I don’t believe in the sea goddess.

Not in the whispers of her wrath, or in the tales of her deciding who lives and dies on the Eight Seas. I don’t bow to the fear the sailors all spread.

Silverbeard, my father, claims it’s her favor that’s kept him alive. He’s terrified of her, as if she’s the one steering his ship, her breath always at his back.

I know better.

It’s the weight of his reputation, the terror he ignites like wildfire.

But regardless of my beliefs, he’s the one who captains our crew, the Sly Serpents. He’s the one who barks the orders, who decides where we sail, and who we cross blades with.

No wonder I go behind his back.

I take risks.

I’m reckless.

I sleep with a man from a rival crew, even though it could mean my end.

I buy a compass deemed cursed by the entire island and take it out to sea.

I run away and form a crew of my own.

The only thing is my actions have consequences I could never have imagined. Because sleeping with Zayan might have lit a fuse, but challenging a goddess? That’s an inferno

Turns out, the goddess doesn’t care if I believe in her or not. Her wrath is real enough.

It's always watching…

This is not a romance story.

It's also not one of those that you want to tell you friends and family over dinner table.

This one is scary.

It's also very, very real.

By the end of it you might disagree with me on many matters. You might resent me. Hell, you might even hate me. But know this… I am happy. Happier than I've ever been.

And I can tell you just how I got here.

The choice to hear me out is yours.

I won't force you to anything.

Just don't expect fairy tales, because there are none here.

At least I warned you.

Yours Truly,

Claire

Author's Note: Presence is a paranormal horror romance / very dark romance with themes and situations that may be triggering to some. For CWs, please check the author's website.