Dahlia was the first to rise from the water.
She placed one hand on the wet rock and pulled herself up quietly.
Clara followed right after, pushing her soaked hair back and crouching low.
Eliza surfaced last, silent as always, and climbed up without making a sound.
The pirate base stood ahead of them, built against the cliffs.
Wooden platforms connected small towers, and torches burned near the main hall.
A few guards were walking lazily along the outer path.
Clara peeked over the edge of the rock. "So this is the pirate base, huh?"
Dahlia narrowed her eyes, scanning the layout carefully.
"And there's a Draconia inside," she said calmly.
Eliza nodded once. "I heard them talking a week ago. They mentioned 'Young Master Darrell.'"
Dahlia's expression didn't change, but her gaze sharpened. "Darrell…"
Clara glanced at her. "You know him?"
Dahlia gave a faint smirk. "Of course, but I didn't think he would be here. This will be interesting."
