บท 85: Voyeur
Unbeknownst to both Jack and Olvia, a pair of vigilant eyes was watching them from the shadows, meticulously observing each interaction, each shared glance, each intimate touch. Shakky had been observing them since the moment Olvia had climbed to the deck with Robin in her arms. She was feeling strange, a peculiar mix of emotions brewing within her ever since Jack had offered himself to be sold as a slave to save one of her friends.
That had been a bold move, so dangerously audacious that it had taken her breath away. Yet, Jack had carried it off with such cool indifference that it was hard to reconcile his actions with the man himself. Foolish or brave? Shakky didn't know how to describe him. The fact that he had not only freed her friend but every other slave in the auction house was commendable. Yet, he had taken it a step further, creating chaos and even kidnapping a World Noble during the ensuing pandemonium. It was audacious, foolhardy, and daring.
There was more to this enigma of a man, though. The man who had spoken to her in cold, almost brutal tones was strikingly different when he was with his family. Shakky found herself unable to reconcile the contrasting aspects of Jack's character. He was like a puzzle, each piece uniquely different, yet fitting seamlessly into an intricately woven whole. It was this enigma that had lured her out of the boisterous party to observe him in quiet solitude.
Foolish or brave? Audacious or dangerously smart? Her mind whirred as she tried to fit the pieces together. His boldness had been awe-inspiring, yet his reckless abandonment of personal safety had been perturbing. Yet, there was an undeniable magnetism to his audacity, his resolve that held an air of dauntlessness that shook her to the core.
But then there was his tender side, his softer, more caring side that was as starkly different from his brusque demeanor as night was from day. When he was with his family, especially with his daughters, he morphed into a figure of nurturing care and protectiveness, his icy-blue eyes warming into a calm ocean. This enigmatic contrast made it impossible for her to decipher the real Jack.
Even hours after their return, she couldn't get him out of her head. His image was stamped into her mind like a tattoo, his words echoing in her ears, his actions replaying in her head on a continuous loop. It was as though he had become an integral part of her thoughts, her curiosity piqued beyond measure.
She watched the man with her own eyes once again, her gaze locked on him, searching for answers. What was it about him that captivated her so? Why did she feel this inexplicable turmoil within her? Of course jhe just wanted to solve the riddle named Jack. What else could her frustration mean? The enigma before her consumed her thoughts, leaving her yearning for understanding.
But the more Shakky watched Jack, the more an odd, unfamiliar ache seemed to tighten its grip around her chest. Each laugh, each shared glance between him and Olvia felt like a sharp jab, her breath hitching in her throat. When he'd leaned over to capture Olvia's lips in an intimate kiss, her heart had felt inexplicably heavy. When he disappeared with Robin, only to reappear moments later with arms empty and attention solely focused on Olvia, she'd felt an overwhelming urge to look away. She didn't.
Instead, she continued watching, her eyes fixated on Jack and Olvia, their bodies intertwined in an intimate dance that was almost hypnotic to watch. Shakky's chest felt tight, her breaths coming in short gasps. It was as if the air had been sucked out of her lungs, leaving her gasping for breath.
The heavy silence of the night seemed to amplify the sounds around her. The faint rustle of clothes, the soft murmurs of their voices, the sound of the ocean lapping against the hull of the ship. Each noise echoed in her ears, resonating with the strange rhythm of her thumping heart.
Shakky felt a twinge of pain each time he touched Olvia, each time he pulled her closer. It was as if he was pulling her into his world, a world where Shakky could never belong.
Suddenly, the urge to run away, to escape from the agonizing spectacle before her became overwhelming. She felt a lump forming in her throat, her vision blurring as unshed tears threatened to spill. Why was her heart aching? Why was her chest seizing?
"I should... I should go..." she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. But her feet were rooted to the spot, her body refusing to obey her command. Her heart pounded in her chest like a wild drum, each beat echoing her silent turmoil.
Unable to bear the sight any longer, Shakky turned around, her back against the scene playing out behind her. But the image was etched into her mind, playing on a continuous loop like a haunting melody.
Her knees felt weak, her legs giving away as she sank to the deck, tears streaming down her cheeks. She buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with silent sobs. Her heart ached, an unfamiliar pain tearing her from inside. But why? Why was she feeling this way?
Returning to the palace after collecting herself and drying her eyes, Shakky moved with an uncharacteristic lack of energy. The raucous festivities had petered out. The family was scattered around, the younger members and some adults having already succumbed to sleep's peaceful embrace.
Amelia, the only one still awake, cradled Aria gently. The sight was endearing, a moment of serenity amongst the remnants of their celebrations. Shakky gave a weak smile, which Amelia returned with a more robust one. "Welcome back," she greeted. "Did you go to get some fresh air?"
Shakky nodded absently, her thoughts still ensnared in the enigma that was Jack. Her eyes seemed distant, her attention elsewhere.
"Did you see Jack?" Amelia asked casually, but her voice held a note of curiosity.
At the mention of his name, a grimace spread across Shakky's face, subtle but noticeable. She shook her head, replying in an almost inaudible whisper, "No."
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