Another shudder rolled through the ship, pitching the floor beneath them. A crack echoed from somewhere deep below, water forcing its way into the belly of the vessel. The air filled with the smell of oil and salt.
Elias crouched beside Callen, gripping his shoulder. “You’ve survived this long. You’re not dying here. We hold until they come.” Callen’s eyes welled with tears, but he nodded weakly. The freighter moaned and leaned further toward the rocks, as if surrendering to the sea.