**Chapter 28: Tides of Chaos**

As Scorch and Eira peered over the side of the ship, they watched in suspense as the three men tumbled into the water. The sea churned and foamed, making it difficult to see what was happening below the surface. But then, slowly, the three men began to emerge from the depths, their heads breaking the surface as they struggled to stay afloat. The captain was flailing wildly, but Valoric and Finnley had managed to grab hold of him, their arms wrapped tightly around his torso as they kicked their legs to keep themselves buoyant. Scorch and Eira exchanged a relieved glance, and then Scorch spread her wings, preparing to dive into the water to help her friends. But before she could take the plunge, a rope came sailing through the air, landing with a splash in the water nearby. Eira quickly looped the rope around Valoric and Finnley's waists, pulling them - and the captain - back towards the ship. The two men grunted with effort as they dragged the captain, who was still struggling and kicking, back towards the deck. As they were hauled over the side, the three men tumbled onto the deck, gasping for breath. The captain was still trying to struggle free, but Valoric and Finnley quickly managed to subdue him, pinning him to the deck. Scorch and Eira rushed to help them, and together they managed to secure the captain's wrists and ankles with rope. As they worked, Valoric and Finnley stood up, their armor and clothes soaked through with seawater. Without thinking, they began to peel off their armor and shirts, wringing out the water and letting out great gasps of relief as they shed their sodden garments. Scorch and Eira couldn't help but stare as the two men revealed their strong, muscular bodies, their chests heaving with exertion as they breathed in great draughts of air. Valoric's broad shoulders and powerful torso were evident even under his normal clothes, but without his armor, he looked almost intimidating. Finnley's leaner physique was honed from years of climbing and acrobatics, his muscles rippling beneath his skin as he moved. The two women exchanged a glance, both of them feeling a flutter in their chests as they took in the sight of the two men. Scorch's eyes lingered on Valoric's broad chest, while Eira couldn't help but notice Finnley's sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes. The captain, still pinned to the deck, looked up at the scene with a snarl of disgust. "You think you're so brave, don't you?" he spat, but his words were lost in the sound of Valoric and Finnley's laughter as they shook off the seawater, their bare chests glistening in the sunlight.