“Does it matter? Even if it is, we need to get in there.” He helped me up with him. My boots balanced on the limb, steadied by my hold on the one above me. “Why don’t you let me go in first to see what we’re dealing with. Then I’ll signal when I’ve cleared the room for you to follow?”

“No,” I hissed. “I’m a captain, same as you. Don’t treat me like a helpless damsel.”

“Why are you so difficult?” he snarled.

I smirked. “Funny. I was thinking the same about you.”

“Fine. We go together. But I lead, and that’s final.”

He snaked around me. Our bodies pressed together for a moment as he bestrode my legs to position himself closest to the window. He pushed it open wide enough to fit his broad shoulders and peered in. After a span of two breaths, he signaled me to move forward.

I landed like a pouncing cat on a plush rug in a silent, simple room. The walls, pillars, and even the child-sized bed were made of bone. Ruthless pirate captain or not, my heart lurched at the thought of a tiny Rylander curled in the macabre frame, innocently sleeping on the remains of sailors slain by his kin. Wooden toys were scattered about, as if he’d only just left and would return any moment. It was like a memorial, left to languish since he’d escaped.

I was glad to leave it behind. One step out into the hallway, though, and a hard blur smacked my nose, which spewed coppering blood into my mouth. I blinked bleary eyes and saw the siren’s spear shaft withdraw to ready for a thrust with the deadly tip. Before I could recover, Rylander slammed the siren into the wall by her throat, sending cracks splintering through the bone mortar. She yelped, dropping her weapon as she swung her fist at Rylander. He ducked, catching her upper body at his shoulder and flipping her flat on her back. He spun, unsheathed his bronze dagger, and drove the blade into her heart.

A piercing roar down the hall announced two more charging sirens. I bumped Rylander with my hip. “Move over and let me fight.” I spat blood and wiped my tender nose with my forearm.

Rylander stepped to the side and flashed his signature smile. His dimple winked. “Want to get in on the fun?”

I returned the grin. “Always.”

He kicked the first guard’s chest, sending her flying into the other, but she’d already launched her spear. We darted apart, and the weapon hit the wall, causing more fractures.

Rylander pointed to the door on our left. “That’s my mother’s bedroom. You think you can…”

I saw the pain encased behind his sparkling silver eyes. He needed me to do this.

“Yes. I’ll check.”

He looked at the charging sirens, then back at me.