**Chapter 15**
The ships throbbed with life as the crews hurriedly dismantled the rope bridges and floating rowboat docks that had served them during their recent stay outside the deserted island. Sailors bustled about, their voices mingling with the clang of metal and the crisp sound of sails flapping in the salty breeze. Ropes were coiled and stowed, while the scent of tar and seaweed filled the air, reminding everyone of the adventures yet to come.
Catarina stood at the edge of the deck, her brow furrowed in concentration as she calculated their provisions. She called over to Roxy and Petros, her voice slicing through the chaos. “We’ve only got about two weeks' worth of rations left. We need to dock and resupply before our next venture.”
Roxy, wrenching a heavy crate into position, n
