"Well, looks like we will be going home empty-handed," Alex exhaled, his disappointment hardening into anger. "Thanks for your effort, though. I owe you for this." He gave Zahra's shoulder a light tap as he turned away.
"We are not going home empty-handed," Zahra replied, her voice calm, but an edge cut through it. "Not after coming this far. Let's discuss this with hot tea."
"WHAT… what's there to discuss?" Tygrik's voice broke into a shrill cry. His face had gone pale as a corpse, panic painted across every line. "Young Lady, I'm leaving this sea."
The panic drained from his expression in a heartbeat, replaced by cold determination. "If you wish for a ride back to land, you are welcome aboard. If not, you're welcome to make your own way."
"You are welcome to do as you please," Zahra answered, her tone dismissive, not even looking at him as she turned. Without another word, she strode toward their resting cabin.
