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.