The storm was alive. Waves slammed into the hull with bone-shaking force, the mast groaned under its chains, and crewmen staggered like drunks across the slick deck. Salt stung eyes, thunder deafened ears, and yet—despite the chaos—many eyes turned not to the sea, but to the bow.
Because there, three figures stood locked in a storm of their own.
Andy, drenched, jaw tight, silver-streaked hair plastered to his forehead, stood braced against the rail. The Soulbound ring burned white-hot on his hand.
[System Notice]
Elemental Echo Surge – Wind Resonance Intensifying
Stability: Critical (44%)
On one side, Nia clung fiercely to him, sapphire eyes blazing defiance against the storm. She pressed her staff against his chest, threads of light crackling between them, anchoring him with raw love and desperation.
On his other side, Aurelia approached—slow, steady, fearless. Crewmen parted for her as though she carried her own gravity. Golden hair lashed wild, amber eyes glowing like coals. She stopped close—too close—and placed her hand deliberately on Andy's shoulder.
"You feel it," she murmured, low, intimate, her lips near his ear. "The storm chose you. Don't fight it… trust me. I'll help carry it."
Nia's head snapped around, her grip on Andy tightening until he winced. "Take your hands off him!"
Aurelia didn't even blink. She leaned a fraction closer, her golden locks brushing Andy's cheek. Her voice dropped to a purr, meant for him alone but loud enough for Nia to hear. "Why should I? You're not the only one who can stand at his side."
The bond threads flared hot, sparking violently in the air.
[System Notice]
Bond Conflict Detected
Resonance Overlap – Critical
Andy's chest constricted. The storm raged inside him, but this pull—between sapphire fire and golden flame—was just as fierce.
The crew gawked shamelessly, their whispers barely audible under the wind:
"Are they… fighting over him?"
"Gods, the mage's eyes… she's ready to kill."
"And the hunter—hah! She's not backing down at all."
"I swear if lightning doesn't kill us, those two will."
Lightning cracked across the horizon, blinding white. The Island of Storms loomed ahead, jagged cliffs crowned in lightning. The crew gasped in horror, but their eyes still darted back to the bow—drawn to the real tempest.
Nia pressed her forehead to Andy's arm, sapphire eyes shining with anger and devotion. "Andy, listen to me. You swore it. You're mine. No storm, no woman, nothing will take you from me."
Aurelia slid her hand further across Andy's shoulder, fingers brushing his collarbone. Her whisper was sharp, possessive. "And yet… he looks at me too. He feels this storm, because I do. Don't deny it, Andy—you need me."
The crew's mutters turned into full-blown gossip, even as the ship pitched under them:
"By the gods, it's a love war!"
"Who's winning?"
"Hard to say—the mage has fire, but the hunter… she's bold."
"Poor lad's going to be torn in half before the island even eats him."
Andy's breath shook, lightning searing his vision as both women's voices clashed in his head.
—Warrior of flame and tide. Claim the storm. Claim my fang.
He staggered, nearly falling, only to be steadied by both women at once—Nia's fierce grip and Aurelia's unyielding touch. Their glares locked above his bowed head, sparks flying hotter than the lightning around them.
[System Notice]
Bond Progression: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 86%
Instability Level: Rising (Severe).
The ship lurched violently, dragged toward the towering cliffs. Crew screamed, some dropping to their knees in prayer.
Andy planted his feet, knuckles white on the rail. The storm wasn't just outside. It was inside him.
And the battle between storm and sea was nothing compared to the fire clashing between the two women at his side.
The Boundless Sea surged forward. The Island of Storms loomed closer.
And Andy knew—something had to give.
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