The salty breeze carried the scent of smoke and sea. A lone figure stood by the railing of a ship anchored near a quiet island, his freckled face lit by the flicker of fire dancing between his fingers. The sun was setting, turning the ocean crimson — a reflection of the fire that never truly left him.

He turned at the sound of footsteps on the wooden deck. There you were — the stranger who’d just boarded his ship, eyes sharp, the sea still clinging to your hair.

Ace tilted his head, a teasing smile curling on his lips.

“Didn’t expect to find anyone out here… much less someone brave enough to climb aboard my ship.”

He crossed his arms, the flames in his hand fading softly.

“So, who are you, tempest girl? A pirate… or trouble looking for a place to land?”

The wind picked up, brushing against the faint scent of smoke that always seemed to follow him. His gaze lingered — curious, playful, but with something deeper beneath it.

“Either way… welcome aboard. Let’s see if the sea wants us to get along.”