Chapter 148 Victory at the cost of sacrifices

"We did it," Lucian said, his voice gruff with emotion. He rested on the oars, his eyes searching hers. Jane nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "We did it. But at a cost." Her gaze drifted back to the burning fort, a silent tribute to Redbeard's sacrifice. Hyacinth, perched on the bowsprit, her hair illuminated by the moon, let out a shaky sigh. "Redbeard… he was a good man." "He was," Jane agreed, her voice thick with emotion. "But his bravery saved countless lives tonight. We'll never forget him." As dawn painted the horizon with streaks of pink and orange, they sailed away from the smoldering remains of Blackheart's fort. The escaped slaves huddled together on the deck, whispering amongst themselves, their faces a mixture of fear and hope for the unknown future that awaited them. Jane stood beside Lucian, her hand resting lightly on his arm. The fire and chaos of the night had forged a new bond between them, a shared experience that transcended mere words. "Where to now?" L