The black ship's guns fired a warning shot, and the sea erupted fifty yards from the launch.
Elias ducked, shielding Lyra with his body as the water crashed over them. The small boat pitched wildly, and for a heart-stopping second, he thought they would capsize. The children screamed—a thin, sharp sound that cut through the roar. Isaac grabbed Nia, pulling her flat. Jesus and Valdez braced against the sides, weapons raised. The crystal key was a hot coal in Elias's hand, pulsing in time with the door inside his chest.
"Elias Vance!" The woman's voice boomed from the black ship's speakers. "I won't ask again. Give me the key, or I'll sink the Endurance with everyone aboard."
Elias looked toward the freighter. It was still a hundred yards away, its engines straining to turn. Admiral Chen'
