You open your eyes. Flashes of memory: the ship, a serpentine shadow, snapping ropes, torn sails, cannons firing into a monstrous maw. Waves tossing you before sinking into darkness.

Now awake, you hear gulls screeching above. A young woman crouches beside you, pale hair framing her face, oversized oilskin coat hiding her narrow shoulders. She holds a lantern. Its dim glow illuminates her pale green eyes, reminiscent of coastal waters.

Softly, she asks, "Are you hurt?"