Lewis frowned. “You’re not suggesting we ambush the crew of mercenaries and murderers, are you?”
Cirrus gave a slow nod. “Use the terrain. Hit fast. Get our people out before he even knows what’s happening.”
Thorne crossed his arms. “One misstep and we’ll be slaughtered. Then I imagine he’ll come back here to finish the job.”
Vivienne swallowed hard. The longer they waited, the less likely they’d find the hostages alive. Cirrus’ plan might work—or it might kill them all.
“We don’t have time to wait,” she said, steadying her voice. “It’s a risk, but what other choice do we have?”
Garrett’s gaze flicked between her and Cirrus before he nodded. “We move at first light. Cirrus, find us the best route. Thorne, organize the crew, we’ll need some support. Blume, fortify what’s left of camp and salvage what you can. Banner, assist Dr. Mercer.”
Thorne snapped into action, barking orders. The crew moved with heavy steps, their faces drawn, their exhaustion clear—but they didn’t hesitate.
They had no choice but to keep going.
* * *
Vivienne and Dr. Mercerrinsed bandages and medical tools, while filling as many containers as they could with fresh water.
"I can't believe so many crewmen are..." Vivienne’s voice faltered.
"Dead?" Melodie finished the sentence, her tone even.
Vivienne shuddered. Before this voyage, death had been distant. Now, the images seared into her mind would follow her into the next life.
"I think the dying is harder than death," Melodie continued, wringing out cloth bandages. "I’ve seen suffering beyond words, and often, death is mercy. A hand leading them away from pain."
Vivienne’s thoughts drifted to her parents. If they were lost, hurt, or starving, would she prefer those fates over death? She still couldn’t accept the idea of a world without them.Who am I if I'm not their daughter?
"Why fear something so inevitable?" Melodie mused. "We're born, we live, we die."
"That’s... bleak," Vivienne murmured.
"It’s the opposite," Melodie countered. "Remembering death makes life more important. People aren’t afraid of dying. They’re afraid of never truly living." She met Vivienne’s gaze. "If you’re fearful of death, it’s time to evaluate your life."
Vivienne opened her mouth, but no words came.
Cirrus and Lewis jogged up to the stream.
“Banns, we need you back in camp,” Cirrus said. “Blume will stay with Dr. Mercer. No one goes anywhere alone. Captain’s orders.”
Vivienne glanced at Melodie, silently asking if she was okay to leave. Despite the exhaustion in her dark eyes, the doctor offered a reassuring nod.
Cirrus and Vivienne moved swiftly through the trees. He reached out, his fingers grazing hers, no longer keeping his distance.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She exhaled shakily. “How can anyone be okay after what we’ve seen?” The images looped in her mind—slit throats, severed limbs, lifeless bodies, so much blood.Enyo had turned their camp into a graveyard."I'm worried about Florence."
Cirrus managed a weak smile. "Have you met Florence? We should be praying forEnyo'ssafety, not hers. She’s the toughest sailor I’ve ever known. If anyone can handle being taken by a rival crew, it’s her."
Vivienne wanted to believe him, but something didn’t add up. “Why takeher? Wouldn’t it have made more sense to capture you, Lewis, or Dr. Mercer?”
Cirrus frowned. “Gus was the only other officer in camp. Maybe they targeted the highest-ranking crew member?” He shook his head. “Still... what use is a munitions expert in the middle of a rainforest?”
Vivienne’s stomach twisted at the myriad of uses Enyo’s abhorrent crew might find for Florence. "We have to find her. We have to find all of them."
Cirrus stopped in front of Vivienne, cupping her face in his hands. “I swear to you, we will.”
