Stench of Fate

The small dot that had appeared in the distance slowly drew closer as the ketch approached it, guided by Neph's firm hand. At some point, however, she silently released the Names, allowing the boat to drift forward on its own. 

Her gaze was directed forward, a rare rattled expression apparent on her face. 

Sunny was no different. 

Paralyzed by shock, both of them froze. After a few moments of stunned silence, he flinched and asked in a trembling voice:

"What… what the hell is it doing here?"

His mind was in turmoil, unable to process the truth of what they saw. 

In front of them, a battered ship was floating listlessly on the waves. Its silhouette was beautiful and fluid, but there were ugly burn marks and terrible scars littering the graceful wooden hull of the damaged vessel. It looked… like it had escaped from the depths of hell after a long and dreadful battle.