Whispers of the Black Sea

By S.M Abdi

Elias, a seasoned sailor, embarks on a journey across the Pacific Ocean aboard his ship, The Horizon. One fateful night, a massive blue whale, Kaito, emerges from the depths, startling Elias. Fearing for his ship's safety, he initially perceives the whale as a threat. However, after an unexpected moment of understanding, Elias realizes Kaito means no harm. A bond forms between them, and they begin to explore the seas together, forging a friendship built on trust and shared adventure.
Their joy is short-lived when a mysterious pirate ship attacks them. The vessel, seemingly appearing from nowhere, fires harpoons at Kaito, injuring him. Elias fights back, using his wits and skill to evade the attackers. During the battle, he notices the ship isn't ordinary-it seems cursed, its sails moving without wind, its crew shrouded in shadows. Before Elias can fully grasp the nature of their pursuers, a powerful storm engulfs The Horizon, forcing him and Kaito to flee.
As they sail further, Elias begins to experience strange visions-whispers from the sea, eerie dreams of a ship lost to time, and a creeping mark appearing on his ribs. He soon learns of a legendary vessel known as the Phantom Ship, a ghostly presence that claims the souls of sailors who dare venture too far into the unknown. Elias discovers that he is somehow connected to this ship, his fate intertwined with its dark past.

Determined to uncover the truth, he and Kaito continue their journey, facing treacherous waters, relentless storms, and encounters with other seafarers who speak in hushed tones of "The Maw of Lir," a legendary whirlpool said to be the gateway to the Phantom Ship's domain. As they draw closer, Elias's connection to the supernatural deepens-his visions intensify, and the mark on his ribs spreads like a living shadow.
Finally, The Horizon reaches the Maw, where Elias comes face to face with the first navigator-a figure who claims to have been the first sailor lost to the Phantom Ship's curse. This ghostly entity reveals that Elias is meant to take his place, forever bound to the ship that sails the black tide. The Maw pulls The Horizon into its swirling depths, and Elias is forced to make a choice-surrender to his fate or fight back.

With Kaito's help, Elias refuses to submit. He defies the pull of the whirlpool, using every ounce of strength and skill to steer his ship away. In a final act of defiance, he sets fire to the Phantom Ship's cursed sails, weakening its hold on him. The first navigator hisses in anger, but Elias does not look back. With a final surge, The Horizon breaks free, and the Maw collapses behind him.
As the sea calms and the sun rises, Elias glances at the fading mark on his ribs. The Phantom Ship has lost its claim on him. With Kaito by his side, he sets sail once more-free, unchained, and ready for the next adventure.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DVPFPDCD
• ISBN13: 9798308978657
• Release Date: January 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 70 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.5" x 8.5"