The blast sent a violent jolt through the cabin, shoving Charlisse to the floor.

"Are ye a'right, miss?" Sloane rushed to her side.

Footsteps pounded above as the pirates rushed back and forth, shouting vile things that caused her to shiver in disgust. Something terrible was happening.

Taking Sloane's outstretched hand, she stood, bracing herself against the rocking of the ship. A sudden crack filled the air, followed by a loud boom that reverberated through the ...