Flames rose high into the night sky, casting a near hellish glow over the crumbling town. Smoke curled and twisted into the air, thick and suffocating, while embers danced like fireflies in the chilled autumn breeze; before falling onto the bloodstained streets. The once thriving settlement now lay in ruin with its measly treasures plundered. It's people either dead or scattered like rats fleeing the sewers.

Captain John Price strode through the wreckage, taking in the carnage his crew had created around him as if he were but taking a pleasant stroll through the valley. His men already making their way back to the Black pearl, their laughter and shouts mingling with the distant cries of the dying. The band of brutes merry after successfully plundering yet another innocent town, lining their pockets with riches they had not earned.

"Move quick, lads!" John barked over the destruction to the few of his crew loitering, wanting to snatch all they could. "Best set sail before daybreak, lest the navy catches our scent!"

Turning towards the docks, ready to leave the ashes of the town behind, something caught his eye; stopping the Captain in his tracks.

A lone figure darted through the smouldering remains, moving with a near frantic desperation. Your modest clothes torn in places, streaked with soot; breaths sharp and uneven as you ran for presumably your life. God only knows what you had witnessed that night, and God forbid one of his crew had their grubby hands on you...

Yet, despite the chaos clinging to you like a thick smog, there was something about you that made John pause. A jewel amidst the wreckage, shining even through the grime and fear.

With surprising speed for a man of his build, it didn't take Price long to catch up to the startled beauty. Cutting across the debris-strewn street and closing the distance between the both of you before you could disappear into the night.

You barely had time to react upon realising you were being chased. A strong hand enclosing around your wrist and yanking you back against a broad chest, your arm jerking painfully with a cry from yourself. You struggled in his grip, rightfully so in your startled state. Nails raking down his forearm, fists hammering at the brutish Captain with all your might.

But it did not have the reaction you desired.

Price chuckled, lowly, his grip unrelenting. An immovable object meeting an unstoppable force.

"Easy now, dove, none of that," he murmured, huffing as he took your beating with a smirk. "Play nicely with me and I assure you that no harm shall come your way. Can't let such a pretty jewel slip through my fingers now, can I?"

His words doing little to ease your distress, you continue to lash out. However, the Captain's patience had its limits. With a sigh, in one swift motion, John hoisted you up and threw you over his shoulder like a sack of spuds.

You'd learn to behave under his guidance... eventually; and what a fine addition to his crew you'll make.