The creature breathed slowly, unevenly at first, then steadier.
The tension in its body eased, but just a fraction.
Its claw loosened against the wood.
It wasn't harmless but yielding to Sonder only.
Behind her, silence broke and footsteps came. Heavy and measured. Not panicked like the others.
The captain came. He stepped forward past the others, a blade ready in his hand.
It was worn and used; it wasn't for show.
His gaze didn't go to Sonder but went straight to the creature
His words were hard and cold.
"That thing's not leaving this ship alive," he said.
He lifted his blade, and the creature's head shifted before he could strike.
Its mouth opened slightly, with its long fangs visible.
It spoke. It was rough and deep.
"No."
The words came out slowly but clearly enough.
The captain didn't stop.
"No matter what you say," he said. "Don't change what happens next."
The creature's gaze shifted from Sonder to the captain, then back again
"I will not be killed. I won't let it happen."
The deck seemed to hold its breath.
The creature continued, "I won't fight you, sorceress."
Its head lowered in submission, to her alone.
"You understand."
The captain scoffed.
"I understand plenty," he said, stepping closer. "I understand that thing's killed good men."
His grip tightened on the blade.
"And I understand it's still breathin'."
"Try," the creature said. The words came easier now.
A faint tension returned to its frame.
"If you strike..."
A pause.
Its claws pressed lightly into the deck again.
"…I will kill you."
Behind the captain, someone let out a small, panicked breath.
It went on.
"As many as I must."
Its gaze flicked briefly across the gathered sailors.
The passengers.
Then back to Sonder.
"I will not die."
The captain didn't flinch.
But he didn't step forward either.
"…Big words for somethin' on its knees," he muttered.
The creature's lip curled slightly.
"Then see."
A faint shift in its wings.
"How far do you think I'll go..."
Its voice dragged slightly on the words.
"…before none of you are left?""
The captain's grip tightened on the blade.
But now his eyes flicked toward the others.
He exhaled slowly through his nose.
Then lowered the blade.
Not fully.
But enough.
"…Fine," he said.
The word came like gravel.
"You don't die. But you don't walk free either."
The captain shifted his stance slightly.
"There's cells below," he said. "For drunks, brawlers, idiots who don't know when to stop."
A short, humorless breath.
"It's empty right now, but you'll fit right in."
"You go in there," he continued, eyes locked on the creature. "You stay there."
A pause.
"And we don't put a blade through your throat."
The creature's gaze moved again.
Back to Sonder.
"And her?"
The captain's brow furrowed.
"If she does not kill me, I will not kill again. Unless I am made to."
The meaning settled quickly.
If no one tried, it wouldn't either.