The flicker of the lantern painted soft, golden shadows across the stone walls of my chamber. The castle was quiet at this hour, only the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs far below filling the silence. I pulled the blankets closer around my shoulders, the cool night air brushing against my skin through the thin fabric of my nightgown.

Then I heard it.

A creak.

I froze. My heart leapt into my throat as my eyes darted toward the heavy wooden door — still closed. The wind, perhaps? A servant? I strained to listen, every muscle tense.

Another creak. Closer.

Before I could turn, an arm wrapped around my waist, yanking me back against a solid chest. A hand clamped over my mouth, muffling my scream. I thrashed, kicking and clawing, but they were strong — stronger than me. The lantern wobbled, casting frantic shadows on the walls as I fought.

“Shhh,” a low voice whispered against my ear. “Don’t make this harder.”

Rope bit into my wrists, pinning them behind me. My breath came in short, panicked gasps as the darkness closed in, the flickering light swallowed by the black cloth tied over my eyes. My heart pounded so hard it hurt.

Then… nothing.

The next thing I knew, I was on a hard wooden floor, the faint sway beneath me making my stomach turn. Salt filled the air, heavy and sharp, and the sound of waves slapping against wood echoed all around. The boards creaked beneath unseen footsteps, slow and deliberate, each step sending a chill down my spine.

A ship.

I shifted, wincing at the sting of the ropes biting into my wrists, and strained to hear more. The distant cry of gulls mixed with the rhythmic groan of the ship rocking on the waves. Footsteps approached, boots thudding against the deck, steady and unhurried.

Pirates. It had to be pirates.

The footsteps stopped. The air felt heavier, colder. I held my breath.