Prologue
So this was the end, she thought, watching the flame's light flicker against the cave walls as they wrapped the rope tight around her neck. The great Pirate King would see her fate on land, trapped in a place that was neither of the living or the dead. Her captor's faces blurred in front of her, speaking in a language that wove itself softly through the air, a continual chant that seemed to freeze her muscles and voice, but not her fear.
She heard Gibbs wheezing somewhere in the background, the only indication of life in this God awful place – Jack went quiet hours ago. But she still felt him, solid and warm, at her back, the two of the them tied together with the rope that would eventually dangle their feet in the air. There was still so much to say, though, and she began to panic at all the loose ends that were strewn everywhere in her life. She still needed his forgiveness, to earn his trust, and to have him realize that she... that she had regrets.
But none of that seemed to matter now as she felt herself moving, Jack along with her. They were being pushed towards the fire, ropes being tied to the beams on the ceiling. They would burn, she realized, eyes wide. Their punishment for this adventure, and for the truth they discovered, would have them dancing above those flames. Was it worth it?, she no longer knew. But then she felt him, Jack's fingers slowly weaving with hers until he held on tightly.
At least they would burn together.
It'll make more sense eventually, I swear!