Page 83 of The Secrets of Jane: Reborn

I don’t let my mind focus for too long on it, because he’s a man who made his decisions. For better or for worse, it didn’t work for him.

It’s how our world is.

Glancing up, Tempest stands at the ship’s helm, staring at a lighthouse whose burning flames guide her home. A network of weather-worn docks and wharves sprawl outward through the mist, every inch of it owned by this pirate queen.

Being on her ship is a trip I’ll never forget, that’s for sure.

It was quiet, overall, and I did, in fact, partake in many mock sparrings. Soren trained pretty much the majority of the time, grumpily eating his beans to help him maintain his energy and girth.

Dad was enigmatic as always, and I guess that’s the new father I have to get used to. It’s so different from when I was a kid, but it’s honestly not important now. I’m focused solely on what I have to do to destroy everyone who thinks they’ll use me like I’m a puppet.

That miserable cunt of a god seriously thinks he can use my skin, andbreedme like I’m a fucking bitch in heat? The concept is so laughable, it doesn’t even worry me.

Death will be greeted like an old friend if that happens.

My hair gently tugs in the wind, the strands dry and salty; I didn’t braid it much while on this ship, because my arms grow too tired when I have to do it again for the fifth time.Braziers and torches are lit among the sandy shores, pine and palm trees scattering over the land. High up on a cliff’s edge is a giant flag with the outline of a red siren on it—what I’ve been told is the original Jolly Roger. On the dark side of the island, in the morning sun’s shadow, is what looks like a verdant jungle through the haze.

The pirate queen’s personal dock is unmistakable as it comes into view, a stretch of obsidian-black wood extending out into the bay.

Honestly, the primary thing I really notice is that it doesn’t seem overly fortified.

As the crew aligns the ship to glide into the dock, the scent of salt and jungle fills the air, mingling with the faint, acrid smell of burning pitch and sea-soaked wood. The island hums with latent energy, or maybe that’s just the mist.

The Sea Wolf creaks and groans as over a dozen fat ropes are tossed over the edge, landing with loud thuds on the pier as men below use them to wrap around cleats.

Soren stands a few feet away, and Bones peers over to look at me before sauntering closer. He grabs the rails of the boat,leaning down a few times before facing me. “Bet you didn’t expect to be around a bunch of pirates in all this.”

I allow a half-smile. “I’ve had fun on this ship.” I look out at the dock again, noticing a wolf’s head carved out of wood on one of the buildings. “Why is it a wolf, by the way? Sort of random, given the wholeoceanimage.”

“From the way I hear it, Tempest grew up in the Huntswoods. There are a bunch of wolves out there, and sheclaimsthey were her first true friend.” He raises his brow. “Wouldn’t put it past her. She leads like an alpha wolf.”

The people on deck start to move to a long, wooden plank that connects with the pier. Soren waits for me, looking me over before eyeing the island. We traverse this narrow strip of wood, and I struggle slightly with my balance. Once down on the piers, I can’t believe I’m actually dizzy the longer I stand there, like I can’t seem to find the right footing.

“Welcome to Stormbreak” Soren says behind me.

I swear the air smells like saltwater andrum. There’s even singing from somewhere nearby. The place is a mismatched ramshackle that reminds me of the harbor at Skull’s Row, but more tropical.

I turn around when I hear a thumping on the ship, like a low drum coming from the very top, but it has to be the remaining men stomping their feet. Tempest begins her descent, wearing her leather long coat. A solid gold line is painted down her face in contrast against her dark skin. Quite a few pirates begin walking down the shoreline, hollering for her.

Her skull mask is at her hip, the designsodifferent from Soren’s or my dad’s—the forehead is covered entirely in seamless gold, all pointing down to form the same golden line that’s on her face. Shiny gold metal is perfectly painted on her lips, and also a solid, thick line around the eyes. When she gets closer, I can see that there are many ornate patterns, but they’reall black, so the only smooth surface is where the metal cuts through.

Once ashore, she grins at her men. “We drink tonight! I have a feeling a hurricane is coming,” she says grimly. “And if we’re lucky, a god’s coffers are up for pillaging.”

Cheering erupts, many chatting with a camaraderie I donotsee in the streets of home. Tempest strides away as many holler, her boots striking the wooden steps with purpose.

My body is sore from all the training, but I do feel stronger and more capable than before, even if my head still spins. I follow Tempest when I’m guided that way, Dad somewhere behind, along with Donna, Rorge, and his people.

“I think Jane has land legs,” Soren says from behind me, although it’s clear he’s speaking to Tempest when she turns around and I stop, her dark gaze looking me over.

“I’ll have someone bring youleggings.”

“What?”

“It’s what we call the tonic that will help,” she says, pointing at my head, spinning her finger around. “You’re wobbling. It happens to the best of us. It’s hard transitioning from the motion of the ship to something stagnant. A shot of that will clear it up for you.”

Without skipping a beat, she smoothly faces ahead again, guiding us through and away from the wharf. The salty tang of the air mingles with the richer, earthier scent of damp wood and the faint smokiness of torches burning in iron sconces once we’re further inland. It’s so humid, too, and I quickly miss the breeze that would frequent the deck.

To one side, a group of pirates huddle around a weathered table beneath an overhang, their laughter loud as they toss dice and slap down coins with calloused hands, all pausing to silence and lower their heads as Tempest passes. A parrot perched onthe shoulder of one squawks something unintelligible and seems to mimic them, too.