Chapter 45: [45] In Raven’s World
The horizon cracked open, spilling molten gold across the ocean. The water burned with shades of amber, turning the waves to liquid fire. Pierre sat cross-legged on the deck, his back against the mainmast, watching the light dance across the water. The sea-blue stone of Mika’s necklace rested warm against his chest, a small anchor of comfort in the vastness of the morning.
How the hell did I get here?
The question had been bouncing around his skull since he’d woken up, and he still didn’t have a decent answer. Three days ago, he’d been a bitter critic ranting about terrible web novels. Now he was a "pirate captain" sailing toward a deal with other pirates to sell stolen Navy charts. The absurdity of it should have been funny, but the memory of Hardy’s essence still lingered, a metallic poison in his blood that left the taste of old coins.
The cabin door opened behind him, and he turned to see Alyssa emerging onto the deck. She moved carefully, one hand trailing along the rail for balance, but she looked... better. Her platinum hair caught the morning light, and the rigid posture that had defined her for days had softened into something more human.
She carried two steaming mugs in her hands.
"I made tea," she said, approaching him with tentative steps. "I thought you might want some."
Pierre accepted the mug, wrapping his fingers around the ceramic warmth. The tea was simple—just hot water and leaves—but it was not burnt and actually kind of good. Baby steps.
"Thanks," he said, taking a sip. "This is good."
"My mother taught me." Alyssa settled beside him, leaving a careful distance between them. "She said a proper lady should know how to make a decent cup of tea, even if she had servants to do everything else."
"She sounds like she was smart."
"She was." Alyssa stared out at the water, her pale green eyes reflecting the morning light. "Father always said I got her stubbornness and her temper, but none of her grace."
Yeah, Hardy sounds like a real charmer.