Three rules for surviving aboard The Black Wraith: Rule 1: Never dare to challenge the wicked captain. Rule 2: Never reveal your secret magical powers. Rule 3: Absolutely don't fall in love with the mysterious, unfairly attractive first mate . . .

Kaspar: How in the world did I end up in the cargo hold of the most notorious pirate ship ever? Holy phoenix tails, I'm in trouble. Running from the law is bad enough, but now I'm terrified of the scary pirate captain and his petrifying crew. One wrong move, and I'm sea serpent bait. I'm not sure I can find my place among this crew of cunning pirates. But then there's him—Maximus Blackwood. The first mate, known as The Reaper to all others, pulls me in with his sad eyes, his hidden kindness, and those rare smiles he saves only for me. Between battles and secret meetings in the crow's nest, something undeniable grows between us. I should keep away. But when he looks at me like I'm the freedom he's been searching for, how can I possibly resist?

Maximus: I found him in the cargo hold. Pale skin, freckles, and a defiance that outweighed his fear. For years, I've kept The Black Wraith's aeronauts in line, my reputation as The Reaper ensuring our survival. I don't have time for distractions—especially not stowaways with secrets and an irritating talent for seeing through me. Kaspar Ward is trouble personified. He doesn't belong in our world of air battles and plunder, asking questions, watching me with those perceptive, pretty green eyes. Now I find myself teaching him how to survive Captain Van Jagger's brutal command while fighting my own battle—keeping my growing fascination with him hidden from a crew that shows no mercy to weakness.