Chapter 44: Sliders And The Silver Mermaid

Something shifted in Cyrus’s expression—a softening around his eyes, a slight parting of his lips.

He reached toward Kane, hand hovering inches from the fox spirit’s shoulder, then withdrew it.

Instead, he quietly requested a blanket from the attendant and draped it over Kane’s sleeping form.

Hours later, Kane’s eyes opened, his consciousness returning in a foggy haze.

He blinked, disoriented, and realized a blanket had been carefully tucked around him.

"Good evening, sir." The flight attendant appeared at his side with a professional smile.

"You’ve been asleep for about three hours. Would you like something to eat? Chef has prepared several options—there’s a mushroom risotto, seared salmon with asparagus, or wagyu sliders."

Kane yawned and straightened in his seat, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

Across from him, Cyrus was absorbed in reading something on a tablet, the soft glow illuminating his sharp features.

"I’m starving," Kane admitted, his stomach punctuating the statement with a growl. "The sliders sound amazing."

The attendant nodded. "Excellent choice. And to drink?"

"Just water, thanks." Kane stretched. "How much longer until we land?"

"About two hours, sir."

Kane glanced at Cyrus, wondering if he’d been the one to cover him with the blanket, but the dragon’s expression revealed nothing.

The flight attendant returned with a silver tray bearing three miniature wagyu sliders, each topped with caramelized onions and a sauce that made Kane’s mouth water instantly.

"Thanks," Kane said, accepting the tray. He glanced at Cyrus, who hadn’t ordered anything.

"Not eating?"

Cyrus set his tablet aside, shaking his head slightly. "I’m not particularly hungry."

Kane bit into a slider, closing his eyes at the explosion of flavor. "These are incredible. Way better than that red curry from yesterday."

"That curry was..." Cyrus paused, pressing a hand to his stomach. "Not the best dining decision."

Kane snorted. "Overrated is what it was. Had to use the bathroom twice during the night."

"Perhaps next time you’ll listen when I suggest we order something else," Cyrus said, the faintest hint of amusement flickering across his face.

Kane pointed a slider at him accusingly. "You could have warned me about the spice level."

"I assumed your heightened senses would have detected it," Cyrus replied, leaning back in his seat.

The flight attendant cleared Kane’s tray.

Moments later, the captain’s voice crackled through the cabin.

"We’ve begun our descent into Athens. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts."

The plane banked right, beginning its descent over the shimmering blue expanse of the Aegean Sea.

Kane pressed his face against the window, eyes widening with excitement.

"Would you look at that?" he breathed, taking in the golden coastlines and clusters of white buildings that dotted the landscape like scattered sugar cubes.

Athens sprawled below them, ancient and modern simultaneously. The Acropolis stood proudly on its rocky outcrop, gleaming in the sun.

Cyrus glanced out his own window with the mild interest of someone who had seen it all before—likely multiple times across centuries.

"It’s merely another destination," he said, straightening his already immaculate cuffs.

Kane rolled his eyes. "You could at least pretend to be excited."

"I’ve been to Athens many times," Cyrus replied flatly. "The first was considerably more impressive, before much of it was in ruins."

As the plane rolled to a gentle stop, the door hissed open to reveal a suited representative waiting on the sunlit tarmac.

"Mr. Drakhal, welcome to Athens," a suited representative greeted them at the aircraft door. "Your helicopter is fueled and waiting."

"Fortunately, the Silver Mermaid is following a slow coastal route this week," the representative added, checking his tablet.

"They’re currently anchored for the day near Mykonos. The helicopter should reach them in under an hour."

They were escorted across the tarmac toward a sleek black helicopter, its blades already beginning their rhythmic rotation.

"Ready for your first helicopter ride?" Cyrus asked.

Kane grinned. "Are you kidding? I was born ready."

The pilot nodded respectfully to Cyrus before taking off, soaring over Athens’ ancient sprawl and hovering toward the sea.

Soon, the Silver Mermaid appeared on the horizon—a floating palace of white and chrome gleaming against the blue waters.

The massive cruise ship’s multiple decks teemed with tiny figures enjoying the sunshine.

The helicopter descended toward the Silver Mermaid’s landing pad.

Kane gripped his seat, eyes wide as the massive vessel grew larger beneath them.

The gleaming white decks, azure pools, and elegant superstructure of the luxury liner stretched out in all directions.

"They have a helipad on a cruise ship," Kane muttered. "Of course they do."

With precision, the pilot set them down on the circular landing zone at the ship’s stern.

A tall woman in a crisp white uniform with gold epaulets stepped forward, flanked by four attendants in matching nautical attire.

Her platinum blonde hair was pulled into a tight bun, and she wore a practiced smile.

"Mr. Drakhal, welcome aboard the Silver Mermaid." She extended a manicured hand.

"I’m Vivienne, the cruise director. We’re honored by your unexpected visit."

The attendants bowed slightly, their movements synchronized.

Cyrus stepped from the helicopter with effortless grace, offering only the briefest handshake in response.

Kane stumbled slightly as he exited, the ship’s gentle rocking catching him off-guard.

He stepped forward with an easy smile, extending his hand to Vivienne.

"Kane Ashwood, Mr. Drakhal’s assistant. It’s a pleasure to be aboard your beautiful ship."

Vivienne’s professional smile warmed slightly.

"We hope you’ll both enjoy your stay with us. The Silver Mermaid offers unparalleled luxury and discretion for all our distinguished guests."

She gestured to a young man in a pristine white uniform.

"Marcus will escort you to the Poseidon Suite—one of our most exclusive accommodations. It occupies the entire forward section of the upper deck, with panoramic views and private access to the VIP facilities."

The other attendants efficiently collected their luggage from the helicopter, handling the expensive bags with practiced care.

"If there’s anything you require during your stay, simply use the dedicated concierge line in your suite," Vivienne continued.

"We pride ourselves on fulfilling any request, no matter how... unique."

Her eyes flickered briefly to Cyrus, a knowing look that suggested she was used to high-maintenance clientele—spirit or otherwise

Marcus bowed slightly. "This way, gentlemen."