The sound is deafening, like a bomb detonating right beside us. The floor gives way beneath our bodies, and we plummet into the ship's lower hull, a tangle of limbs and splintered wood.
The stench of gunpowder and sweat fills my nostrils, mingling with the salty scent of the sea. My heart pounds against my ribcage, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I cling to Rhyland; his solid presence is the only thing keeping me grounded amid this insanity.
"Rhyland," I gasp, my voice barely audible over the chaos. "What the hell is going on?"
"Hi, Angel," Rhyland pants, trying to catch his breath as he looks down at me, his ocean-blue eyes swirling with relief and worry. "You have impeccable fucking timing, as always. Welcome back to the high seas, baby."
He kisses me then, fierce and passionate, even as we lay tangled in a heap at the bottom of the ship. The battle rages above us, the sounds of clashing swords and exploding cannons echoing through the wooden hull, but none of it matters. All that exists is the heat of Rhyland's lips on mine, the desperate hunger in his kiss, and the overwhelming love that consumes us both.
It's a kiss that says everything we can't put into words—the ache of our separation, the relief of being reunited, and the unshakable bond that ties our hearts together.
Rhyland’s hands grip my waist, his fingers digging into my skin as he pulls me closer, molding my body to fit perfectly against his. Every trace of Lucian’s kiss vanishes as Rhyland’s hot mouth and soft tongue have me panting and moaning.
The kiss is short but intense, a brief stolen moment amidst the chaos surrounding us. When we finally break apart, we're both breathing hard, our chests heaving as we struggle to catch our breath. Rhyland rests his forehead against mine, his ocean-blue eyes boring into my own with a fierce intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.
"What the hell happened? Where did you go?" he asks, his voice rough with emotion. " I felt your pain—"
I reach up, cupping his face in my hands, my thumbs brushing over his bearded jaw. "I'm here now—it's a long story. I am okay."
He nods, his arms tightening around me, holding me close. "Okay. But I'm never letting you out of my sight again. You're stuck with me, baby."
I laugh, the sound mingling with the din of battle above us. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"I love you, Angel," he whispers, his voice rough with emotion. "I fucking love you so much."
I smile, my heart swelling with adoration for this man who holds my soul in his hands. "I love you too. More than anything."
He grins that crooked, heart-stopping smile that never fails to make my knees weak.
Lucian's head suddenly pops up through the hole in the floor, looking down at us with concern and confusion. "Hey, are you—" He pauses mid-sentence, his eyes zeroing in on Rhyland. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who the fuck are you, tall, dark, and handsy? And why do you have your paws all over my sweet little Honey Pot?"
Rhyland looks at Lucian, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Lucian?" he then looks at me, growling, "You went to the Mortal realm? And why the fuck is he calling you Honey Pot? What the hell is he talking about, Dani?"
I sigh, rolling my eyes. "It's a lot to unpack." I grumble, "and one we definitely don't have time for right now, with the whole 'trying not to die' situation we've got going on here."
Lucian, being Lucian, isn't about to let it go that easily. "Uh, excuse me, but I think I deserve an explanation. I didn't just jump through a magical portal and land in the middle of Pirates: Douchebag Edition for shits and giggles, you know."
"Put a sock in it, Lucian. We don't have time for your little game of twenty questions right now."
Lucian's eyebrows shoot up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, I get it—you must be the shitstick that Dani was talking about. Sorry, pal, but I don't share. Finder's keepers and all that shit."
Rhyland's eyes frown in confusion, then they flash angrily, a deep growl rumbling in his chest. "I'm going to fucking killhim—"
Another explosion rocks the ship, nearly knocking us off our feet and reminding us of the more pressing matters."Guys, seriously? Can we put the dick-measuring contest on hold until we're not in imminent danger of being blown to bits?" I snap, my patience wearing thin.
Rhyland looks like he's about to argue, but I shoot him a glare that could melt steel. He sighs, relenting, but not before casting one last murderous look in Lucian's direction.
With that, Rhyland and I scramble through the debris, navigating the splintered remains of our unwanted resting spot as we make our way back topside. Lucian trails behind us, his smart-ass comments and suggestive looks making me want to chuck him overboard and let the sharks deal with him.
Just another day in the life of Dani Pierce, dimensional traveler and unwilling referee in the world's most screwed-up brotherly rivalry. Fuck my life sideways with a rusty spork.
As we emerge onto the deck, the chaos of battle engulfs us once more. Pirates clash with our crew, swords flashing and pistols firing. The air is thick with smoke and the coppery scent of blood, and I can't help but wonder how the hell I keep ending up in these situations.
Oh, right. Because the universe has a sick sense of humor and enjoys watching me navigate this clusterfuck of destiny, danger, and dick-measuring contests.
I grab a discarded sword from the deck, its weight feeling oddly comfortable in my hand. Rhyland and Lucian flank me, their weapons at the ready, and for a moment, I almost feel sorry for the poor bastards who are about to face our combined wrath.
Almost.
