Night descended over the ship like a velvet curtain, swallowing the last traces of daylight from the sky.

The deck of the ship shimmered in a luminous blend of silver moonlight and shifting shadows, whilst lanterns swung gently from the riggings, casting golden halos across the crew's faces as they flickered in rhythm with the wind.

The air felt alive with the scent of spiced rum, salted wood, and freshly roasting fish, curling up from the galley and weaving through the lanterns that rang out beneath the stars. The sound of cups clinking and conversations flowing echoed within the deck, as everyone gathered around that night.

Most of them were sprawled on overturned barrels and crates, while others were perched along the railings with their boots swinging above the sea. Overhead, the sky stretched vast and endless, constellations scattered like forgotten treasure across the heavens. The ship continued to rock gently on the water, the winds and waves sounding like a lullaby.

Acheron was the first to stir from his place by the mast. With a crooked grin and the swagger of someone a few drinks past sober, he grabbed a mug in one hand and clapped Atticus on the shoulder with the other hand. The slap was firm but fond.

"Up on your feet," he drawled, his voice thick with rum and nostalgia. "Do you remember? That filthy pirate song we use to belt out in the Damned during the good ol' times? Come on, let's show these sea pups how real pirates actually celebrate on a ship."

Atticus blinked halfway through a drink, clearly sharing a single brain cell with Acheron at the moment– if that. He snorted at first, before rising to his feet with mock elegance. He then swept into a theatrical bow that made half of the crew whistle in encouragement, and Esme, who was sitting next to Althea, Revana and Cora could only watch in pure anticipation.

"Whenever you're ready, Captain Acheron," he said with vigour, hoisting his own drink in the air. "Lead the way."

Esme and the others had already started clapping, and instruments were being played as Acheron and Atticus launched into a song.

---

[Verse]

Through waves that crash and skies that wail

Our ship cuts through the stormy trail

No crown nor gold can break our creed

Together we sail where the wild seas lead

[Chorus]

Raise the flag, let it fly so high

Through the tempest, under the sky

Brothers bound by the salt and spray

Together we sail, come what may

Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh,

Oh-oh-oh-oh,

Woah-oh-oh,

Oh-oh-oh-oh,

Woah-oh-oh-,

Oh-oh-oh-oh

—

Their boots pounded against the wooden plank in sync with the rhythm, a thundering beat that echoed across the ship. They clapped and spun in a dance that was more heart than co-ordination– unpolished but magnetic. It was filled with a kind of charm and reckless joy that only they could inspire. Wherever Atticus and Acheron were, entertainment never failed to follow those two.

The entire crew roared in delight, already swept up in the moment. Althea rose to her feet and took the stage in the middle, dancing to the rhythm while the others cheered her on.Some slammed their mugs against the barrels in time with the beat, and the rest belted the chorus with hoarse voices and wide grins. One by one, more stepped forward, each eager to show off their own clumsy or clever footwork.

The deck soon became a stage, and for a shining, brief moment, all worries were forgotten in the waves.

"Come on," Althea made her way through the laughing crowd until she reached Esme, who was still seated at the edge, watching. With a wide grin, she seized her hand and gently tugged her to her feet. "Dance with us."

Esme barely had time to protest.

The next thing she knew, she was standing at the center of the deck, fully surrounded by music, stomping feet, and the roar of approval from the crew.

Her heart fluttered. Esme couldn't remember the last time she danced. Everyone around her was so good at it, their bodies attuned to the music as if it lived in their bones. She was fascinated from watching them all, and she wondered if it was instinct, or if they were all simply born with rhythm in their blood. They were extraordinary, and that made her hesitate. Suddenly, she felt painfully aware of her own stillness, her own uncertainty.

Before the doubt could root too deep, Althea and Cora descended on her like mischievous fireflies. Laughing, they circled her, clapping their hands and swaying their hips in exaggerated, teasing motions. Althea caught her by the hand and spun her around, sending the hem of Esme's skirt flaring outward like a petal caught in the wind.

Their joy was oh so infectious.

The music thrummed through the deck and into her bones, and with a reluctant giggle, Esme let herself follow their lead. Her smile bloomed– shy at first, then brighter, freer. Cheers erupted around her as she twirled once, then again, her steps tentative but growing bolder with each beat. She gave in to the moment, and for the first time in what felt like ages, she moved without thinking.

It was exhilarating.

Liberating even.

