An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Nathaniel’s fleet was caught in the deadly stretch of sea and was tossed by raging waves. Gigantic swells slammed onto the deck one after another, and each impact was deafening.

The ship rocked violently, threatening to come apart. Every groan of the wooden deck echoed the impending destruction.

A soldier was swept into the air by a giant wave. He flailed his arms in despair, but the wind swallowed his scream. He plunged into the sea and was swallowed by the whirlpool without much of a splash.

Nathaniel gripped the railing with all his strength. His knuckles turned white, his nails digging deep into the wood.

His bloodshot eyes stayed fixed on the chaos. Seawater mixed with sweat slid down his face and traced the hard line of his jaw.

rope with trembling hands. Fear was

hit. The whirlpool pulled him in, and the rope snapped. His scream ended abruptly as he vanished into the vortex. Nathaniel could only watch in horror. Shock hit him, but he had no time to

tight, everyone! As long as we get through this whirlpool zone, we’ll be fine! “shouted

In just

of the other escort ships wasn’t much better. The soldiers on board were screaming and pulling at

the main ship, with desperation in his eyes. He opened

ripples on the sea surface as if nothing

What had once been an orderly fleet was reduced to a few battered ships. The deck was covered with