_Author’s POV_
The pirates scoffed, deeming the request impossible. Calden’s audacity to threaten them in such a perilous situation angered the pirates, who had been seasoned criminals for years.
Zarelle, her eyes filled with determination, looked at the pirates with a cold glare. “We’ve already told you. If you let us go, we’ll give you money,” she reiterated firmly.
The pirates grew angrier, unwilling to entertain their demands. Calden, still holding the gun against the captive’s head, spoke in a low, gravelly voice, “You must have heard about The Elysian Jewel by now. We were aboard that ship, which tells you we have money. There are folks looking for us. We don’t want any conflict with you. If you’re willing to let us go, you’ll be handsomely rewarded.”
The pirates just s
