“Fifty gold a night for a room,” a bald innkeeper began, opening the squeaky door to Isra and Yasen.

They peered inside the unkempt room, which to not their surprise, reflected the night’s cheap price.

Yellow wallpaper peeled off the wooden walls. Dust building up in curtains and furniture had not been dusted for years. The gray creased queen size bed, once white, sat neglected in the middle of the room.

“For being reputed as one of the best inns in the city, this is all you have?” Isra asked suspiciously, stepping forward to the innkeeper pointing a finger at him. “Show us your best rooms and we’ll give you two-hundred gold a night.”

The innkeeper’s jaw dropped.

Yasen tossed a bag of coins at him. “You heard the lady, pops.”

“Follow me,” the innkeeper mumbled leading them away to a staircase.

Isra and Yasen climbed up the staircase to the third floor.

He led them to isolated rooms at the end of the corridor, opening one of the doors with a key.

“Consider you gals lucky,” he began, as he pushed opened the door. “These private rooms are reserved by Cereus members.”

The luxurious white room was a dramatic upgrade from the cheap room. There was a king size bed, elegant furniture pieces, and a spotless bathtub.

“Cereus?” Isra questioned uneasily.

The innkeeper barked. “You tourists know nothin’. If I were you, I’ll be keepin’ away from the gang unless you want trouble.”

“Gangs with special treatment, eh?” Yasen remarked as she placed her backpack down on a desk.

The innkeeper left, and Isra locked the door.

“We should look into Cereus,” Isra began. “They might be the ones running this city. Perhaps they can lead us to Desert Flower...”

Yasen wrapped her arms around Isra’s waist, resting her chin on her shoulder. “Before we start doing serious work, you need some relaxation time.”

Isra blushed, feeling lost in Yasen’s warm embrace. Her heart raced.

Yasen closed her eyes, smelling Isra’s hair and moved down to her neck. She kissed her gently, leaving a trail of soft kisses down to her collarbone.

“We don’t have to do this if you’re not comfortable yet,” Yasen whispered softly, her voice more huskier, slowly seducing the pirate captain.

Isra turned around gazing at Yasen. “I think I’m ready.”

She pressed her lips against Yasen’s, kissing her fervently with passion as she clutched the brunette’s short wavy locks of hair.

Yasen pulled Isra closer, untying the laces of her vest with one hand.

The vest slipped down to the floor. Yasen’s heart raced as her hand explored Isra’s petite body, savoring her small breasts and curves.

Startled, her hand stopped when she moved to Isra’s back.

Isra opened her eyes, pulling away as she looked away uncomfortably. “My back...”

“Let me see,” Yasen murmured, gently pulling Isra back to her. She wanted Isra to trust her.

Isra sighed as she reluctantly peeled off her blouse. She turned around nervously, exposing her naked back.

Yasen gaped a little. Slowly, anger ate away her shock.

A deep red scar carved a flower-like pattern, covering Isra’s entire back.

Tears welled in Isra’s eyes. “The scar never healed.”

Yasen’s finger gently traced Isra’s scar.

“Your back is still beautiful,” Yasen whispered, kissing her back softly. “Who did this to you?”

“Desert Flower.” Isra could barely whisper her name, shivering as memories flooded her mind. "The mark of Desert Flower." 

Yasen’s face darkened as a new hatred seeped through her.

“I’ll make sure she’ll pay,” Yasen scowled. “I want her blood.”