Overview

From escaping an arranged marriage to working with pirates – how much wilder can Lydia's life possibly get?

Great Rexone won't stop until they've conquered the Known Isles. Lydia's father – arguably the nation's most respected admiral – is determined to be on top when that happens, even if it includes marrying off his daughter against her will.

The next thing Lydia knows, she's sneaking onto a ship to return home, striking a deal with the feared pirates known as The Night Spirits to pay her way back. Luckily their second in command, Laufitu, seems to endorse her bargain. And it doesn't take long before she and Lydia start exchanging more than knowledge of the Known Isles.

Falling in love with a pirate was never on Lydia's agenda. Neither was aiding them in stealing from her father’s friends and enemies. By the time they make sense of their growing connection, tragedy strikes, forcing Lydia to make a tough decision.

But nothing could've prepared her for the true reason behind their piracy and what that means for Lydia’s way of life.

CONTENT WARNING: This story talks about colonization and the violence it inspires.

Trigger warnings:

-Racism: the local islanders were displaced by the nations Great Rexone and Patriano. They often refer to the locals with disdain.

-Slavery: there is mention of slavery

-Violence: there are a few scenes where violence is committed against Lydia, mostly from her father. There is mention of violent paintings from a conquest in one of the officer’s homes.

-Reparations: a major point of this story focuses on reclaiming stolen artifacts and reparations

-Death: Lydia’s mother is dead, and there is some discussion in the first chapter on how she died. It’s brief.

While this story was written with sensitivity consultants and readers, that does not mean it is without fault. Please reach out to the author if you have any specific questions or concerns.