Their eyes met.An unspoken recognition crossed the space between them, bridging centuries.For an instant, the ship, the sea, the world itself disappeared.
He started toward her, longing to hold her close and make certain she was no dream.
The door banged open.
Alden burst in, rain still dripping from his hair.“I know you wish to be alone, but we must form a plan against Montverre, Captain.”
At that cursed name, Desi flinched and set Patches on the desk.
“Was he the one firing at us?”she asked.
“Aye.”Caleb stripped off his sodden coat and slung it across the chair as the cabin swayed with the sea’s long aftershocks.A bar of sunlight pierced through the stern windows, wavering with each roll, and Patches bounded onto the beam, playing a game of catch.
Ayida slipped in next, shawl in hand.“Brought dis for de lady.She was tremblin’.”She avoided Caleb’s gaze, reminding him he’d not yet punished her for her betrayal.
Desi accepted the wrap with a faint smile, pulling it close about her shoulders.“Thank you.”
“Never saw such a fierce squall leave as fast as it came,” Alden muttered, wringing water from his sleeve.
Ayida gathered plates and cups from the desk, her bangles clinking softly.
But Caleb could not tear his gaze from Desi.She was here.Flesh and breath and miracle.He half-feared she’d vanish again as the storm had.“Indeed,” he said.“A clear sky one moment, a tempest the next… wait.The gale rose when you appeared.”
Desi’s throat bobbed as she swallowed.“There was a storm—back in my time—just as I left.”The ship rolled over a swell, and she staggered.
“Sit, Desi.”Taking her arm, he led her to a chair, his voice gentle but firm.
Ayida’s eyes flicked toward him.“Was de woman who brought de ragin’ seas, Capitaine.Time been altered somehow.Dings not as dey should be.”
A chill crept over him, despite the warmth of the cabin.
Water dripped from Alden’s waistcoat, pattering to the deck.“Whatever the cause, the storm spared us a fight we’d not have won.”
Desi leaned back, brushing damp curls from her cheek.“So Montverre followed you?”
Caleb nodded.“We sighted his ship yestereve.Did not realize another lay hidden astern.”
“Two frigates against our brig,” Alden said grimly.“We’d have been crushed between them.”
Caleb scrubbed his jaw, the weight of exhaustion settling on him.“And with only a quarter crew… save for a miracle, our bones would line the seafloor.”
Ayida straightened, her dark eyes knowing.“And den de storm come.Time’s been warped.Somedin’s not right, Capitaine.”
Desi opened her hand.The Ring gleamed there—gold, alive with sunlight, the crimson stone pulsing like a captured flame.“He wants this.”
Caleb exhaled through his nose, refusing to look in the hidden compartment where it should have lain.He didn’t need to.He already knew it would be gone.
Alden’s gaze darted between them.“Orders, Captain?”
“Keep to our course.We make for the Devil’s Mouth.”Caleb leaned back against his desk, eyes fixed on the Ring.“By God’s grace, we lost Montverre’s ships.For now.”He grasped the silver cross at his throat, its edge cool against his skin.“Alden, take the helm.I’ll join you anon.”
Alden’s grin tilted roguish.“Aye, Captain.Take your time.”
With a knowing look, he turned and strode out.Ayida followed, her voice low and musical as she muttered something in Creole, half prayer, half warning.
The door closed.
The ship’s timbers sighed.
