The gunshot rang in my ears, its echo striking our hearts with dread. Following it, was an unforgiving silence that hung heavily in the air. If death had a song, this would be it. The faces of those gathered closely around me were a mirror to mine–choked with fear.
Taking the lives of others was akin to business for the pirates. In their trade, anyone and everyone could be sacrificed. There was no need for mercy, and no room for hesitation. These people—if they could still be called that—had long since found that the quickest way to a solution was the simple pull of a trigger.
"Wait a second!" I stepped forward with my hands held high. If surrendering would keep us alive, I would do just that.
"Haha! As expected! Everyone is a coward when faced with death’s scythe!" Francis glared at m
