Kiva’s ears flicked forward so quickly they nearly disappeared into the fur atop her head. She stared at Selkie for a heartbeat before the corners of her mouth curled into an unmistakably delighted grin. No way!

“Pirates?”

The single word escaped with enough enthusiasm that it almost sounded like she’d forgotten every other part of the conversation. Her tail gave an eager sweep behind her, paws shifting beneath her as she leaned in ever so slightly, amber eyes bright with curiosity.

“Hold on. You’re telling me there are monsters, people getting whisked here from completely different worlds, and pirates?” She gave an incredulous laugh, shaking her head. “This place has a surprisingly high pirate-to-land ratio.”

She studied him for another moment, the amusement softening into something warmer as her posture relaxed. It was strangely comforting to know she wasn’t the only one who’d arrived here completely bewildered. Different circumstances perhaps, but the same impossible outcome.

“So neither of us actually belongs here.” She smiled to herself, giving a small nod before continuing to speak. “That makes me feel a little less ridiculous, honestly.” Her gaze drifted toward the inn before returning to him.

“I’ve never seen a pirate before. At least, not a real one.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Do they actually wear ridiculous hats, or is that just something people make up? And should I be worried about running into one, or are they the sort that mostly keep to themselves until someone has something shiny?”

She paused only long enough for another grin to spread across her muzzle. “Actually, don’t answer that last one yet. I think I like imagining a bunch of terrifying sea raiders stopping in the middle of a robbery because someone insulted the size of their hat.”