ACROSS THE SEVEN SEAS

Meridia was the kind of woman who turned heads the moment she entered a room. She carried herself with a quiet confidence, moving with the calm grace of someone who belonged to the sea itself.

Her skin was a deep, rich ebony that seemed to glow beneath the light. Long, icy-white hair flowed smoothly past her shoulders, framing a striking face with high cheekbones, full lips, and piercing pale blue eyes that appeared almost frozen. Small silver piercings decorated her brow, cheek, and lip, while a fin-shaped adornment rested against one pointed ear, hinting at her oceanic heritage. Around her neck hung layers of gold, shells, and bright blue gemstones that shimmered like treasures pulled from the depths of the sea.

Resting upon her head was a black velvet tricorn hat trimmed with gold. Burgundy and black feathers rose from one side, while delicate gold chains draped along the brim. At its center sat a black cameo with a silver rose, giving her the appearance of a captain born to command.

She wore a flowing black outfit consisting of an off-the-shoulder blouse with dramatic bell sleeves. A brown leather corset, fastened with brass buckles and decorated with dangling gold coins, hugged her waist. Her layered black skirt moved effortlessly behind her, revealing thigh-high stockings held in place by elegant garters.

Her outfit was completed by tall black knee-high boots detailed with gold trim, ornate clasps, and lace-like straps climbing toward the top. Every step she took carried confidence, making her appear less like an ordinary pirate and more like the legendary queen of the sea herself.

So when Meridia received an offer from the kingdom of Blacktide—30,000 Aurelyn for the prince of Asterion—she accepted without hesitation.

After all, that kind of wealth could buy an entire fleet of ships, fund a private army, and grant access to nearly any royal event across the kingdoms. The status that came with carrying such fortune offered countless advantages.

But with great rewards came even greater risks.

Before accepting the deal, Meridia gathered her crew. Together, they discussed every possible advantage and disadvantage of the mission. After hours of debate, they reluctantly agreed.

"Tonight, the envoy will be leaving Asterion's port and heading directly toward the kingdom of Virelith for the royal wedding," I explained. "Our goal is to apprehend the prince under the cover of night and bring him back without a struggle. He should disappear before anyone even realizes what happened. Understood?"

My crew nodded in understanding.

The stakes of this assignment were far higher than any job we had taken before. However, that did not mean we were unprepared. If things went wrong, backup plans were already waiting. They rarely failed.

Though I hoped they would not be necessary.

I looked out through the window at the sea. The waters were unusually calm, almost as if they already understood what was about to happen beneath their surface.

All we had to do was wait for the perfect moment to strike.

Not far from where my ship was anchored, another royal vessel traveled across the ocean toward the kingdom of Virelith.

Inside his chambers, Prince Azalea sat peacefully, writing away in a small journal when a sudden tapping sound against the window caught his attention.

Curious, he stood and approached the glass.

The moment he opened the window, a blur of white shot through the opening and landed directly on his desk.

"It can't be..."

Far beyond the known shipping routes rested the hidden Isle of Elaris, an island covered in endless mist where ancient sea magic still lingered. It was the only place in the world where Tidewings could be found.

They nested within the towering white cliffs overlooking the ocean, and only those they deemed worthy were allowed to approach them.

Legends claimed Tidewings chose their companions—they were never captured or tamed.

Sailors believed that seeing one before a voyage promised safe passage, while pirates whispered that a Tidewing appearing before battle meant destiny itself had chosen a side.

The creatures were incredibly rare, with only a handful believed to exist.

Their snowy white fur, feathered wings, and silver-tipped tails allowed them to blend perfectly with sea mist and clouds, making them nearly impossible to find.

"But what is a Tidewing doing all the way out here?"

Azalea slowly reached out a hand toward the creature.

The moment his fingers came close, its feathers suddenly rose, and it let out a sharp hiss.

He immediately pulled back.

Then, without warning, a sharp pain struck the back of his neck.

His entire body went numb.

His knees weakened, and he collapsed, barely catching himself against the desk.

Confused, he turned around.

Standing behind him was Meridia.

She reached forward and calmly removed a small dart from the back of his neck.

Her eyes traveled over his appearance, studying him carefully.

Warm bronze skin.

Soft, tousled chestnut-brown hair that brushed his ears and fell over his forehead in effortless waves.

Pointed ears that revealed his elven heritage.

Warm brown eyes and a lightly freckled face that gave him a youthful yet refined appearance.

He wore a long navy-blue military-style coat trimmed with silver piping and polished silver buttons. Beneath it was a crisp white high-collared ruffled shirt, fastened with an elegant blue gemstone brooch and layered with silver chains and a cross pendant.

A wide black waist cincher with silver buttons defined his silhouette, paired with tailored black trousers and white gloves that completed his polished aristocratic appearance.

"Judging by your appearance, you must be Prince Azalea."

Meridia removed her hat and gave a bow, a smile resting on her lips despite the lack of genuine emotion behind it.

"A pleasure to be in your royal presence."

Azalea barely managed to form a response before the effects of the dart overwhelmed him completely.

I turned my attention back toward the Tidewing and held out a dried piece of fish.

"Good girl. You found the target much faster this time. Especially on such a large ship. You're getting better and better, Nix."

She purred happily before hopping onto my shoulder.

I grabbed Azalea and lifted him over my shoulder.

"You're much heavier than you look," I muttered.

With that, I climbed out of the window and landed onto a rowboat waiting below.

"Hey, Captain, dat him?"

I nodded and motioned for them to begin rowing back toward our ship.

After some time, we finally boarded the Morana once again.

I handed the prince over to the twins, Bucky and Lucky, and gestured toward the holding cells.

"Take him below deck. Inform me the moment he wakes up."

They nodded.

"Lower the sails. Raise the anchor. Put as much distance between us and the royal convoy before they realize he's missing."

"Yes, captain!"

As the Morana sailed away, the first move of a war had been made without a single person knowing.

Our ship disappeared into the fog, carrying the prince of Asterion toward Blacktide.