink his size at least twice and she didn't know if it was because of today's job or her influence on him. 
 - It's that you have some shady business going on with those filthy pirates and you refuse to tell me what the fuck is going on. How am I supposed to trust you if you're not honest with me, Chris? - she interrupted, getting more and more angry with his every word.
 - Believe me, Pumpkin, I would tell you if I knew what in the universe does this asshole wants from me. - Chris stared into the distance, like he was looking for the answer.

     Light in the cabin was dim, like moonlight on a cloudy night, except the smell was damp and rotten. Seemed like something died there a long time ago, but no one cared enough to find it and clean it up. But the men standing in the room were used to it.
 - Are you sure, Mehr? She looked inconspicuous... Non-threatening if you will, I can't risk having someone this weak on my airship. - the one sitting by the desk was the older of the two. His voice was low and rusty, a shadow casted by the oil lamp made the stitched eye appear as an empty socket. 
 - Sure as I can be, Captain. She might not look like much, but there is definitely more in both her and her brother. It's not awake, but it's strong enough to be visible.
 - A brother? - the Captain raised his eyebrow.
- A twin, from what I could tell just by looking at them. Looks tough, so at least one of them would survive. 
 - Perfect. Send their friend a message. 
 - On it, Captain. - with that said, the younger man left the room. 

     Rose left the room, leaving Chris distressed. He couldn't possibly tell her what his deal with the sketchy captain was about. It would break her heart, it would be better if he dealt with this without her or her brother involved. 
 - Lying to your little girlfriend like that doesn't make you a decent partner, you know? - the engineer jumped. He expected he'd be alone at this point, but apparently, leaving an open window wasn't a good idea. The shadowy figure stepped forward revealing his face. 
 - What the hell do you want?! - Chris growled.
- The deal has changed. We want the siblings that work for you. - the words were colder than mid-winter wind, he said it like it was already established like there was no discussion to be made about it. It hit Chris like an arrow straight through the heart. He was used to doing things that he wasn't proud of just to get Ashway and his crew to leave him be, but to trade a life? Two human lives that he cared about? That wasn't something he was prepared to do.
 - You're insane! They're not cargo, I'm not gonna exchange them. 
 - You didn't mind doing it last time. - the crew member gave the engineer a grin.  His words made the other man angry. Those people were strangers! This was the woman that he loved and his good friend they were talking about! 
 - This is different. - he muttered through gritted teeth, but the pirate's expression hasn't changed. He remained cold, surveying Chris closely as he searched for something. 
 - You really are in love with her, aren't you? - he took a step forward again, now standing right next to the engineer - Well, if you won't give them up, we will burn this shithole down and take them anyway. You can choose whether you want to lose them and keep the shop, or lose everything. You have time till tomorrow, choose wisely. - with that said, the pirate left the room through the window. 

     Rose knocked at Johnathan's door but didn't bother to wait for an answer before entering. She was irritated and her brother could see that.
 - What happened, Pumpkin? - Johnathan was already in bed, reading a book, but when he saw her, he sat up and gave her all his attention.
 - Chris is being a dick. He's not telling me something and he's clearly bothered by whatever it is. - she sat on her brother's bed.
 - Maybe he will after that airship leaves Netherfell. I feel like you should wait a little bit before you judge him on that one. 
 - Yeah, you're probably right. But I'm still pissed at him.
 - And you have every right to be so. Come on, we have work tomorrow, you can sleep here if you'd like. - Johnathan moved, making some space on the bed for his sister. She didn't think about it twice and laid next to him. They've exchanged goodnights and went to sleep.

     Rose woke up. She didn't recall falling asleep while sitting against the wall, but that was the position she found herself in. Her body was weirdly sore, even looking around was hard, with her neck stiff as a pole. But something else wasn't right. There was not only any sight of Johnathan anywhere, but the room was unfamiliar as well. Dark and dingy, most of the walls were replaced by bars. The moment Rose realized that it was a cell brought her right to her feet, but as soon as she took the first step she felt something pulling on her ankle. She looked down and saw that she was chained to the wall. She started panicking. There were no windows, the inside of the room was mildly lit by oil lamps, but they were so far, Rose couldn't tell what the room was exactly. But there was something that gave her a clue. A muffled buzzing. She knew that sound better than any other. It was an engine. The kind is usually used in airships, judging by the intensity of the sound alone. 
 - You're awake. Finally. - the voice seemed to come out of nowhere, but soon Rose saw a figure flowing out of the shadows. A tall man with shoulders so wide, she wouldn't be visible if she stood behind him. But his face was covered by a hood and suddenly Rose realized it was the same man that surveyed her from afar when she was standing on The Howling Hellhound's deck the other day. 
 - What the hell am I doing here?! - she growled at the stranger, taking as many steps as the chain let her. It clattered heavily with her every movement, scratched her skin, making her even more uncomfortable. But time passed and she hasn't heard the answer. Instead, the man swung something that looked like a skewer or a sword of some kind, took keys out of his pocket, and opened the cage. While inside he lit a hearth that Rose didn't even notice until that moment. After some time, the man put the end of, what at first appeared to be a weapon, into the fire. In the warm light, Rose could see that it wasn't a blade, but a seal. One with two H's inside of a circle, the exact same one she saw on the Captain's face, on the neck of the man that kept a watch over her and a few other crewmembers. 
 - You're part of the crew now, lass. Congratulations. - the man finally spoke, his voice cold as steel. He was staring as the seal was hugged by the fire, as it was slowly starting to glow. After a while, he took it out. Rose backed up, she wanted to run, to scream, but something was telling her that there was no point in that. Glued to the wall, she watched as the man got closer to her, turning the seal in his hand. - And the crew you shall be marked as. - saying that he grabbed her by the jaw and pressed the seal against her neck. Her skin started to sizzle, the smell of burning flesh reached her nose, and the pain... The worst pain she had ever felt filled her head and cleared it of every thought. The most agonizing scream left her body, as her eyes went black and she collapsed on the ground.

