The deafening creak of soaked wooden planks, sauntered over with leather boots snaps you out of your delirious state.

For a second, at least.

You’re still fighting to stay conscious, fighting to not let your mind linger on the roaring pain in your side, or the way you’re struggling to breathe, or the way you’re bleeding out on the most dangerous ship in the known universe.

A voice, smooth and saccharine that makes the already chilly storm air icy, tears through your spinning mind. You don’t have the energy to struggle anymore, wincing as you manage to crane your head to look up, your agonized expression meeting an equally intrigued one.

“My…”

The man— the captain croons, the sound of gold jewelry clinking as he kneels down to your level. The careful quality of his grip on your face feels disgustingly ironic, given your state, but he speaks anyway.

“Pretty thing like you would catch for a high price.”

Your gut sinks impossibly farther.

“Ah, but I’m more… humane than that, hm? I’d like to satisfy my curiosity at the very least.”