“I’ll get them out and come back. I promise.”"On your word as...

“I’ll get them out and come back. I promise.”

"On your word as a cutthroat and a pirate?"

He touched my cheek once, briefly. “Privateer.”

Another explosion rocked the grounds.

"Let’s go!" shouted Mal.

As we sprinted into the tunnel, I glanced back and saw Nikolai silhouetted against the purple twilight. I wondered if I’d ever see him again.”