• Mira stepped out of the relative safety of the cabin and stepped out onto the slimy deck. The wind buffeted her thin body and threatened to knock her off the boat. Mira fought her way to the prow and hung on tightly to the rails. She stared out at the stormy sea with her intense violet eyes. The waves crashed down on top of each other with a loud booming that was deafening. The surf was torn off the top of the waves and flung out over the water. Mira’s dark brown hair was whipped in front of her face, obscuring her view. She calmly tucked it behind her ear, knowing that it wouldn’t stay there for long. The wind slowly began to stop howling and quietened to a whimper. The waves calmed and the remaining light filtered out from behind the clouds. The clouds too soon dissipated and revealed the sky. The sun was just setting on the horizon, setting a perfect amber reflection of itself on the now tranquil sea. The evening sky was turning red, hinting at rain tomorrow. Mira closed her eyes and let a felling akin to calm wash over her. This was the best she had felt in days, and her life. The wind suddenly picked up again and threw her hair into a tumult around her. She opened her eyes and scowled, annoyed at being interrupted in her moment of bliss. Her brow was furrowed as she turned and walked aft. Mira slipped on the damp, wooden planks and threw out her arms to try and remain upright. She felt herself begin to fall. An image flashed into her mind of herself sliding off the deck, through the railings and into the bitter water. A hand suddenly grabbed her arm. She panicked for a moment, remembering childhood memories.
    “Careful,” said a gruff voice, “you wouldn’t want to fall.”
    She let out a breath when she realized it was only Alec, the captain. “Thank you,” she replied. A yawn escaped her and she opened her eyes wide, she’d been sleeping well these past few days.
    “You need to sleep,” Alec said. “I’ll do all the sailing tonight.”
    He pushed her into the cabin before she could protest. Mira caught a glimpse of his wrinkled old face, tangled white hair and beard and his lively blue eyes before the door was slammed in her face. Mira briefly contemplated going back outside but knew she would only get in the way, as she couldn’t sail. Also, Alec would have none of it. That man was as stubborn as a rock. Nothing and no-one could change his mind. Mira shrugged and walked the short distance to her bunk, not bothering to change out of her clothes. She climbed into her bed, falling asleep instantly, arranging her wings into a comfortable position around her.