Sofia's heart was racing as the room erupted into chaos. Pirates and guards clashed, swords clinging and shields crashing. She ducked behind a table, her eyes scanning the room for Arin.
He was fighting his way through the crowd, his sword flashing in the dim light. Leila was beside him, a dagger in her hand. Together, they cut a path through the chaos, heading straight for Sofia.
Ryker's voice roared above the din, "Get the princess!" Sofia's heart skipped a beat as she saw a guard heading straight for her. But before he could reach her, Arin's sword sliced through the air, taking the guard down.
Sofia scrambled to her feet, her eyes locked on Arin's. "We need to get out of here, now!" he shouted, grabbing her hand.
Together, they fought their way through the melee, Leila covering their backs. They burst out into the night air, the cool breeze a welcome relief.
As they ran through the winding corridors, Sofia's mind was spinning. What was happening? Where were they going?
They reached the docks, and Arin pulled her onto a waiting ship. "Cast off!" he shouted, as the pirates scrambled to raise the sails.
The ship shot forward, leaving the chaos behind.
Sofia stood on the deck, her heart still racing.
What had just happened?
Arin's eyes met hers, a hint of a smile on his face.
"You're safe, Princess."
Sofia's heart skipped a beat. She was safe. But what did that mean? She was a pirate now, wasn't she?
As the sun rose over the horizon, Sofia turned to Arin, a question on her lips. "What's next?"
Arin's eyes gleamed with excitement. "We have a score to settle, Princess. The Royal Navy, the pirate fleet... we have a lot of work to do."
Sofia's heart was racing. She was ready.