CHAPTER 47: [47] A SIGNING BONUS

She gestured, and another pirate approached carrying a heavy briefcase. The man set it down beside Moreau’s throne and lifted the lid slowly. The sharp, metallic scent of old money hit her first - that unmistakable mixture of ink, paper, and metal that spoke of wealth changing hands countless times. Inside, stacks of Cori gleamed like captured sunlight, catching the afternoon rays and reflecting them in a hypnotic dance across Moreau’s face, painting her features in a golden glow that made her look almost divine.

Raven’s breath caught painfully in her throat at the sight - six million Cori in one place, more money than she’d seen at one time since the night her family’s home burned to ashes and her world collapsed into smoke and screams. The chest represented nearly a quarter of what she needed to free her sister from that bastard nobleman’s clutches, just sitting there like a golden promise. A quarter of her life’s mission, offered on a silver platter.

"Six million Cori, as promised," Moreau said, her voice caressing each syllable like a lover. "But I find myself in need of a navigator of your talents for a... far grander voyage."

Here it comes.

"The Dawn Sea has been good to me," Moreau continued, trailing her scaled fingers across the edge of the money case in a gesture that was almost sensual. "But I have my sights set on bigger waters. The Great Sea beckons with its treasures and mysteries, and I’ll need someone who can chart a course through those dangerous currents where so many others have perished."

She leaned forward on her makeshift throne, the serpentine embroidery on her coat catching the light as she moved. Her golden eyes locked onto Raven’s with hypnotic intensity, pupils narrowing to slits like a predator that had spotted prey. "Consider this a signing bonus. Join my crew, and that chest is just the beginning of what you’ll earn. With me, you could have everything you’ve ever wanted."

The clamor of the square died, strangled into a sudden, absolute stillness that felt unnatural. Every eye—pirate, merchant, miner, child—was locked on them.

Some looked envious, others fearful. Many of the townsfolk had expressions of naked terror, knowing what crossing the Black Serpent meant. Raven felt the weight of their collective gaze pressing down on her shoulders like physical hands trying to force her to kneel.

Say yes, and I abandon Pierre. Say no, and I probably don’t leave this square alive with all my limbs attached. Damn it, she’s good.

"That’s... generous," Raven said carefully, buying time as she scanned the square for escape routes. The Black Serpent pirates had subtly repositioned themselves, blocking most paths out. "But I already have a crew."

Moreau’s smile sharpened like a knife being drawn. "Do you? From what I understand, your usual arrangements are rather... temporary." The way she emphasized the last word made it clear - she knew about Raven’s history of abandoning ships when they no longer served her purpose.

"They’ve been good to me," Raven said.

"Loyalty," Moreau mused, tapping a scaled finger against her chin. "An admirable quality. In a pet. But consider the practical realities. Your captain may be capable, but he’s one man. I have a fleet. He has a single ship. I have an organization that spans multiple islands."

She rose from the throne as if poured from it, her black coat flowing around her like liquid shadow, the serpent embroidery seeming to writhe in the afternoon light. "I’m offering you a chance to be part of something greater than simple theft and survival. Think of what we could accomplish together—a woman of your talents and a captain of my resources."

The elderly man in the doctor’s coat stepped forward. He carried a leather portfolio bound with gold thread, which he opened. Inside were documents covered in official seals, stamped with insignias Raven recognized.

"Letters of marque," Moreau explained, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial level that somehow still carried across the square. "Recognition from certain... interested parties in the Great Sea. Work with me, and you’ll have legitimacy to go with your skills."

Letters of marque. Raven’s heart skipped a beat. Those weren’t just any documents - they were official permission to operate as a privateer, granted by major powers. That means she has backing from one of the Ten Marquis. Such connections could open doors Raven had never dreamed possible.

This wasn’t just about navigation or even money anymore. Moreau was building something substantial - a power base that could potentially challenge the established order of the seas. The kind of operation that could actually make a difference in the world.

The kind of operation that would have the influence to help her free her sister.

Raven tucked a strand of her red-and-white hair behind her ear, buying precious seconds to think. "I need time to consider," she finally said, meeting Moreau’s golden gaze without flinching.

Moreau’s eyes glittered with amusement, like a cat watching a particularly entertaining mouse. "Of course. Such an important decision shouldn’t be rushed." She gestured to the chest of Cori with one scaled hand. "Take this as a gesture of good faith. Whether you join me or not, our initial business is concluded."

Two pirates stepped forward to lift the chest, their muscles straining under the weight of so much gold. Moreau raised her hand to stop them, the scales catching the light in a hypnotic pattern.

"Actually," she said, her voice dropping to that intimate murmur that somehow felt more threatening than any shout, "there is one small complication we should discuss privately."

She nodded toward a weathered building at the edge of the square - a tavern with amber-paned windows that cast golden light across its worn threshold. The message couldn’t have been clearer: follow me for the real conversation.

Raven glanced around the square one more time, taking in every detail with the precision that had kept her alive for years. The crowd was beginning to disperse now that the spectacle appeared to be over. But she caught sight of several Black Serpent pirates moving with purpose toward the harbor where The Crimson Sparrow was docked. Their hands rested casually on their weapons.

Pierre, I hope you’re ready for whatever’s coming.

"Lead the way," she said, forcing confidence into her voice as she followed the serpent queen toward the amber-lit tavern.

Moreau’s smile was radiant. "Excellent. I do so enjoy working with professionals."