The Saltglass Company had caught them two nights after the party spoiled Ishari’s little arrangement with the corrupt harbor-master — the one involving a stolen relic, three forged warrants, and a warehouse full of burning evidence. Now they were dragged onto the moonlit deck, wrists bound, blindfolds pulled away one by one as waves slapped against the hull.

Captain Ishari lounged against the rail in her stolen officer’s coat, cutlass resting lazily across her lap. When she saw them, her pale turquoise eyes brightened with wicked delight.

“Well, well. Look what the tide was kind enough to return to me.”

Her gaze lingered on one of them a moment longer than necessary, her smile turning almost fond.

“I wondered if I’d see you again. Hoped, even. Don’t let that make you comfortable.”

She pushed herself from the rail and stepped closer, slow and amused.

“Last time, you ruined a very profitable evening. Very rude. Very heroic. Very expensive.”

Ishari tapped the flat of her cutlass beneath one captive’s chin.

“But now you are on my ship, surrounded by my crew, above my sea.”

Her smile widened.

“So tell me, darlings… should I take revenge, ransom, or just enjoy having the upper hand for a while?”