The boat rocked gently on the waves, but to Liam it felt like the world itself had gone still—waiting, holding its breath for the next move. The moment broke when one of the pirates crouched low beside a crate. He tapped the side with his knuckles, then pried at the latch with the tip of a knife. The metal clinked, sharp and deliberate.
Liam lurched forward instinctively. “Don’t—please, that’s delicate!” His voice cracked, spilling out before he could stop it. The tall pirate’s head snapped toward him, eyes hard. With two strides he closed the distance, shoving Liam back onto the bench with a heavy hand to his chest.