Under the cover of night, the dim light of a lantern casts an eerie glow on the deck of the Flying Dutchman. The ocean's waves lap softly against the ship's side, a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere that hangs over the ship.
Leena and Kate, shadows in the dark, huddle close to a longboat. As they prepare, the weight of their shared history, and the choices they made, palpable in the tense silence.
Leena hands Kate the key, their fingers touching momentarily. "This is what you need," Leena whispers, her voice thick with emotion.
"You did well," Kate acknowledges, clutching the key tight.
Leena, after a hesitant moment, draws a black knife from her pocket and extends it towards Kate. "Take this, too. Get yourself to land and stay there."
Kate's eyes flit between the knife and Leena, understanding dawning. "You have to come with me."
Leena's eyes glimmer with unshed tears. "I'm bound to the ship."
Kate's voice wavers, desperation lacing her words. "You can't stay here."
But Leena is resolute. "It won't be possible."
Kate's brow furrows, struggling with the weight of their situation. Before she can argue further, Leena continues, "I'm so sorry, Kate. For everything I've done to you. I deserve this fate."
Kate shakes her head vehemently, "No one deserves this."
"You owe me nothing," Leena interrupts her firmly, her voice cracking slightly. "Now, go."
Kate's eyes dart around the ship, wary of any eavesdroppers. "They'll know you helped me."
A bitter laugh escapes Leena. "What more can they do to me?"
Determination fills Kate's eyes. "I will take this," she says, referring to both the key and the knife. "With a promise. I will find a way to sever Jones' hold on you. I will not rest until this blade pierces his heart." She tightly grips the knife. "I promise. I will not abandon you."
Their eyes lock, filled with a mix of sadness, determination, and hope. And in that moment, the chasm created by past betrayals narrows just a little. The bond between them, though strained, remains unbroken.