Mason held his breath as his heart rate shot sky-high. He pressed Ilona as far into the corner as he could get her and tried to hold very still. With his eyes smashed closed, he sent up silent prayers to anyone who would answer. Please let them stay safe.
It was as if time stood still. Everyone on the ship stayed silent. Some had their eyes closed, but others kept theirs wide open, wanting to see death first if it was coming for them. They barely breathed.
A loud thud came from the deck above, followed by the groaning and creaking of the boards as they bowed under the weight of the beast. It stalked over the ship in search of prey. Down below, the pirates hid away and pleaded with whatever god they worshipped that they might be saved.
