Ethan stood still at the stern, shoulders squared, expression carved from stone. He didn’t reach for the gear. He didn’t move at all. “Forget the equipment,” he said quietly. “Right now, it’s about us.” Liam turned to him, eyes wide, pleading for something—anything—that sounded like a plan.
But Ethan only stared ahead, jaw tight, watching the pirate boat close the last few lengths of open water. The shouts were louder now, words neither of them could understand but carrying all the threat in the world. Ropes swung through the air, clanging against the railing. Hooks scraped, caught, and bit into the wood. Ethan exhaled once, slow and heavy.