In her mind, Caledonia tracked them still. She let the sea unfurl in her mind, and on it she placed Sledge and those who had sailed with him—Harwell, Ares, Pine, and so many others she cared for and trusted. They would reach the Bone Mouth by dawn tomorrow and with any luck, they’d lure Lir’s fleet out.

As soon as Sledge’s fleet was out of sight, it was time to ready her own ships. She found Pisces waiting for her at the northern end of the docks, and together they approached the Luminous Wake.

Her crew ringed the deck, each one of them steel-hearted and ready to go. Caledonia stopped to take it all in, letting her eyes trace every line and every face. Among them she spotted Cepheus, her skin still blanched and her cheeks burning pink. Caledonia paused to give her sister an expectant look.

“She wanted to come.” Pisces answered the unspoken question. “I think she deserves to be here.”

“You’re sure she’s ready?” Caledonia asked.

“I’m sure.” Pisces took Caledonia’s hand in her own, squeezing lightly. “Your crew is ready, Captain.”

“One last time,” Caledonia said softly, squeezing back.

The instant she left the gangway, Tin’s voice shouted, “Captain on deck!” and as one the crew stomped their feet, creating a thunderous clap.

The force of it rumbled through Caledonia’s body. She paused, Pisces at her side and Oran close behind, and looked over each of their faces. They’d all changed in the past ten-moon. The midmorning sun washed them in glorious shades of gold and pink, making them stand out against the vibrant blue sky. They watched Caledonia intently and with a kind of confidence that surprised her.

“We have never fought a fight like this one,” Caledonia said, letting her steps carry her to the middle of the main deck. “But there has never been a crew like ours.”

As she spoke, she felt the bone-deep truth of her words. This crew might have come together because they feared the same things, but they’d stayed together because they trusted one another. And that was something Lir could not destroy.

“The Mors Navis was once our home,” she called. “She protected us and served us well, and if we have the opportunity to win her back, we’ll take it.”

Watching the Mors Navis sail from this very harbor only days before had been salt in an old wound. Knowing that they might see her again in the coming fight was something they needed to be ready for.

“But if she is used against us, I expect no hesitation! Fire on her as you would any Bullet ship and give her the kind of end she deserves!”

Her crew roared, angry and determined.

“We fight together!” she shouted, and the response was instantaneous and fearlessly loud.

“Or not at all!”