An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Also on FF.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13322593/4/Thaw
The ship docked on Sankha’s shores at midday. All that was red in the clouds and sea lay far behind in a lifeless horizon. Warm sand, a sky full of light, and bursting vegetation greeted the visitors like a sight for sore eyes. Even the air felt different, like the island belonged to a different, geographically impossible height. This was the kind of place a frivolous soul would seek for leisure. But Sankha, much like the rich islands of the Pacific Ocean in Earthrealm, concealed its darkest secrets deep in the core.
A paradise that housed a gate to hell.
The irony was lost to nobody.
Old Man Kharon did not seem particularly enthused about stationing his ship anywhere but his own domains. He spoke dryly to the island’s inhabitants who tended the port, as they went about their duty to tie down the ship. Sub-Zero insisted the need for his assistance ended with their arrival to Sankha. But though Kharon could have sailed back home with no consequences, he chose to stay and wait on their return. It would set his mind at ease, the old man said.
But Sub-Zero knew, from past voyages aboard Kharon’s ship, that it was mainly a bad augur to sail away so soon. Regardless, if the mission went smoothly, he may find the ship still docked for the way back. Less certain than that was whether Skarlet would be aboard as well. He certainly viewed her in a different way than before the voyage started, but he still harboured doubts. She was not particularly known for being a manipulator, but underestimating an assassin’s penchant for duplicity was potentially a deadly mistake.
It only made sense that he would continue to closely observe her. But things were somewhat different now. She kept stealing glances, preening herself with teasing smiles. But sometimes her eyes lingered one or two blinks longer, as if faced with a change she could not fully understand. This made him wonder if something had changed in the way he looked at her, albeit without his conscious knowledge. It bothered him that he would pay mind to trifles as these, and it bothered him further that she suddenly looked somewhat innocent and perplexed.
Had he made a mistake aboard the ship, trying to see her as anything other than a foe?
