Esmyra’s voice sharpened, cutting through the air. “Syrena will raise fleets of the drowned. Her army of men and women can breathe in both water and air. Their minds are chained to her, having served her in Maerinys these last several centuries, and they are loyal. They know nothing else.”
“With Naerysa’s power, Syrena can bend the sea to her will. And she won’t stop until the land kneels.” Esmyra turned to Draevyn, her lips pressing together in a thin line. “Until Irah, Villaem, and Vydenne kneel.”
She stepped closer to them, her shadow falling over the table as they gazed up at her. “And the only way to fix this, the only way to save our world…is if wefight.”
“Or die trying,” Draevyn added, his eyes scanning over the men.
A hush fell after his words.
Jak cleared his throat beside her, all eyes turning to him. “Never doubted you before, Esmi, and I ain’t starting now. You say jump into the depths, and you know I’ll be the first diving overboard.”
Esmyra couldn’t help her smirkas he winked at her.
Ren crossed his arms as he stood from his seat. “You’ve led us through raids, storms, and now curses. How bad could the gods be?” He let out a huff of a laugh. “I’m not about to let some sea witch scare me off when the scariest one I know is standing before me leading the way. You’ve got my blades, Captain. Same as always.”
Rivenstraightened his back and grinned. “You pulled me out of the depths when no one else would.The Night Wraithsaved my life, so if you’re walking into hell, I’ll be right there with you, boss.”
“You’re my compass,” Draevyn whispered, his hand falling to the small of her back. “I go where you go. It doesn’t matter if it’s to the depths or straight into battle. There’s no world I choose to live in that doesn’t have you in it. And I intend to fight until my last breath.”
All of their words hit her like a sudden wave. For a heartbeat, the looming threat of war vanished, and there was only Draevyn, their crew, and the truth in each of their eyes.
A warmth bloomed in her chest, because it was more than devotion they all shared for one another—it wasbelonging.
“We’re here to the end,” Jak finished, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Evil has risen upon our seas, and they best be getting the fuck out if they know what’s good for them, aye?” Esmyra said. “Becausewe’rethe only wicked beings these tides will tolerate.”
Murmurs of agreement sounded as vicious grins settled over the crew’s faces.
“Now, will you follow me into what could very well be our demise?” She grinned before yelling, “What say you?!”
Every member of the crew bellowed back, “Aye!”
The moment lingered before the room shifted back into its usual buzz. Voices overlapped as the men debated who would handle maps, who would gather supplies and weapons, and which strategies might work best once they reached the sunken kingdom.
Amid the madness, Esmyra couldn’t help but notice Jenli’s voice had been among the several ‘ayes’ that boomed throughout the room. She looked at Jak and lifted a brow, and he only shrugged in response.
Intrigued, she weaved her way through the crew until she reached Jenli.
“And what areyourplans, Jenli?” Esmyra asked, tilting her head.
The witch leaned against the railing of the staircase, arms crossed as her green eyes glinted with mischief. “Plans? I’ve never had plans. I let the world dictate the steps for me.” She walked her fingers through the air.
Esmyra placed her hands on her hips, her mind drifting back to Lia and her friends at that tavern. “And if I asked you to join us? I can promise adventure, a bit of danger, and an almost unbearable amount of chaos.”
Jenli’s eyes widened, her gaze moving between Esmyra, Jak, and Ren. “I don’t think I’m wanted there.”
“I’m sorry, but were you not just paying attention? Do you think either of them are in charge?” Esmyra teased, leaning in closer. “My word is law around here. Always has been and always will be. And besides,Iwant you there. It would be fun to have another woman aboard and watch them think it’s bad luck. We have to keep them on their toes somehow.”
For a long moment, Jenli’s eyes flicked over the bustling crew, over her home, over Esmyra herself. Then, finally, she smiled. “Can I bring my potions?”
“I would be disappointed if you didn’t.”
Jenli shrugged. “Then I guess I can come along.”
A small, satisfied grin spread across Esmyra’s face. “Good. Then it’s settled.” She reached out her hand, and Jenli placed hers in it. “Welcome to the crew ofThe Night Wraith, Ms. Jenli.”
“The Night Wraithis dead!” a voice boomed from behind them.
