Chapter 17: Bloodline

"What do we do?" Ellie turned to Isaac, waiting for an answer.

"For the first time, I'm afraid... I don't know," he replied, watching as Captain James struggled on the floor, trying to stop the bleeding. The sight of James's severed arm, blood pooling around him, paralyzed them with fear.

Fredrick-no, Victor Cane-loomed over them, a cruel smile playing on his lips as he savored their helplessness. "It's amusing, isn't it? To think you all trusted me. Played right into my hands."

Ellie felt a cold sweat trickle down her spine as she saw the gleam in Cane's eyes. They weren't just facing a powerful enemy; they had been betrayed by someone they considered a friend, and now, they were utterly outmatched.

"Why?" Thomas managed to choke out, still kneeling on the deck, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Why are you doing this?"

Cane turned his gaze to Thomas, his smile widening. "You're asking the wrong question, Thomas. The question isn't why... but why you." He stepped closer, and Thomas instinctively shrank back. "You see, boy, it's not about the treasure. It never was. It's about what you carry."

Thomas frowned, confused. "What I carry? I don't have anything-"

"Don't be a fool," Cane snapped, his tone suddenly sharp. "You think the map was the only key to the treasure? That was just a distraction, a lure for simple-minded pirates. No, Thomas, you carry something far more valuable."

Ellie, Isaac, and the rest of the crew looked at each other in confusion. What could Thomas possibly have that Cane would go to such lengths to obtain?

Cane knelt beside Thomas, his voice lowering to a menacing whisper. "Your blood, Thomas. It's your bloodline. The treasure is protected by an ancient magic, and only someone of your lineage can unlock it. That's why you're so important to me."

Thomas's eyes widened in shock. "My... my bloodline? But I'm just a sailor, a nobody—"

"You're far from a nobody," Cane interrupted, standing up and glaring down at him. "Your ancestors were the original keepers of the treasure's secret, tasked with guarding it from those like me. But they failed, and their bloodline was scattered, forgotten... until now. You, Thomas, are the last of that line. And with your blood, I will unlock the treasure's true power."

Isaac stepped forward, desperate to find a solution. "If it's his blood you need, then take it and leave the rest of us alone!"

Cane chuckled darkly. "It's not that simple, doctor. The blood must be willingly given. The ritual requires his full cooperation, or it won't work. But don't worry... I have ways of persuading him."

Thomas's mind raced, trying comprehend what he was hearing. All this time, he thought he was just another crew member, trying to prove himself. But now, he realized that his very existence was the key to something far greater-and far more dangerous-than he had ever imagined.

Ellie, seeing the hopelessness in Thomas's eyes, knew they had to act quickly. "We can't let him take you, Thomas. We need to find a way out of this!"

But Cane's crew began to close in around them, weapons drawn, cutting off any chance of escape. Cane grinned, knowing they were trapped. "It's too late for that. You're all out of options. Leave now, and you might live to see another day. Or stay, and I'll make sure you suffer for your defiance."

Isaac glanced at Ellie, his expression torn. "We can't fight him, Ellie. We'll die if we try."

"But we can't just leave Thomas!" Ellie protested, her voice breaking.

"We have to," Isaac said, his voice filled

with regret.

"He's the one Cane wants. If we stay, we're all dead."

Thomas looked up at them, tears welling in his eyes. "Go. Just go. If it means you'll survive, then leave me here."

Ellie's heart broke as she realized there was no other choice. She wanted to stay, to fight for Thomas, but the odds were impossible. If they stayed, they'd only die alongside him.

Cane watched their internal struggle with satisfaction, knowing he had already won. "Make your choice, quickly. I don't have all day."

Ellie swallowed hard, then nodded. "We'll go," she said, her voice trembling. "But Thomas... we'll come back for you. I promise."

Thomas gave her a sad smile, knowing it was a promise she might never be able to keep. "Just stay safe," he whispered.

Isaac and Ellie turned to leave, dragging

the remaining crew with them. They climbed into a lifeboat, the fog closing in around them as they paddled away from the ship. The last thing Thomas saw was Cane's triumphant smile as the boat disappeared into the mist.

As the crew rowed further into the fog, the sounds of the battle faded, leaving them in a heavy silence. The realization that they had left Thomas behind, alone with a monster like Cane, weighed heavily on their hearts.