The Tides of Loss and Longing (Love from the Deep #1)

Epilogue

Drake

Drake gazed out the window of their home, watching Aurelia glide effortlessly through the water, her tail shimmering in the early morning light.

The sun’s rays, just beginning to rise over the horizon, cast an enchanting glow across the sea.

For the first time in years, Drake felt a peace that had eluded him since his brother’s death.

There had been moments of happiness, fleeting times of rest—but nothing like this.

Giving up piracy had been easier than he ever expected.

The journey from the Veiled Island to Port Royal had revealed one undeniable truth—he couldn’t continue his life as a pirate and keep Aurelia safe.

He had been tense with her aboard his ship, always on guard.

His men eyed her with suspicion, their unease palpable.

Drake knew it was only a matter of time before someone uncovered her true identity as a mermaid, and that could only lead to bloodshed.

When they reached the port, he watched as Aurelia marveled at the human world.

The bustling streets, vibrant colors, and lively sounds fascinated her.

Seeing her so captivated made him realize something—his life of piracy couldn’t coexist with the future he wanted to build with her.

A life where she was safe and happy.

They couldn’t live in both worlds.

She deserved more than a life of constant danger.

She deserved to live freely among humans, not be hunted for the sins of his past.

Drake had known this island for years, using it as a refuge between voyages.

Finding land for sale hadn’t taken long, and the moment he laid eyes on the secluded plot with its modest home and private beach, it felt like fate.

It was everything they needed—a place to live freely, away from prying eyes.

When he shared his decision with Aurelia, he feared she might feel confined.

After all, she had longed to explore the human world.

But to his relief, she had been thrilled.

She didn’t want to hide her true self or pretend to be something she wasn’t.

Though she would have masqueraded as a pirate for him, it wasn’t the life she truly desired.

Aurelia’s only worry was that he might grow to resent her for ‘forcing’ him to give up pirating.

This had astounded Drake—as if he could ever resent the being who made him feel complete.

What Aurelia didn’t realize was that his drive for treasure hunting had faded.

He had already found the greatest treasure of all.

Now, his only desire was to keep her all to himself, to hoard his treasure away.

Together, they decided to build a life on the island.

With only half of Aurelia’s treasure, their future was secure.

She had insisted on gifting the other half to his crew as a gesture of gratitude for rescuing her.

Emilio and Sebastian helped them settle in, and within a week, the island felt like home.

The house, once owned by an elderly couple, was filled with trinkets and memories, and Aurelia spent days sifting through their belongings, enchanted by the remnants of their life together.

When things finally settled, Drake contacted Sebastian’s private courier to retrieve any mail awaiting him.

Among the letters was one from his younger sister.

Over the years, she had written to him through Sebastian, usually to share milestones, like her marriage and the birth of her children.

But this letter was different.

As Drake read, a cold wave of shock washed over him.

His sister had urgent news about their brother’s murder—details too dangerous to write.

She begged him to return to London, but for Drake, that was impossible.

Setting foot in England would mean a swift sentence to the gallows.

When Drake shared the news with Sebastian, his friend immediately offered to go in his place.

Sebastian had never been linked to any crimes; his family maintained the story that he was simply off exploring the world.

The idea of continuing piracy without Drake held no appeal for him.

Sebastian also reminded Drake that, as the eldest son, he was the rightful heir to his family’s dukedom.

If he didn’t return, the title would pass to his cousin—a man Sebastian loathed.

With Sebastian preparing to leave for England, Drake made his final request as captain, asking Emilio to take command of the Red Dawn.

It was no small ask, but Drake trusted him implicitly.

The crew respected Emilio, and Drake had no doubt they would follow him just as faithfully.

Emilio hesitated at first, but his love for exploration and adventure ultimately outweighed any reservations.

Drake knew Emilio would lead them well.

His gaze returned to Aurelia; watching her glide through the ocean filled him with a deep sense of contentment.

But watching wasn’t enough—he needed to be with her.

Leaving their small home, which he knew would need expanding for the family Aurelia dreamed of, Drake strode down to the beach, shedding his clothes along the way.

The cool water enveloped him as he waded toward her.

When he reached her, he pulled her close, memorizing how perfectly she fit in his arms.

Her turquoise eyes sparkled with affection as she gazed up at him, offering that shy smile meant only for him.

In this moment, with the ocean lapping at their skin and the sun warming their world, Drake knew one thing for certain—he may not have deserved the life fate had granted him, but now that he had it, he would protect it fiercely for as long as he lived.