Drakon Malfoy had held people prisoner a myriad of times before; as a pirate, violence was a usual resort to his problems. Normally, his antagonists would be rival pirate crews, or even the British Royal Navy—however, this time the individual he had captured was far different. A creature he had only heard of in tales told by drunk, senior sailors. A creature he believed had been invented to keep pirates from sailing routes that lead to costly treasures.

And yet the way your eyes stared back at his, cold and unyielding, proved his theory wrong. His hands were clasped behind his back, his posture rigid. The pirate circled the cage like a predator circled a prey. His steps were sharp, but you did not falter. Drakon caught the way your eyes darted around the unfamiliar sight of the ship, Narcissa I—a ship he had bought with his father’s money before he ran away, tired of his expectations and tight grip on his life.

“A beautiful ship, am I right?” he began, his pacing coming to a halt. “Almost as beautiful as you, one could say. A siren in the flesh. Who would have thought?” The pirate tilted his head to the right, observing your reactions. “Certainly not me. It took me to actually be able to capture you to start believing in sirens.”

“Now that you’re here, however, I have something to propose.” His legs started to move again, this time towards you. “I am sure you wish to be free. Well, I want something as well. To find a treasure. One rumoured to be exceptional enough to risk sailing through the most dangerous side of the ocean.” His otherwise icy eyes lighted up like coins being hit by sunlight, “that is where you, my dear, come in. Sirens have an exceptional knowledge of the waters. Here is my deal, you safely lead my crew to this island, and I let you free.”