The moon hung low and heavy in the night sky, its pale light filtering through the canopy of trees as Lucas stalked through the dark Jungle. They were still docked and he was feeling restless.
He shouldn't be out here, not tonight. The risk was too great with the moon nearing its peak, the beast within threatening to take control. But Lucas needed to stay away, when she was on the ship.Amelia.Ever since she had turned, he felt drawn to her in a way he couldn't explain. Like there was some invisible tether connecting them, pulling him into her orbit. He had tried to fight it, but the more time they spent together, the harder it became.Tonight, it was impossible to resist.Lucas inhaled deeply, catching her scent on the breeze. There—just ahead. He moved swiftly between the trees until he reached the moonlit clearing of the beach.And there she was. Why wasn't she on board he wondered? A small pang of jealousy at how Amelia waThe storm raged, waves crashing against the hull of the black ship as it cut through the violent sea. Rain pelted the deck, stinging the faces of the grim crew as they worked to keep the vessel on course. At the wheel stood the captain, tall and imposing, his face marred by a jagged scar crossing his left eye, now milky white and blind. Captain Marcus Drago gazed out into the tempest, seemingly oblivious to the elements assaulting him. His jaw was set, his posture rigid, exuding a palpable menace despite the storm's fury. This was a man to be feared, merciless and cunning, who would stop at nothing to achieve his ends. "Captain, the island is within range!" shouted his first mate over the gale. Drago's mouth curved into a cruel smile, his good eye glinting. "Excellent. Prepare to advance."The crew scrambled to obey, ready to pillage yet another vulnerable ship trapped at port. Their own vessel plunged onward, waves crashing over the deck. Drago remained fixed at the wheel, a malev
The sun had barely risen, casting a faint golden glow over the palace gardens as Amelia took her morning walk, surrounded by her handmaids. Her long, chestnut hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to reflect the very sky above. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, its deep green hue complementing her fair complexion."Did you see the new tulips they planted near the fountain?" one of the handmaids, Eliza, chattered excitedly as they strolled through the meticulously maintained pathways. "They're simply breathtaking!""Indeed," agreed another, Maria, her eyes scanning the vibrant flowerbeds that surrounded them. "I heard they were imported from a far-off land, just for tonight's ball."As the other girls continued to discuss the upcoming event, Amelia remained quiet, her mind wandering elsewhere. The scent of salt from the sea caught on the breeze, drawing her further away from the conversation at hand."Amelia, what do you think of the f
"Call me Alexander," he replied with a grin, leading her back onto the dance floor. "Just a humble visitor to your kingdom, hoping to share a dance with its most radiant beauty.""Flatterer," she teased, feeling an unexpected warmth rise in her cheeks. There was something different about this man – something genuine and intriguing that drew her to him like a moth to a flame."Only when the truth demands it," he countered, his eyes never leaving hers as they danced. "Tell me, Princess Amelia, what is it that you truly desire?""Excuse me?" she stammered, taken aback by his boldness. No one had ever dared to ask her such a question before."Come now, surely someone as spirited as yourself has dreams beyond these palace walls?" Alexander pressed, his voice soft and earnest."Is it so obvious?" Amelia asked, unable to suppress a sigh. The music swelled around them, pulling them closer together until their bodies were mere inches apart."Only to those who know where to look," he replied, h
The storm raged around the ship, waves crashing violently against the hull and rain lashing the deck. Amelia clung to the railing, her Chestnut hair whipping about her face as the wind howled. This was the life she had chosen, the freedom she had yearned for since fleeing the palace. No more silken gowns or dainty slippers for her - she was a pirate now, captain of her own destiny. Amelia made her way carefully across the slippery deck, shouting orders to her crew as they battled to keep the ship afloat. She felt invigorated by the thrill of adventure, more alive than she had ever felt back in the confines of the palace. This was worth any hardship or danger.As lightning split the sky, her thoughts turned to her mother, Queen Elara. A pang of longing caught in her chest. She missed her mother deeply, but knew she could never return to that life. The sea called to her now. Her mother would understand - she had always encouraged Amelia to follow her dreams. Amelia ducked into her cab
Amelia looked on in horror from the small boat. Pieces of charred wood and tattered sail floated in the water around her, the remains of her once proud ship. She collapsed exhausted and heartbroken, they were all gone. she had escaped one disaster only to sail straight into another. She was alone.The creak of rigging jarred her from her daze. Blinking against the harsh sunlight, she could make out the silhouette of a tall ship approaching. The wolves, she realized with dread. They must have spotted her boat and closed in while she was grieving. She had nothing left to give, her vision began to blur and before she could fight her way to the wakeful world she had slipped under.Rough hands seized her as the ship drew near, yanking her from the boat up onto the deck. They dragged her below and threw her into a cell. "Amelia!" a familiar voice drew her back into consciousness. Finn's weathered face appeared between the bars. "You're alive
Gabriel awakened with a start, his body aching from the intensity of the previous night's feral moon. Moonlight still filtered in through the portholes of his cabin, casting an eerie glow across the floorboards. He rose slowly, every muscle protesting. The transformations always took their toll, but last night had been particularly brutal. Gabriel ran a hand through his dark, disheveled hair and sighed. The ship creaked and groaned around him as it sailed on calm seas. At least the chaos of the full moon was behind them for now. He dressed swiftly and made his way above deck, bracing himself for the state of his crew. Most were still in their bunks recovering, while a few bleary-eyed souls manned the essential stations. Tattered sails hung limply from the masts, and scratches marred the polished wood of the railings. Signs of the inner beasts unleashed.Gabriel's thoughts turned to Amelia and Finn, confined below deck for their own safety during the long
The sunlight sparkled off the calm blue waves as Amelia leaned against the ship's railing, breathing in the salty ocean air. She watched Finn laughing with Remus as they prepared the evening meal in the galley below. At least Finn had found his place among the crew, she thought wistfully. But where did she belong?Amelia sighed, running her hands along the smooth wood. She had always longed for adventure, but now that she was living it, she felt adrift. The pirates had accepted her readily enough, impressed by her swordplay and determination. But she was still an outsider, a princess among ruffians. "Getting your sea legs, lass?" Amelia turned to see Gabriel approaching, his green eyes glinting in the sunlight. She gave him a rueful smile."I'm trying to figure out where I fit in. Finn's taken to the galley like a fish to water. But I don't know what my role is yet."Gabriel nodded thoughtfully, crossing his arms. "It takes time to find
Amelia's hair whipped around her face as the sea breeze gusted across the ship's deck. Her piercing blue eyes were narrowed, fixed on Gabriel's brooding figure before her. "You arrogant, stubborn wolf!" she shouted, jabbing her finger toward his chest. "Who are you to forbid me from joining the shore party?"Gabriel's green eyes glinted dangerously. His jaw clenched as he stared down at the defiant princess, his muscular frame tense. "It's too dangerous," he growled. "We cannot guarantee your safety." Amelia threw her hands up in exasperation. "Dangerous? I laugh in the face of danger!" She stepped closer, glaring up at him. "I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much."Gabriel crossed his arms, accentuating his commanding presence. "My duty is to protect the pack. If anything happened to you..." He trailed off, looking away."Oh, so I'm just a burden to you and your precious pack?" Amelia scoffed. "I don't need your protection." She poked him hard in the chest. Gabriel bl