For a heartbeat, Esme didn't feel like a Luna or lady. She was just a girl on a ship, laughing with people that truly mattered under the starry sky. Leonardo, who had been watching and enjoying the show in silence, was also dragged forward by Acheron and Revana.

No one was to be left out.

"I should get Don," Esme whispered to Althea, who nodded in agreement. Of course, they had already tried to invite their ever-dedicated Alpha into joining the festivities, but he had turned them down with the excuse of having other important matters to take care of. Convinced that only Esme can bring him here, Althea gave her an encouraging nudge, and she whispered.

"Drag him out if you have to."

With a soft laugh, Esme slipped away from the glowing warmth of the deck, her footsteps quiet as she made her way through the dim corridors of the ship. The sound of laughter and music grew faint behind her, replaced by the steady creak of wood and the gentle hush of the sea outside.

She reached a secluded room tucked far from the midnight celebration, and just as she suspected, Donovan was inside.

He stood behind a broad table strewn with maps, the lantern light casting golden edges across his features. He wore a loose black shirt with the top laces undone, revealing just a hint of the firm plane of his chest, whilst his dark trousers remained tucked into worn leather boots. A soft breeze from the window stirred his hair, tousling the silver strands slightly over his cheek.

He looked deep in thoughts as he studied the parchment in front of him, but his gaze lifted the moment she walked in. His eyes softened instantly when she approached the other side of the table with eager steps.

"Don," she said, leaning in on the table. "Everyone's currently on deck having some fun. I can still hear the music from here. You need to come join us."

Her voice brimmed with excitement, and for a moment, Donovan simply watched her. He noticed the pretty glow in her cheeks, and the stars in her eyes.

"Oh," he said, a quiet smile curving his lips. "Let me guess, Archer is behind this celebration again?"

"Maybe," her grin widened. "Look, I even learned a new dance step today."

Without warning, she mimicked the steps she'd picked up from Althea and Cora, her movements light and playful in a way that made them hem of her dress sway.

Donovan chuckled at the sight, the sound low and warm. Feeling genuinely entertained, he watched her with a special kind of fondness he didn't bother to hide. Her usual restraint was gone, replaced by something bright and unguarded. She looked utterly herself.

"Impressive," he praised, when she finished with a playful ta-da. A hint of admiration flickered in his gaze as he clapped slowly, then he folded his arms across his chest. "You must have been having the time of your life out there."

"I was," she replied. "And so should you."

The moment he opened his mouth to utter the words she knew he was going to say, she cut him off gently, moving to his side and slipping her fingers into his. "Come. Just for a little while. You'll like it… I promise."

She gave his hand the softest tug, her eyes searching his with a hope that was impossible to deny.

With a defeated sigh, Donovan convinced himself that his work could wait.

He didn't speak, he just let out a slow breath and allowed her to guide him, his fingers tightening around hers as they slipped from the quiet room and into the dim hallway. He had intended to keep his distance for a while due to the mating fever his wolf educated him on, but he was only starting to realize how tough that mission would end up becoming for him.

Step by step, the music grew louder as Esme led him forward, and when they stepped back onto the deck, the transformation was instant.

All eyes turned when Esme emerged– hand in hand with Donovan.

A hush fell for a heartbeat.

It wasn't out of fear, but reverence. The stoic Alpha rarely left his work unfinished, much less stepped into the middle of a meaningless celebration. Yet there he was, impossibly handsome beneath the shifting lanternlight. Beside him stood Esme, her smile radiant. Her fingers were laced with his like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Well, I'll be damned," Revana muttered, elbowing Lothar who stood still beside her. Neither dared say aloud what they were both thinking, but perhaps the punishment wouldn't come after all.

"We've been waiting for you," Acheron stepped forward with a grin. "You've been so caught up with work all day. Give yourself a break and have this." He handed Donovan a mug, which he took without protest.

One of the crew members struck up the chorus again, this time slower, more melodic, as if welcoming him into their rhythm. Esme pulled him forward as the instruments were played again. Her face held no expectations at all—just hope and mischief and warmth. It disarmed him more than he liked to admit.

"Who wants roasted fish?" Someone shouted from the galley.

"Oh! I'll take 'em!'" Esme threw both her hands into the air, and unexpectedly released a burst of blue flames that shot like fireworks into the sky.

Silence fell upon the deck, and Esme immediately hid her hands behind her back as everyone's shocked gaze diverted toward her.

"Oops," she said sheepishly.