The night smelled of salt and smoke.

I stood on the docks, my silk skirts brushing against the worn wooden planks, my pulse hammering in my ears.

She was beside me, hand clenched around my wrist, her grip rough, unyielding.

Torches flickered in the distance. Boots pounded against stone. The castle guards were coming.

"Go," she ordered.

I shook my head. "No, I—"

She grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at her. Her face was set in something unreadable, something hard.

"You don't belong here, princess. You never did."

The words cut deeper than I expected.

A cannon fired. The ship rocked. The dock shook beneath our feet.

I gasped, turning toward the gangplank, but it was already burning.

She didn't let me hesitate.

She shoved me. Hard.

I hit the ground, hands scraping against the splintered wood.

When I looked up, she was already backing away, pistol drawn, her sword at the ready.

"Run."

"Please," I whispered, my throat tight.

She smirked, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"Not this time, love."

The guards swarmed in. Steel met steel. I didn't see who struck first.

I only saw her, disappearing into the chaos.

I ran before I could watch her fall.