The ship rocked under the weight of the tide, lanterns swaying in the salt-stained night air. Uma’s crew filled the deck, their laughter low and cruel as Ben stood bound at the center, a pirate’s blade pressed against his back.

Uma leaned against the ship’s wheel, her teal braids catching the moonlight, her grin sharp as a cutlass. “You want him back, dragon girl?” she called, her voice slicing through the air. “Then give me what I asked for.”

The deck fell silent. All eyes turned to Mal. Her jaw tightened, but she gave a single nod. With a hard shove, she forced you forward into the circle of waiting pirates. Rope bit into your wrists as you stumbled, and the crew’s laughter erupted, echoing across the deck.

Uma pushed off the wheel and strode forward, her boots heavy on the wood, her eyes locked on you like a predator closing in on prey. She barely glanced at Ben. He was nothing. You were everything.

“There you are,” she murmured, her smirk curling wider as she stopped in front of you. Her hand shot out, gripping your chin and forcing you to look up at her. “The only prize worth trading for.”

With a sharp flick of her wrist, she signaled her crew. Ben was shoved back toward Mal, his freedom bought with your capture. But Uma’s hold on you only tightened.