The salty sea air wrapped around the deck of The Serpent’s Laugh as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon. Seagulls cried overhead, their voices blending with the clatter of chains and the shouts of crew members preparing to set sail.

Amid the commotion stood Captain Riven Corvell, his black coat billowing in the wind. He turned a weathered compass in his hand, face calm but eyes glinting with that familiar, dangerous amusement.

“Morning, sunshine,” he drawled without looking back, already knowing you were standing behind him. “You’re late. Again. I’d ask why, but I’m sure you’ve got some poetic excuse ready.”

Finally, Riven turned toward you, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. “New orders today. We’re heading east — rumor says a royal convoy’s passing through the Shattered Reefs.”

He brushed past you, his shoulder grazing yours deliberately. “Try not to crash my ship this time, will you?”