My eyes still felt heavy once I opened them. I sighed, hoping I hadn't slept for ten years... Wouldn't that be horrible? I blinked fast as my vision gradually returned to normal. My head was still spinning and I couldn't stop thinking about my mother. Was that a nightmare, or the woman who was supposed to love me tried to set me on fire? Even though I wanted to believe I'd hallucinated, I knew it was real. My heart pounded as I thought of my friends and allies. What if my mom had killed them? Despite my concern, I smiled while remembering Miguel running through the fire to rescue me... That was crazy! He could've gotten burned... Anyway, my mind was going insane. I never expected the first time I'd meet my mother would be so tragic. At least I'd woken up on Rosa's couch. Gálvez had probably taken me there while I was passed out.

Miguel approached me, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm recovering," I chuckled softly. "Since you're here, I can't be in hell."

Gálvez smiled, "A queen can never go to hell."

"I... I appreciate you saying that," I cleared my throat while praying I hadn't blushed. "Thank you for saving my life. I'll never forget it."

"I'll do it all over again if I have to," he sighed pronouncedly. "You're very important to me."

I decreased my tone of voice, "So are you..."

Stop it, Eva! Don't let your emotions take control!

My smile faded as I observed Miguel's legs and right arm. They were red and swollen. The last thing I wanted was for one of my best friends to get hurt, but the injuries couldn't be avoided. I wanted to cry... Don't judge me! I hated seeing my friends hurt.

"Did you ask someone to take care of those burns?" I touched Gálvez's injured arm. "Also, is everyone alright?"

"My mom did that already. She'll fix my torn clothes later," Miguel glanced at the wall briefly. "Everybody survived."

I sighed in relief, "Great! Even Francis?"

He nodded, "Claro que sí. Maartje saved him."

I grinned so much that I thought my cheeks would hurt. If my friends were alive and well, nothing else mattered. Although I wanted to give my mom a chance, I'd never forget she almost killed my family. Carolien was crazy, but she was still my mom. Maybe she had some good in her... or not.

"You have flour on your face," I laughed while removing the white powder from Miguel's cheeks. "What have you been doing?"

Gálvez smiled mysteriously, "Fulfilling a promise."

Everything became clear as the irresistible meat smell became stronger... How could Miguel be so awesome? That was unbelievable! Sometimes I wondered if he wasn't from another world... Well, the answer could be yes since we were from different countries.

I chuckled, "I can't believe you remembered!"

"I thought you'd like a tasty surprise once you woke up," Miguel took a step closer to the kitchen. "I've baked some empanadas and my mom is preparing sangría."

Before I could say anything, my girls came running and giggling. Their hands, face, and clothes were full of flour... Guess who'd have to deal with that mess? Not me! My headache wouldn't go away, so I deserved the rest.

Luna threw the white powder at Miguel, "You've been floured!"

Tess spread the flour everywhere by clapping, "This is war!"

Gálvez laughed while observing our daughters. I turned to him as the girls left. Miguel glanced away as if he'd guessed what I was about to say.

"You're cleaning the girls," I raised my brows. "I won't let you escape this time."

"I believe you," he nodded. "My empanadas should be ready, so I'll be right back."

I smiled, "Don't tell Maartje and Laurens, but you're my favorite person."

Gálvez winked, "It'll be our secret."

After Miguel went to the kitchen, Rosa brought a jar full of wine mixed with pieces of orange and lemon. She poured some for us.

"I'm glad you're well, cariño. Here's to you!" Miguel's mom grinned while raising her glass. "Salud."

I chuckled, "Salud."

"Great pronunciation! I hope you enjoy the drink," Rosa took a sip of her sangría after we clinked glasses. "I'd do anything to make my son's amada happy."

What does that word mean?

Before I could say anything, Rosa went to the kitchen. The beverage was wonderful and I hoped to have it again someday. My eyes gleamed once Maartje and Laurens approached. Francis licked my face nonstop. Even though I loved my dog, I wrinkled my nose... How could his kisses be so sticky? They were gross but still awesome. Miguel put a huge tray of empanadas on the table.

Laurens hugged me, "I thought we'd lost you, Storm!"

