The morning fog clung to the sea like a shroud when Paul finally spoke.
Paul folded his arms. "Rescuing you wasn't charity. A man falls from the sky, we pull him out, we expect payment. One million berries."
I blinked slowly. "I don't have that."
Nezuka tilted her head, lips curving. "Broke already? Falling from heaven doesn't come with pocket money?"
Rinnegan tapped his sword hilt. "Maybe he is worth something. Sell him?"
Ayesha stepped in sharply. "He's not cargo."
Paul didn't waver. "Debt is debt. One million."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Just drop me at the next town."
Kami raised a brow. "And magically you'll pull a million out of thin air?"
Nezuka leaned in, eyes shining with suspicion. "You said you have no money. So where does this sudden confidence come from?"
I stared at the ocean rather than them. "I'll pay. That's enough."
Paul's voice hardened. "If you can't answer how, I assume you're lying."
"I'm not lying." I met his gaze calmly. "I'll give you the money. Don't ask why. Don't ask how."
The deck fell silent.
Nezuka whispered, "He's hiding something big."
Rinnegan added, "Or someone."
Paul studied me for a long, heavy moment. "Fine. Next town. You pay us there. But if you try to run—"
"I won't run," I said.
A thin smile touched my lips.
They didn't know it, but I never run from danger.
I walk toward it.