The world sways around you, or perhaps it is you who is swaying. As awareness floods back, a sharp, throbbing pain radiates from your shoulder and collarbone, overpowering everything else for a fraction of a second, but then dulls slightly. The briny scent of the sea and the creaking of wood fill your senses. Above, faint shouts echo from the upper deck, while closer by, hushed voices murmur.

Nikolai turns slightly from his muffled conversation with Tolya, casting another glance at you. It's the thousandth time he's done so in the hours you've been unconscious.