Chapter 205 Never Boarded
Ryland drifted in and out of his consciousness, his body heavy with exhaustion.
Every time he shut his eyes, the same scene played over and over again. No matter how drained he was, his mind refused to let go. Even through the haze of fatigue, nightmares clung to him. Any moment of clarity only led to deeper self–loathing.
He felt unclean–disgusted with himself.
Even looking in the mirror had become unbearable.
A sliver of music drifted in from the banquet hall below as the door creaked open, the soft melody momentarily easing his restless thoughts. Then the door clicked shut, cutting off the sound.
The footsteps were familiar. Claude had returned, bringing the night’s cold air with him.
Ryland could hear him pacing, his movements slow and uncertain. Forcing his heavy eyelids open, Ryland rasped. “What’s wrong?”
Claude hesitated at the sound of his voice. Then, at last, he sat by the bed, pressing down lightly to keep Ryland from moving. “Just stay put if you’re this tired.”
Ryland obeyed, but his instincts refused to settle. “Did something happen?” His gaze lingered on Claude. “You don’t look right.”
Claude hesitated. “I’ll tell you. But don’t get worked up.”
The warning only made Ryland’s unease worse. His jaw tensed as realization dawned. Something was wrong. He moved, trying to push himself up.
Claude stopped him, his brow creased with worry. “Look at you,” he muttered. “How am I supposed to tell you anything when you’re already so tense?”
Ryland’s expression darkened. His fingers curled around Claude’s arm, gripping tightly. “Is it Renee? Is she hurt?”
Claude’s voice was quiet. “It’s about her. But not her injury.”
Ryland’s grip on Claude’s hand tightened.
Claude exhaled. “I just got word–Shaun has locked Marvin up in his room.”
When Claude suddenly brought up something that seemed unrelated, Ryland frowned. Impatience flickered in his eyes, but he held his tongue.
This was Marvin’s problem, not Renee’s.
Ryland simply didn’t care.
But Claude continued anyway. “It happened because Marvin ordered Shaun to turn the ship around, because Renee never boarded.”
Ryland stiffened. “What did you just say?” His eyes widened, shock cutting through the exhaustion. “Renee didn’t get on the ship? Wh–what does that mean? Explain it properly!”
Claude let out a slow breath. “She’s still on the island. Shaun tricked us all, even Marvin. And when Marvin realized the truth and confronted him, Shaun locked him up.”
The words hit Ryland like a punch to the gut. His body sagged back onto the bed, his mind reeling. Weakly, he grabbed onto Claude’s arm, trying to push himself up.
Claude knew exactly what he was thinking. He held Ryland down, his voice firm but soothing. “Don’t panic. Shaun holds all the power here. We can’t fight him head–on, and we can’t afford to provoke him either. We need to get back on shore safely first. Then we’ll have a real chance to get Renee
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back. You have to trust her. She’s with William. As long as they stick together, she’ll be safe until we come for her.”
Ryland’s breathing slowed.
Claude’s words were steady, rational. Losing control wouldn’t help Renee. Even Marvin couldn’t force Shaun to turn the ship around, so what they possibly do?
They had to be patient for now.
Ryland could only hope she could hold on until then.
His vision blurred as his eyes burned with unshed tears.
For him, Renee had risked everything. She had leapt into the dark sea without hesitation, dragging him with her. She had led him step by step across that deserted island, saving him from certain death.
And yet, he hadn’t even realized she was still there. He had no idea she had
never made it onto the ship.
A wave of guilt crashed over Ryland. He could only pray she would hold on
until he came for her.
