"I am not whole."
The low, hoarse voice seemed to be drawing closer, yet the person standing on the stairs with his back to them had clearly not moved. Combined with the rocking ship and the sounds of a thunderstorm beyond the deck, this scene was far more terrifying than the monster that had made Shade drink soup just now.
"But I long to be whole."
The voice continued, while the light at Shade's fingertips grew dimmer. The darkness around them was suppressing it, forcing him to increase his output of spirit.
"So."
The seemingly frozen air in the cabin actually began to flow at that moment. Miss Princess, who stood closer, felt wind moving behind her. The hoarse male voice spoke directly from behind her:
"Come make me whole!"
A deadly sense of danger surged through her. Miss Princess instinctively wanted to turn around, but forcibly stopped herself.
"Shade, is there something behind me?"
"Don't turn around. There's nothing behind you!"
All the shadows were gathered at the stairwell. Miss Princess absolutely could not turn around while facing the enemy.
"Good. Then I understand."
A smile appeared on the pale young girl's face.
"So that's how it is."
She raised her right hand and lightly touched the Ruby Earring. When her fingertips touched the gemstone, a faint red halo rippled out within it. Her slender fingers stirred that glimmer, drawing a thin Red Light Streak through the air with their movement.
Then she gently pointed forward, and the red "ribbon" flew toward the figure with its back to them. It smoothly bound him, and the sailor sat stiffly in place without another word. Even the sound of dripping water vanished.
"Move. I can't hold it for long."
Miss Princess immediately turned to Shade behind her. She looked even worse