“I don’t trust you, you scurvy dog.” I glared at the brass instrument held out in his hand. “You want that open? Here are my conditions. No one else dies here. Not that little girl or her mother. Not Priest or Ashley. Take me with you. When we weigh anchor, I want visual proof that Priest and Ashley are still alive. Then I’ll need some time to unlock the puzzle. Once I do, you can take the map without showing it to me and put me ashore on any island you please.”

The last part wouldn’t come to fruition. Madwulf would kill me to ensure I never tried to reclaim my father’s spoils.

“How long will it take to open?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I have a lot of combinations in my head.” I quickly explained to him how I’d only just learned the details about the use of a key and a list of instructions.

“You’re certain you can unlock it?”

“I swear it.” I set my forehead upon his thigh and held it there, knowing the submissive gesture would move him.

He rose, pulling me to stand with him. “Let’s weigh, laddies!”

With his hand on my arm, I stumbled after him, trying to keep up with his gait. The beach lay barren around us, all the farmers and fishermen either hiding in their dwellings or dead.

As we passed the palm-tree, the vibrations of gagged, wrathful shouting from Priest and Ashley tightened my insides. I sucked in a breath and bolted, erasing the distance between us in three long strides.

Footsteps gave chase, but I made it to the tree and crashed onto Priest’s lap, landing ungracefully with my arms bound.

“The bird island,” I whispered in a panic. “Find me there.”

Arms wrenched me away, and a hand grabbed my throat, choking me.

“What did you say to him?” Madwulf put his face in mine, seething.

“I forgive you.” I twisted my neck, locking onto Priest’s blazing silver eyes. “All my resentment and scorn… Honest to God, Priest, it’s gone. I love you.” I turned my gaze to Ashley, shivering at the cold, hard anger icing his expression. “I love you both.”

“That’s enough.” Madwulf laughed and shook his head. “Let’s go before I shed a tear.”

The force of rage and unholy violence wafting from Priest and Ashley caught my chest on fire. My gaze didn’t stray from them as Madwulf hauled me away. I would see them again. I had to believe that.

If they traveled by horseback, they would reach Harbour Island within two or three days.

If Jade was still anchored there after a month of waiting, they would have a ship to hunt me down.