MAYA

After another minute, Silas stepped forward again. His hand settled over mine as he reclaimed the wheel. "We'll stop here.”

The yacht gradually slowed until the steady vibration beneath our feet faded away. A peaceful silence settled around us, broken only by the gentle rhythm of the waves brushing against the side.

I wandered toward the very front of the deck, drawn by the endless stretch of dark water ahead, and rested both hands on the cool railing.

"This is..." I breathed in before shaking my head. "I don't even have the words.”

A moment later, familiar footsteps sounded behind me.

Silas came to stand beside me, resting his...