Ijoltawake as the ship takes a severe dip and dive, flinging me from my cot onto the stale, cold floorboards. Shouts erupt above me as the crew yells commands.
"Close the sails!"
"Cap'n on the helm!"
One pirate laughs maniacally, "Bring on the storm!"
The door bursts open, and a young pirate swaggers in. He's lean but muscular, with sun-kissed skin and a mop of tousled brown hair. His eyes sparkle with a hint of mischief beneath the red bandana tied around his forehead. Rings adorn his fingers as he approaches my cell door.
"Cap'n orders to move you to his chambers, lass. We're under the Dark Tides, and this area of the ship likes to flood."
Dark Tides? What the hell is that? Before I can voice my confusion, water bursts in through the side of the hull, icy and unforgiving. It begins to rise at my feet, sending shivers through my already exhausted body.
"Hurry," I command, trying to mask the tremor in my voice.
The pirate fumbles with the keys, dropping them as the ship pitches forward again. I'm slammed back into the far wall, the air rushing from my lungs as the pirate tumbles.
The waters rise quickly as he dives under to find the keys he dropped. He comes up empty-handed, his face etched with frustration as the waters continue to climb. Panic seizes my chest, a cold fist squeezing my heart.
No, no, no, I willnotdrown on afreakingpirate ship!
He dives down again, disappearing beneath the dark surface. Seconds stretch into an eternity as I wait, the water now lapping at my shoulders. Cold seeps into mybones, draining what little energy I have left. Fear claws at my throat, threatening to drag me under before the water has a chance.
In this cell with no keys, I am a sitting fucking duck!
"Dani… What's wrong,baby?"Rhyland's voice booms into my headspace, jolting me out of my spiral of despair.
Finally! Relief wars with my fear as I realize he's here—in my mind, our bond is as strong as ever.
"Oh, you know, just enjoying some quality 'me time' in the luxurious accommodations of this fine pirate vessel,"I quip, my voice dripping with sarcasm despite the rising water in the ship's hull."It's like a spa day, really. Nothing quite like the refreshing sensation of nearly drowning to make a girl feel alive."
Rhyland's voice crashes into my mind like a tidal wave, equal parts relief and frustration."Dani, what the hell is going on? Are you okay? I can feel your fear, making me want to tear this ship apart with my bare hands."
I can't help but smile, my protective Viking."Peachy!"
Let's let sarcasm fuel my resolve because causing him more fear will only add to mine—no need to turn this into a goddamn fear-fest.
Rhyland's growl of frustration rumbles through our bond."Fuck, I can't get to you. They've got me and Erik locked up tight."
I quickly shut him down and focus on not dying.
Just when I think he's lost forever, the pirate resurfaces, gasping for air. "The keys, lass—in your cell; get 'em!"
Shit!
Without wasting a moment, I suck in a lungful of air and dive down. The cold water zaps me of more energy, like a thousand icy needles piercing my skin. I open my eyes, but I can't see a damn thing. It's blurry, dark, and dank. I swim to the floor and start feeling around for anything, my fingers numb and clumsy. My lungs already burn, screaming for air, and I'm forced to head back up.
I burst through the surface, gasping and sputtering, the hold nearly full.
"Hurry up, lass, or I'm leaving ye!" the pirate shouts, strained and annoyed.
I gulp down another breath and dive back under. I swim further back toward the wall, my movements sluggish and heavy. I can barely swim, weakened.
Again, I feel around the floor, desperation fueling my search. Suddenly, my eyes snag a faint glint of something metal. I swim toward it quickly, my heart poundingin my ears. I grab the keys, the cold metal biting into my palm, and swiftly swim back up.
"Got 'em!" I gasp, holding the keys triumphantly above the water.
"Good, now open the door, lass. Quickly." The pirate's voice is tight and impatient, barely audible above the rushing water and the pounding of my own heart.
