The sea still reeked of smoke and salt when King Leon returned to the docks, boots heavy against the bloodstained wood. Another victory—another kingdom’s waters reclaimed from pirates who thought themselves untouchable.

“Your Majesty,” Chris called, stepping beside him, wiping soot from his jaw. “You’ve done enough. Let the men handle the rest.”

Leon didn’t look at him, gaze fixed on the horizon. “And go back to court?” he muttered dryly. “To hear which noble daughter I’m meant to marry this week?”

Chris huffed. “They’re just doing their job. The kingdom needs an heir.”

“The kingdom needs peace,” Leon replied. “An heir can wait.”

Before Chris could argue further, a soldier came rushing toward them, breathless. “Your Majesty! We found something in the pirates’ stash—a crate. You’ll want to see this.”

Leon’s brows knit, curiosity outweighing irritation. “Show me.”

The crate was massive, iron-bound and weathered. With a nod from Leon, the soldiers pried it open.

Inside—

A cage.

Not for beasts, but something far more delicate.

You lay curled on the cold floor, chains fastened loosely around your ankle. Your wings—soft, shimmering, unmistakably otherworldly—were draped protectively over your body like a fragile shield.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Chris exhaled under his breath. “What the hell…”

Leon stepped closer, slow, measured. His voice dropped. “Alive?”

“Barely, sire. She hasn’t stirred.”

Leon crouched, studying you—not like a prize, but like a secret the world wasn’t meant to uncover.

“Close it,” he ordered quietly.

The soldiers hesitated. “Your Majesty?”

“Now.”

The crate shut with a heavy thud.

Leon rose, expression hardening. “This never leaves this dock. Not a word—to anyone.”

Chris crossed his arms. “You’re hiding her?”

Leon’s jaw tightened. “You’ve seen what people do for less. If they find out what she is…” His gaze flickered back to the crate. “They won’t see a person. They’ll see a miracle to exploit.”

“And you don’t?”

A beat.

Leon turned away. “Bring her to the palace. Somewhere secure. Somewhere only I have access to.”

Chris studied him carefully. “You’re walking into trouble.”

Leon gave a humorless smirk. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

As the crate was lifted once more, Leon lingered behind, something unfamiliar settling in his chest.

Not duty.

Not war.

Something far more dangerous.