in a language I didn' t understand. One of his men, a burly figure with a scarred f

e strode over to Chloe and b

p, ugly crack that e

ut u

ek. The shock on her face was absolute. Pain, real and undiluted, had finally pierced her

e piped up, thin and reedy.

Just do what they say! D

r himself. He didn' t care that she was hurt, h

stepped forward, holding up my hands in a pl

for violence. Let'

ed a crypto transfer. The pirate leader' s own device buzzed

my voice even. "For your tr

ynamic. The leader gave a curt nod. He barked another order, and his men cut their engines, letting their boats bob in the water

o her swelling cheek. She glared at me, her

Then they would have left! This is all

evolved around her own comfort and desires. Then, as if forgetting she had just been assaulte

Don' t worry, I' ll handle t

arm. It was pathetic. It was disgusting. And it solidified my resolve. It wasn' t enough for them to face a moment of fear. It wasn't enough f