"This isn't the best time, but I must say it..." my cousin took a deep breath. "Mrs. Campbell is your mother. Her name is Carolien de Vries."

"She told me before trying to turn me into barbecue," I forced a smile. "Very typical of a mother."

"That woman is your mom?! Dios mío..." Miguel gawked. "Why does she hate us?"

I stared at my toes, "Mom believes Hendrika killed me and that I stole the real Eva's identity."

"Aunt Carolien said that to me as well," Maartje rubbed her forehead. "It also seems my father did something bad, but she burst into tears before giving details."

"Carolien mentioned Ruben left her alone in Amsterdam. Maybe that's why she made the SHA kill him..." Laurens tried an empanada and smiled at Miguel. "How can this be so good? I'm replacing our cook with you!"

At least this night isn't completely bad...

Gálvez chuckled, seemingly flattered. Francis wouldn't stop barking as if he wanted me to try the food. Once I bit the crescent-shaped turnover, my eyes widened... If angels ate, that was their food. The meat, the dough, the seasoning... Everything was perfect! An empanada wouldn't solve my problems, but at least it made me smile. Sometimes, all we need is good food.

"How long have you been hiding this talent, Miguel? Your empanadas are amazing!" my lips curled into a broad grin. "If you cook to my mother, maybe she'll start liking us."

Maartje tasted an empanada, "If this can't make my crazy aunt smile, nothing else can."

"I'm glad you admire my cooking skills, but they won't help," Miguel rubbed his chin. "We must find a way to prove Eva is Carolien's daughter."

"That won't be easy," I shook my head in denial. "She literally tried to set me on fire."

Rosa came back with more sangría and poured some for us. I recalled the fire while drinking... Only God knew how Carolien would believe I was her kid! The lady was so determined to kill me that I doubted she'd see reason.

"I'll make more sangría, niños. There are people in the backyard with Nuria and the other guys," Miguel's mother pointed at the back door. "I'm sure they'll want a drink."

My eyes bulged, "Do they wear blue coats?"

She sighed, "No, but they want to see you."

"It must be our crew!" Laurens grinned. "I told everyone we'd be here."

I smiled excitedly, "Let's talk to them!"

Miguel and Rosa helped me get up. Although I still felt dizzy, I could walk. Laurens, Maartje, Miguel, and Francis followed me to the backyard. Rosa stayed inside with the kids. My chest felt warmer as my people cheered and screamed my name. Every Ocean Storm crewmember was there... Unbelievable! Nuria, Giacomo, Andrew, and Joaquim were near some bushes, seemingly happy to see me.

"Thank you for coming, my wonderful crew!" my eyes gleamed. "Now that Laurens and Maartje returned, they'll be quartermaster and boatswain again, respectively."

Ashton cleared his throat, "I'm fine with de Vries as boatswain, but I don't want Gálvez to leave the quartermaster position."

A female crewmember crossed her arms, "I'm with our navigator. Even though Dixon's great, Gálvez's better."

Awesome! My plan to stop thinking about Miguel by spending less time with him is about to be ruined!

I gulped as more people agreed. Laurens remained still, apparently unaffected. Francis barked nonstop... Yeah, my dog didn't feel my concern. Although I wanted to deny it, my feelings for Gálvez could get stronger if we continued leading Ocean Storm together. I was determined to be just friends with him. One heartbreak was more than enough. Dirk had done an excellent job in making me dread another relationship.

"Time for a vote," I raised a brow. "Who would you like as quartermaster? Gálvez or Dixon?"

Kenneth took a step forward, "I'm thankful for everything Dixon did for us, but definitely Gálvez."

A male crewmember glanced at me, "You and Gálvez work amazingly well together. Besides, we're richer than ever. I vote Miguel Gálvez for quartermaster!"

Why's life doing this to me? I had the perfect strategy to forget about him!

My back wouldn't stop sweating as my crew kept voting for Miguel... Guess what? I wouldn't be able to avoid him! After almost kissing Gálvez at Atkins' house, I had to find a way to like him less... and working together wasn't the best idea. My heart raced as I thought of having Miguel as my quartermaster permanently... The stupid emotions started taking me over! How great was that? I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to make it stop.

