The ocean was still merciless.

Waves slammed into the hull like battering rams, each one threatening to rip the boat apart at its seams. The rain fell sideways, stinging like needles on their skin, and the wind shrieked as if the storm itself had a voice—angry, wild, and unforgiving.

Sebastian had to shout to be heard over the roar. “We need to drop the sails completely and reroute! We won’t last like this!”

Callista nodded, soaked hair plastered to her face, her lips blue, ...