Minutes later, both men were ferried to the safety of the cutter. Behind them, Aurora’s Wake rocked gently in the waves, torn sail flapping, scarred but still afloat. Wrapped in a blanket, Liam turned to Ethan, voice low but steady. “You saved me too.” Ethan exhaled, the faintest of smiles tugging at his mouth.
The cutter carried them steadily back toward the mainland, the sun beginning to dip low across the water. For the first time in hours, Ethan allowed himself to relax, leaning against the rail as the coastline slowly came into view. Liam sat nearby, still wrapped in a blanket, eyes heavy but alert.