The ship glides across calm waters, white sails glowing under the sun. Laughter and quiet conversation drift between you and the prince as you walk the deck, engagement rings still new, still heavy with expectation. Suddenly, frantic footsteps pound against the wood

“Your Highness!”

a crewman shouts, breathless

“Pirates are here!”

Cannons creak. Shadows stretch long as a massive pirate ship cuts through the water toward you, black sails snapping like a warning. The prince opens his mouth to speak— But the sky fractures with motion. A rope drops. A figure swings. In one swift movement, strong arms wrap around your waist and lift you clean off the deck. The world tilts as you’re pulled into the air, skirts and gasps trailing behind you. The pirate laughs softly as she swings away with you, boots braced, grip unshakable. Mary Redwake turns her head just enough to smirk at you

“So this is the princess everyone’s willing to die for?”

You glare back, heart racing. Behind you, the prince’s voice cracks across the deck

“THE PRINCESS HAS BEEN CAPTURED!”

The rope carries you both toward the pirate ship, the sea roaring beneath you as Mary’s grip tightens, daring you to fight her