“Tortunele is just the place for you, it seems,” the first brute cut in. “You may pass through or stay, but you will mind your business if you know what’s good for you here.” He gave a wicked, silver-tooth filled grin. “We don’t take kindly to washed up, previously assumed dead strangers.”
His threat lingered in the air, and I gave him a curt nod as I moved past him, gesturing for my crew to follow.
William blew out a breath next to me.
“Don’t even fucking breathe here, William. Just keep your mouth shut until I say so,” I demanded as we marched forward.
In the narrow alleys between the decaying buildings, dirty fucks with matted beards and scarred faces wandered. Drunken laughter and the clanking of mugs echoed from the countless taverns that lined the streets. Filth and wreckage covered the alleyways, while the nauseating aroma of spoiled fish, stagnant beer, and piss lingered in the air.
We passed by gambling dens and shadowy brothels as females with painted lips and hollow eyes beckoned us from beneath the shadows of their doorways.
My lips curled in a snarl as we continued to move past the filth that occupied Tortunele.
Once at the docks, my eyes focused on the bay the city sat upon. Vessels of every size clogged the harbor, ranging from dilapidated fishing boats to sizable, clearly stolen ships, their mast tops swaying like gallows in the wind.
“You truly believe that we will be able to navigate a ship out of this bay unseen…” William began.
I turned to him and raised a brow, and as my gaze wandered behind him, I realized that the remaining members accompanying us were already meandering their way into the surrounding brothels and taverns.
“Captain,” he said, pulling me from my daze. “How do you plan to commandeer a ship in a town such as this? We’re in no state to take on this many…pirates.”
I grabbed him by the collar of his frayed shirt. “Listen to me. You do not question me. You speak when spoken to. And you do not give advice. Ever.” His eyes widened slightly. “Have I made myself clear?”
Once he answered with a stiff nod, I released his shirt, and he stumbled back, almost losing his footing on the dock and falling into the water.
My gaze landed on a ship that floated mid-harbor—its timber bore the scars of past battles at sea, and its masts wore withered sails, but she would have to do.
“Do exactly as I say, and we will be out of here by dawn,” I stated, and he continued observing me while I gazed upon the sea’s rolling waves.
I glanced down at him and watched as the corners of his mouth twisted in a menacing grin. “Aye, Captain.”
After informing the crew of my plan to commandeer one of the grandest ships this piece of shit harbor had to offer, everything was set in motion.
The night was draped in darkness as my crew moved through the looming buildings’ shadows. We neared the dock where the ship lay anchored, and the air became infused with the briny aroma of the sea breeze.
The vessel, barely visible in the dark, radiated an irresistible allure, beckoning me to get the fuck out of this place and back to Isla as if the sea itself were calling to me.
As we stealthily approached, I caught sight of more mercenaries and loitering washed-up sailors patrolling the deck—their lanterns flickering light over the wooden planks. The mercenaries at the docks were adorned with weapons at their hips and poking from their boots.
I carefully raised my arm and signaled the crew behind me to spread out, ensuring they remained hidden. Our true target was out at sea, but first, we had to reach the largest fishing boat moored at the far end of the dock.
As the four males pivoted on the dock, I knew now was our chance to make our move. All we needed was to gain the element of surprise. I let out a soft whistle, and two of my soldiers approached from one side. Another three then moved to cut off any escape routes. Silence was our best ally and stealth our greatest weapon.
As the mercenaries reached the end of the dock, my men were at their backs on silent feet in only a moment—any sound their boots made was covered by the noise of the rolling waves. The moment the hired guards moved to pivot, they found the cool touch of blades at their throats.
A second later, their bodies dropped into the water with a splash—a splash that was too fucking loud to go unnoticed in a town full of fae.
Right when I thought we would be clear of any eye-catching chaos, doors creaked open behind us. Males funneled out of taverns left and right with weapons in hand, and a commotion was already underway before I had the chance to blink. My eyes bulged.
No. No. No. Fuck!
“Move. Now!” I commanded as softly as possible to those who remained behind me.
We rushed to the dock, shoving each other violently out of the way to jump into one of the small fishing boats.
It was every male for himself—if they were too slow, that was on them, not me.
“Row, you fools!” I snapped as roars of disapproval echoed from the opposite end of the dock where we had just been.