     A scream has woken Johnathan up. As he opened his eyes, he saw his sister sitting on the bed next to him, breathing heavily, clearly distressed, terrified even. He sat up and brushed her shoulder. She flinched.
 - Hey, it was just a dream, Rosie. - he whispered, gently rubbing her arm. Just as she recognized her brother, she sank into his arm, still shaking, but slowly calming down. - Just a nightmare. You're safe. - as Johnathan went on, he rested his chin on Rose's head and stroke her hair. But his sister couldn't get the images out of her head, still felt burning on the side of her neck, the pain faded and she knew that what she just went through wasn't real. But it felt so.

     The next day was busy. Both twins had their hands full, they haven't even seen each other since they'd left the workshop. Rose got back there for a bit to take a few tools she'd left behind before heading back to the port for another job. But right before she wanted to leave, Chris stormed into the shop for probably the same reason. She didn't want to talk to him, but he was the one to start the conversation.
 - You have five minutes, I have work to do. - Rose put the toolbox down and crossed her arms on her chest. 
 - Alright... Listen, as much as I want to tell you, my hands are tied as long as those assholes are in Netherfell. The moment they leave, I will tell you everything, but for now, I need you to trust me. They are dangerous and the last thing I would want is to put you and Johnathan at risk. - Chris took a step forward and held her face in his hands. Even if she was still angry with him, she allowed him to do so. - I love you, Pumpkin. - a warm smile appeared on his face as he gently kissed Rose's lips.
 - I love you too. - Rose said, her voice was a touch more cordial, but still not as much as usual - I have to go back to work. See you in the evening. - she kissed him one more time, but it was so quick, they both barely felt it. 
 - Can you and Johnathan meet me at the docks after you're done? Next to the Fairchild, perhaps? 
 - Will do. - with those words, Rose left the shop and headed to her duties. 

     It was only when the twins got to the place, that Rose realized the Fairchild was anchored just across the Hellhound. The dream she had just a night before flared before her eyes as she felt a slight burning on the side of her neck. A memory of pain, nothing more. 
 - This is the ship? - Johnathan asked as he had just read her thoughts.
 - Yeah, this is it. - the eyes of both siblings got stuck on the pirate airship. Usually, ships would appear busy all the time, but there was almost no movement visible on the Hellhound. Like it was abandoned. 
 - Well apart from the crew being shit, she's a gorgeous one. 
 - If you don't count the fact that she's falling apart, then yes, I would say so as well. - she smirked and scanned the ship once again. Both twins did, before silently agreeing on Rose's words. 

     Chris came a few minutes after the twins. He looked tense. Usually confident, tall man with squared shoulders was now hunched down, looking around in an almost paranoid way. Johnathan squinted. As much as he trusted his boss, his talk with Rose the night before made him more careful. He didn't know what to expect, but he still shook his hand when he approached them. Chris and Rose shared only a quick kiss, or so she planned on, but he made it longer. He kissed her with passion before but this time felt like no other. It was longing, like that one time he had to leave for a few days, but more. This felt permanent. 
 - I'm sorry. - he put his forehead to hers and closed his eyes, brushing her cheek with his fingers. Rose felt a tear falling on her face. Chris' tear. 
 - Hey, if it's about yesterday, we can work through that. - she put her hand on his and squeezed it with care, trying to comfort him. 
 - Would be easier if you were honest from the start... - Johnathan crossed his arms over his shoulders, his eyes narrowed as he looked at their boss. 
 - Johnny, please... - Rose glared at her brother through her eyebrows.
 - What? You're my sister, he's your boyfriend, I have to at least not like him, those are the rules. - he shrugged. 
 - It's okay, he's right. - Chris put his free arm around Rose and kissed her temple - If I was honest from the start... - he stepped back, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor. His arm rose in a gesture clearly not meant for the twins. The silence around them was interrupted by steps. A lot of them, from every direction. 
 - You're done with your goodbyes, loverboy? - the voice was harsh and low, surely belonged to a man, that the twins got to see a moment after, appearing from the shadows just behind Chris. His hair was covered by a hood, but it kept his face visible. His light blue eyes were almost glowing in the dark, shadows danced around the weird mark right under his exposed collarbone. Chris bit his lip and forced himself to look at the twins. First at Johnathan.
 - I never wanted it to come to this. I wish there was another way... - he moved his sight to Rose - I'm sorry, Pumpkin. I had to. I hope you forgive me one day. - the man behind him rolled his eyes and grinned. - Just take them already.

     Both twins froze in place when the crew appeared and even more when Chris started to talk. Rose felt her stomach twist as the crew appeared, she looked around in a panic, they were surrounded. Neither of the twins registered what was happening at first, but as the man behind Chris moved forward and grabbed Rose's arm it hit her.

     He gave them away.