Chapter 23
In the Sea Again
The wind howled softly through the sails as the Black Pearl cut through the ocean like a blade through silk. The horizon stretched endlessly ahead, golden sunlight spilling across the waves like liquid treasure. The chaos of Port Royal was already fading behind them, swallowed by distance and sea.
Elias stood near the bow, arms wide, eyes closed, the ocean breeze tousling his dark hair. "Ohhh, how I missed this. Salt in the air, wind in my face, no gallows in sight. Freedom!"
Jake leaned against the mast, twirling a compass in his hand—the one that never pointed north. "Aye, there's nothing like running from the law to make the sea feel like home."
Raina sat on a crate nearby, legs crossed, sharpening her blade with a calm smile. "You two enjoy this too much."
Jake grinned. "We're pirates, love. Enjoying it is the job."
Elias spun on his heel and strolled toward them with theatrical flair. "We've got the sea. We've got the Pearl. We've got our lives, and a compass that leads to absolutely nowhere."
Jake looked at the compass and gave it a shake. "I wouldn't say nowhere. It just points to what I want most."
Raina raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
Jake looked at her, then at Elias, then back at the sea. "Honestly? Right now, breakfast."
Elias burst out laughing, and Raina shook her head with a smirk. "You're impossible."
Jake bowed slightly. "Thank you."
They stood in companionable silence for a while, the waves slapping gently against the hull. Seagulls cried in the distance. Below deck, the crew moved about, mostly ex-pirates and runaways, loyal to Jake because he was clever enough to survive and crazy enough to lead.
Elias leaned against the railing, looking out at the horizon. "So what now, Captain?"
Jake turned to him, a twinkle in his eye. "We sail. Maybe find a small island. Steal something shiny. Get drunk. Repeat."
Elias nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
But then his expression shifted—just slightly. He reached into his coat and pulled out a small, golden coin.
Raina noticed. "Is that—?"
"The cursed gold?" Elias said, flipping it casually in the air before catching it. "Yeah. Turns out I forgot to return one."
Jake blinked. "You what?"
"I was busy! Swordfights, executions, saving your sorry hide. It slipped my mind."
Raina stood. "So… we're cursed again?"
Elias shrugged. "Not sure. I feel fine."
Jake narrowed his eyes. "You feel fine now. But last time, you were stabbing ghosts and casually walking through bullets like it was a Sunday stroll."
"True." Elias pocketed the coin again. "Well, let's just hope the curse forgot about me."
Jake sighed, adjusting his hat. "I swear, you're going to get us all killed."
"You're welcome."
Just then, a cry rang out from above.
"Ship on the horizon!"
Jake and Elias rushed to the helm. Through the spyglass, they saw a British naval flag—closing in fast.
Raina appeared behind them. "Let me guess. They're not bringing us tea and biscuits."
Jake grinned. "Not unless the biscuits explode."
Elias cracked his knuckles. "Well, boys and girl… looks like it's time for another dance."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "We just got out of one."
Elias smirked. "Then consider this the encore."
The Black Pearl adjusted course, ready for whatever madness came next. The sea was endless, and so were the battles—but Jake, Elias, and Raina wouldn't trade it for anything.
Not even peace.
Not even safety.
They were pirates.
And the sea was home.
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