Chapter 47: [47] A Signing Bonus
She gestured, and another pirate approached carrying a heavy briefcase. The man set it down beside Moreau’s throne and lifted the lid slowly. The sharp, metallic scent of old money hit her first - that unmistakable mixture of ink, paper, and metal that spoke of wealth changing hands countless times. Inside, stacks of Cori gleamed like captured sunlight, catching the afternoon rays and reflecting them in a hypnotic dance across Moreau’s face, painting her features in a golden glow that made her look almost divine.
Raven’s breath caught painfully in her throat at the sight - six million Cori in one place, more money than she’d seen at one time since the night her family’s home burned to ashes and her world collapsed into smoke and screams. The chest represented nearly a quarter of what she needed to free her sister from that bastard nobleman’s clutches, just sitting there like a golden promise. A quarter of her life’s mission, offered on a silver platter.
"Six million Cori, as promised," Moreau said, her voice caressing each syllable like a lover. "But I find myself in need of a navigator of your talents for a... far grander voyage."
Here it comes.
"The Dawn Sea has been good to me," Moreau continued, trailing her scaled fingers across the edge of the money case in a gesture that was almost sensual. "But I have my sights set on bigger waters. The Great Sea beckons with its treasures and mysteries, and I’ll need someone who can chart a course through those dangerous currents where so many others have perished."
She leaned forward on her makeshift throne, the serpentine embroidery on her coat catching the light as she moved. Her golden eyes locked onto Raven’s with hypnotic intensity, pupils narrowing to slits like a predator that had spotted prey. "Consider this a signing bonus. Join my crew, and that chest is just the beginning of what you’ll earn. With me, you could have everything you’ve ever wanted."
The clamor of the square died, strangled into a sudden, absolute stillness that felt unnatural. Every eye—pirate, merchant, miner, child—was locked on them.
Some looked envious, others fearful. Many of the townsfolk had expressions of naked terror, knowing what crossing the Black Serpent meant. Raven felt the weight of their collective gaze pressing down on her shoulders like physical hands trying to force her to kneel.
Say yes, and I abandon Pierre. Say no, and I probably don’t leave this square alive with all my limbs attached. Damn it, she’s good.
"That’s... generous," Raven said carefully, buying time as she scanned the square for escape routes. The Black Serpent pirates had subtly repositioned themselves, blocking most paths out. "But I already have a crew."