"It's been decided! Gálvez is the new quartermaster," I wanted to punch myself in the face for smiling. "Since Jacques left us a few days ago, Dixon will be our master gunner."

My crew clapped and celebrated. Even though I couldn't say it out loud, I was excited to keep working with Miguel. I swallowed hard as Laurens walked closer to the Spaniard... Trouble was about to start!

Laurens smiled, "Congratulations, my friend! I'm proud of you!"

Nuria grinned at my cousin, "If Eva and Miguel plunder as efficiently as they make babies, you'll be the wealthiest pirates in the world!"

Maartje laughed loudly, "We'll be richer than the king of England!"

I should've never let Maartje and Nuria meet...

Miguel chuckled and glanced at the ground, seemingly embarrassed. I looked away, wanting to stick my head in a hole and disappear... Is your family like mine? If yes, good luck! I thought my cheeks would catch fire since they were redder than ever.

I cleared my throat while turning to Laurens, "Aren't you angry? Not even a little bit?"

"Why would I be? I love the gun deck and Miguel deserves the position," my former quartermaster turned to the crew. "Let's drink to celebrate Captain Storm's recovery!"

My crewmembers entered Rosa's house. Poor lady... She'd have to make endless sangrías! Miguel's empanadas probably wouldn't be enough for everyone as well. I told Nuria, Giacomo, Joaquim, and Andrew what happened in Atkins' house as we ate and drank. I also mentioned Mrs. Campbell's true identity. Despite knowing my mom, Knight seemed surprised by her attitude. I caressed my dog's head as he walked closer.

I turned to Francis, "At least you don't have an insane mother, buddy."

"Atkins will be furious once he finds out about the fire," Andrew bit his lower lip sharply. "I hope my objects weren't destroyed."

Maartje removed a massive necklace from her vest, "Is this your jewel?"

When Knight tried to reach for it, I turned to Maartje and shook my head. She put the treasure back in her vest. He frowned as if about to punch me in the face. Joaquim laughed, apparently glad that Andrew didn't get what he wanted.

"Not so fast, mate! This isn't a charity," I grinned mischievously and crossed my arms. "We're keeping the jewel until there's no more SHA."

Andrew huffed, "This doesn't make me happy, but I should've seen it coming."

Miguel turned to the admiral, "We need something valioso to keep you helping us. It's only fair."

"As much as I'd love to keep watching Andrew's misery, you should check on Giacomo," Faria pointed at Ricci. "He's about to freak out."

My eyes bulged since Giacomo stared at the table without blinking. I'd almost forgotten about him... How long had Ricci been like that? What was he thinking about? I took a deep breath, hoping it wasn't something terrible... Francis whined, apparently sorry for the Tuscan captain.

Nuria chewed an empanada, "Are you alright, hermoso?"

"I'm just... I..." Giacomo gulped. "Eva, how was your mom called again?"

I tilted my head to the side, "Carolien de Vries. Why?"

Ricci gawked and rubbed his forehead... I walked closer, ready to catch him if he fainted. Maartje scowled, but I couldn't tell if she was angry or worried. Nuria caressed her husband's back, trying to calm him down.

"Non posso crederci..." Giacomo's eyes bulged. "That's my mother's name!"

Is this real? Did I drink too much sangría?

I froze as if I'd forgotten how to breathe. Everyone turned to me, which made my hands sweat insanely. Giacomo was lying... He had to be! There was no way that absurdity could be true. Gaping, I thought my head would explode. Ricci had made that up... Who am I kidding? He probably didn't! If Giacomo hadn't been honest, he wouldn't have acted that way. Once again, life had punched me in the face. 

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Author's note: Hey! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone is well. Please vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter and follow the "Battles and Secrets" playlist on Spotify. All translations are provided below. Is Giacomo telling the truth? What's the story behind this reveal? Keep reading and you'll find out... ;-)

Quick question: Were you surprised by Mrs. Campbell's real identity and the revelation about Giacomo?

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

1. Claro que sí means "of course" in Spanish

2. Salud means "cheers" in Spanish

3. Amada means "beloved" in Spanish

4. Niños means "kids" in Spanish

5. Valioso means "valuable" in Spanish

6. Non posso crederci means "I can't believe it" in Italian