After Dark {N. L}

5

˖ ࣪⊹ ⁺₊ ────── ☽₊⁺◯⁺₊☾ ────── ⁺₊ ⊹ ࣪ ˖

Ira understood that Sturmhond did what he did to ensure the Crows' loyalty in the heist. But there was still a heavy distaste towards the privateer. Yet, under the many layers of disdain, there was subtle admiration. Admiration for his brutality, cunning, and charm in getting whatever he wanted.

He tried to manipulate the Crows into thinking that only he could save them. It was infuriating but smart. She would have done the same if she were in his place, although the ways of the wicked never tempted Ira. She abided by morals and believed in earning the best things in life through honesty and loyalty. Whilst Sturmhond stole, killed, and tortured his way through the seas. They were opposites, almost like day and night. But she admired his way of life, for he was so unapologetically himself. Even if this was all just a facade, some of it was real.

'I want you to take shifts on steering.' Sturmhond said.

'What?'

'I said I want you to'

'I heard what you said. But why? I don't have the skills for it.'

'Well, you've been watching me do it for quite some time now. I'm sure you've picked up something. Why don't you give it a try?'

'Sure. Tell me to take you to Ravka and I'll take you to Shu Han.'

He laughed softly at her remark.

'Just wait for me at midnight on the deck. I'll teach you. Don't tell me that you've been under the impression that you'd board my ship and not work on it.'

'Dealing with your dry humor is enough work as it is.'

'Very funny. If I can see correctly, I always see you smile a little more every day at my dry humor.

'I laugh at how bad your jokes are.'

'I'm sure.'

'Ira, have you seen Wylan anywhere?' Inej arrived and asked.

'He's probably in his quarters.'

'He's not there, I checked. Kaz needs him. Go find him.'

Sturmhond noticed that Inej talked less to her sister every day. It was always about business. I guess thieves don't value morals or family.

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The day after Ira brought up her brother, she noticed Inej trying to avoid being alone with her. Ira understood that it really hurt Inej to bring up their brother, so she would avoid conversations altogether to avoid the topic.

That was part of the reason until Ira remembered Kaz's discomfort on the ship. He refused to eat for two days, he isolated himself from everyone, and he looked severely ill. That was the real reason for the distance of her sister.

Why hadn't I realized it before?

Midnight approached quickly as Ira distracted herself with concern for Kaz and work on the ship with Tolya and Jesper. The newly found trio seemed to be unstoppable together when it came to matters of the ship. Ira loved every minute of it, the hard labor, the constant salt encrusted from the water on her skin, and the comfort of the ocean, empty of the human pests on land. In the sea, she had nothing to fear. All of her enemies and fears were far beyond her location, out of sight, out of mind.

Ira climbed the ladder to find that the Captain was already waiting for her by the steer. She silently stepped up to him.

'I'm ready for my lesson.'