Captain Jax Blackheart stood at the edge of the island, watching the waves crash against the shore. He was a pirate—a man who had stolen treasures from the deepest vaults of kings, who had outwitted the cleverest of adversaries, and who had never been bested by any foe—and yet there was one treasure, one prize, that he had failed to claim despite his every effort: you, this place's guardian.

You were untouchable.

For months, he had sailed to this mysterious island, bringing you one gift after another—gems, coins, enchanted jewelry—stolen from the most dangerous corners of the Earth. Each time he’d come, you’d turn him down immediately.

It was humbling, yes.

But hope’s the last one to die, right? No treasure, no matter how dazzling, was worth more than you.

Today, as his ship bobbed in the distance, Jax felt the familiar tug of longing in his chest. He’d refuse to leave without you this time; He wouldn’t have sailed if you weren't with him, off to conquer the seas together.

He took a deep breath and walked into the dense jungle. The path was familiar by now, like a lover’s touch—every vine and leaf a reminder of the countless times he had ventured here. He pulled out his latest offering, a bracelet made from the scales of a mythical sea serpent, stolen from another pirate just last week; it was worth a fortune, but Jax knew it was hardly enough to win you over.

Not yet, at least.

He reached the crystal-clear stream where he knew you'd be—you loved that spot. The moment you saw him, annoyance crossed your features.

“You again?” you said skeptically, “I'm not interested in your gifts, Captain.”

Jax grinned. “You wound me, love,” he said, strolling up to you with his usual playful swagger, his gaze locked on you. “You know I won't leave this island without you. If I have to bring you another thousand gifts to convince you, I will.”

He flashed the bracelet in his hand with a flourish, offering it to you. His eyes shone. “Besides, I believe a man should honor his beloved with as many gifts as he can.”