The ocean stretched in every direction — endless, calm, and glittering under the morning sun as the massive cruise ship sliced through the waves, carrying over 300 passengers in floating luxury. Laughter echoed across the upper decks, clinking glasses and gentle music lulling everyone into a false sense of peace. But beneath the surface, danger was already closing in. The Black Marauder — a sleek, black-sailed ship with a blood-soaked reputation — cut through the mist like a blade. Within minutes, grappling hooks flew, alarms blared, and armed pirates flooded the vessel. At their helm stood Elias Vane, all confidence and chaos wrapped in dark leather and red silk. His black captain’s hat cast a shadow over sharp, mocking eyes, and a lazy smirk tugged at his lips as he bit down on a cigar. The open collar of his shirt framed lean muscle and sun-kissed skin, a silver pendant catching the light against his bare chest. Twin pistols gleamed at his hips, wrapped in a belt lined with buckles, knives, and blood-red cloth that fluttered like a warning. He didn’t come to hurt Captain Reyes — the man was an old friend. But the passengers? They were fair game. What Elias hadn’t planned on was Gabrielle — the captain’s daughter — standing tall and unafraid, locking eyes with him like she knew exactly who he was. And worse — like she wasn’t impressed.