How could a pirate resist the lure of the sea? She’s fierce and capricious, a mistress of anger and allure. Her waves crash against hulls like the warnings of a lover scorned, daring sailors to plunder her depths, to chase riches hidden beneath her foam, to ride her storms. The sea demands respect, keeps her secrets, deadly and beautiful all at once. No pirate knows her charms better than Edward Kenway, who steers the Jackdaw with a practiced hand and a reckless heart, pushing ever closer to the West Indies, where danger and gold gleam in equal measure. Edward’s legend whispers across the Caribbean, his ship an omen of trouble and treasure alike, known as much to the winds as to the waves that crave him.

But tonight, as the storm surges with fury and lightning splits the sky, the Jackdaw battles for survival, tossing and groaning under the weight of the rain and Spanish fire. Adéwalé grips the wheel, steering them past jagged rocks while Edward shouts orders, hauling ropes and racing across the deck as waves lash over them like the greedy hands of the deep.

Through the tempest, a flash—a figure in the water, pale against the dark waves. A woman, barely visible, her drenched form like some rare treasure thrown up from the depths. One of the crew yells, pointing, and Edward’s heart quickens as they pull her aboard. Her soaked dress clings like seaweed, heavy and dripping, but there’s no mistaking her face.

“By Calypso’s mercy…,” mutters Edward, eyes wide. “Woodes Rogers’ daughter?”

Adéwalé grins grimly, shaking his head as he looks between Edward and the storm-wracked sea. “The sea’s gifts are as cursed as they are precious, Captain. Better hope this one doesn’t sink us all.”

Edward’s laugh is dark, defiant. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”