Serah and Uthera glared at each other. I could see the deep hatred in Serah’s eyes, the red spark flashing furiously and taking over the blue in her eyes. I wondered if she ever walked past a mirror and noticed the red, or maybe it was just my imagination. But it was obvious that Serah was not in the mood for a fight.

Uthera, on the other hand, had a grin on her face. She smirked at Serah, enjoying putting her on the spot in front of the crowd.

“I’m watching you.” Uthera said finally, her smirk fading into a scowl.

Serah growled, “Stay out of my business, Uthera,” She lowered her voice until I could barely hear her, “Remember who rules this town.”

Uthera didn’t seem to like that. She straightened up ever so slightly, her scowl deepening. She glared at us angrily, then she stalked straight up to Amber. I noticed Lydia gently put her hand on a sheathed dagger on her waist.

Uthera snarled into Amber’s face as the crowd around us melted back to the normal hustle, disappointed apparently that there hadn’t been a fight, “I’ll find out exactly who you are. And I’ll make you regret ever coming to this island. Serah may be the boss around here, but she isn’t the boss of me.” She stepped closer to Amber, “She can’t protect you forever.”

Then her voice became sweeter, almost charming, “And besides, I wouldn’t trust this crew if I were you. They have a reputation on this island for being ruthless and for killing anyone who crosses their path. Just lock your doors tonight when you go to sleep. You never know who’ll sneak in and kill you whilst you sleep.”

She began to pace in front of us, her eyes drilling into ours, “Henry and Colten will both go for the good ol’ throwing out the window. Tanner and Elizabeth will both slit your throats. Serah willjust stab you. She’s old fashioned that way.” She stopped in front of Lydia, and grinned wickedly, “It’s Lydia you have to look out for. She seems all innocent and nice, unlike most pirates. But under that sweet facade lies dark secrets, hmm?”

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Lydia scowled darkly, “Maybe you should look out for me, Uthera. Because I’ll slit your throat, stab you, and then throw you out of a window all at once.”

Uthera laughed, but her laughter was hollow and there was a shake to it, as if Lydia’s threat really did frighten her, “See? I told you, didn’t I?”

The captain, who had merely been watching a few moments ago, now stepped forward and pushed Uthera out of Lydia’s face, “Go away, Uthera. The Isle was intended for peace between us, remember? Not mockery.”

Uthera’s laughter faded and a more serious look replaced her grinning face, “Aye. But remember what I said.” She pointed at Amber and made eye contact with each and every one of us before turning her back and vanishing into the crowd.

“Will you really do that?”Amber asked suddenly, turning to Lydia.

The dark look from Lydia quickly vanished into a forced smile, “Nay, I won’t.”

But I had a feeling that she would if she wanted to.

* * *

We were all shocked when we arrived at Henry’s home. I had imagined his house to be a simple cottage in the streets, as Elizabeth explained to us; that was what she lived in. But Henry lived in a house nearly as large as a castle.

“Rich dad.” Colt coughed at my confused face.

Oh. Right. Henry had the rich but abusive dad. I wondered if he was still alive to boss us around.

We marched up to the front door and a tall man opened it. He had small eyes and a long, thin nose. He didn’t smile or greet us, but merely stepped out of the way as we entered the house.

“Good morning, Butch.” Colt said cheerfully. The other pirates joined in the chorus of greeting and the man nodded at them all. Henry’s home was plain but beautiful. The room we first walked into was a huge living room, with a big fireplace on one side and soft furniture surrounding it. A large, glass chandelier hung from the ceiling, dotted with the gentle flicker of candlelight. Large windows lined the walls, giving us a gorgeous view of the Isle and its port. We gawked at the large room, but Henry smirked at us, “You’re royalty. Aren’t you used to huge houses?”

I shrugged, “Yeah. But this is a more modern home. At the castle, everything is old and you can’t touch anything, otherwise they’ll hang you.”

I looked back at Henry, who’s face had drained of all color. Behind him, Tanner was studying me, trying to see if I was kidding, but my face remained blank.

“Oh. So we call it a castle now.” Serah noted, scowling. She glared at Tanner and Henry, “He’s kidding, you idiots.”

“I didn’t hear the sarcasm.” Henry said coldly, “He’s turning into a male version of you, Serah. I don’t appreciate that.”

Both Serah and I sighed and Henry’s scowl vanished into his regular grin, “Well, anyway. Come see your rooms.”