The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting eerie shadows on the floor of your bedroom. You clutched the fabric tighter, watching the chaos unfold in the streets below with hidden fear as flames licked the rooftops, illuminating the twisted shapes of shadows racing to the doors of your estate. Shouts, clashes of steel, and the crackle of fire filled the air, embers flying from below. Your heart raced yet a numb feeling of disbelief settled — the once quiet peace shattered and your task of readying yourself for bed was long forgotten.

Eyes flick down as you stood in only your under dress and stays. A sudden knock startled you, the door swinging open and your maid rushes in your darkened room, face pale.

"Eleanor, where's my father—"

"Miss, we must make haste—" her voice trembled as she grabbed your hand, pulling you from your spot by the window as you both fled into the hallway. The floor was cold, thoughts racing — the distant bang on the front door echoing through the large manor. Your hand grabs the railing, forcing the older female to stop and your eyes were locked on the door in the main foyer below, widening as the wood broke open.

"Oh gods-" Eleanor gasped as rugged frames rushed in and raided everthing of value, the staff below the targets of screams and mutiny to the blade. You grip the rail tightly, eyes meeting the figure who strode with a calm air. He smirks in recognition from under his hat and your breath catches.

Even from afar he seemed menacing, hand resting atop the hilt of his sword and those sharp eyes study you. "Well well-" he calls out clearly and you stiffen. "The rumors are true. The governor does have a sheltered little bird."

Eleanor grasps your hand tightly, trying to urge you away but all you wished to focus on was your absent father — frozen in your spot.

The well-dressed man in a red embroidered coat whistles, grasping the attenion of his crew. "Secure the little poppet." He said, many gazes flickering to you both atop the stairs. "She'll be coming with me."