“Oh somewhere in the Southern Caribbean,”

Prologue

You and Me and The Devil makes Three

The waters always looked more beautiful at night with the moon’s reflection. The waxing moon cast an ethereal sheen upon the still, inky waters of the secluded cove.

Ramsey Carver watched the waves, his weather-beaten hand trembling as he reached out to Selah, his partner in every adventure. Her emerald eyes reflected the moonlight, filled with the same roguish spark that had first won his heart years ago. Memories washed over him—the playful banter and the fierce loyalty that had melted the icy wall around his heart.

“I reckon we’ve still got plenty of adventures left in us,” Ramsey rasped with a half-smile. He felt a strange sense of gratitude for the life they led.

The salty spray of churning waves lashed against the Greyhound as she sliced through the azure Caribbean waters. In the captain’s quarters, Ramsey paced, ghosts of past battles flickering in his mind.

“For salt’s sake, Carver, that pacing will be the death of me,” a gruff voice sliced through his thoughts. Selah Calloway, his wife and fearsome quartermaster, sat up on the bunk, dressed for the day’s journey. She watched him with a mixture of annoyance and tenderness.

“Ain’t nothing to worry about, lass,” Ramsey deflected, though he couldn’t help but smile at her fierce spirit. She was the most formidable woman he knew, and the only one who truly understood him.

Suddenly, a heavy knocking startled them. Levi, the ship’s mysterious and gifted cabin boy, burst in. “I knew this place felt a bit gloomy,” he smirked, leaning against the wall.

“Levi, one day you’ll learn to knock,” Selah retorted, adjusting her gear. The two traded lighthearted barbs, a common occurrence on the ship. Despite the constant bickering, Ramsey knew Levi’s unique talents were a vital part of their crew.

“Ship’s due to make berth ere sundown,” Selah announced, buckling her leather belt and grabbing her cutlass. “Best we plan our next move.”

The Relentless cut across the turquoise waves toward Port Royal. On deck, the trio prepared for the coming challenges. When a rival ship appeared on the horizon, Ramsey’s eyes narrowed.

“Ready the cannons!” he roared. Chaos erupted as the crew scurried into action. Levi shimmered into existence beside him, a grin on his face. “Finally, some action!”

The ships closed in, hulls creaking. Cannons thundered, and the battle began. Ramsey steered his ship in for the final approach, locking eyes with Selah across the deck. “To arms!”

They boarded the vessel, a whirlwind of steel and spray. Selah led the charge, her blade flashing in the sun. Levi moved through the fray with uncanny speed, his magic aiding their victory. Amidst the smoke, Selah headed below deck to find those who needed rescue.

The air was heavy with the scent of old wood and salt. Pushing through the shadows, she saw movement in a dark corner. Someone was there, hidden and waiting. Selah stepped closer, her hand ready on her cutlass, determined to bring another soul back to the light of the Caribbean sun.