His hand pressed against Liam’s chest, heavy as iron. “Quiet,” he repeated, his tone sharp enough to cut. Ethan’s voice came low and steady from beside him. “Don’t. Let it go.” His eyes stayed locked on the pirates, but his words were meant for Liam. “You can’t stop them.” Another crate came open with a pop of metal clasps.
The pirates cheered, lifting out a sleek sensor array like it was treasure. One man laughed, holding it aloft before dropping it carelessly back into the box. Liam winced, a sound like a wounded animal breaking from his throat. Ethan shot him a warning glance. “Breathe. Just breathe.” The deck thudded under the weight of the equipment being dragged toward the railing.