After Nawal freeing them Requested a help from Qaws and Lainas in this painful forgotten Isle .

  Lainas stood firm.

  "She's right.

  Let's retrieve our weapons—then give them one last chance.

  If they refuse...

  We'll leave.

  Or burn our way through Thera—by consent or by force."

  Nawal nodded. Qaws moved swiftly with the crew toward the armory.

  —

  Inside the wooden hut...

  The captain's voice cracked.

  "Wasim! Drop it!

  What do you think you're doing?

  That's your sister!"

  Wasim stared blankly, unblinking.

  The girl sobbed.

  The crew behind the captain murmured.

  "What do we do?"

  The captain drew his weapon, pointing it at his son.

  "Lower it.

  Now."

  Shock rippled through the crew.

  "The captain...

  He's aiming at his own son..."

  Suddenly—a crash from above.

  The rotten wooden roof shattered.

  Qaws dropped in, dagger drawn, lunging toward Wasim.

  The girl ran to her father, crying.

  The captain blinked.

  "You?"

  Pirates turned.

  Behind them—Lainas and the crew, armed.

  The captain growled.

  "So you've cornered us.

  You've reclaimed your gear.

  What now?

  Gold?

  Blood?"

  He pointed his weapon at Qaws.

  "No!" Lainas shouted.

  "We're here to help—like I told you!"

  The captain sneered.

  "Still clinging to that nonsense, flatterer?"

  Qaws hovered over Wasim, eyes narrowing.

  "Damn it...

  That mark...

  It's the same one the villagers had."

  Suddenly—the dark stranger returned.

  He struck fast.

  Qaws dodged.

  The stranger laughed, grabbing Wasim.

  "How interesting..."

  He retreated slowly.

  "You!

  My son!" the captain roared.

  He raised his weapon.

  But the stranger used Wasim as a shield.

  The captain froze.

  The crew watched, helpless.

  The stranger slipped toward the shore.

  The captain followed, powerless.

  Then—Qaws vanished.

  He reappeared behind the stranger, dagger flashing.

  Assassins flanked him.

  "Damn you!" the stranger shouted.

  Steel clashed.

  Qaws parried the stranger's blade, matching his speed.

  The stranger unleashed a black aura, still clutching Wasim.

  "If he's harmed—!" the captain cried.

  "Can't you see?" Lainas shouted.

  "He's trying to save your son!"

  The captain hesitated.

  "Captain?

  Should we attack?" one asked.

  He raised his hand.

  "No.

  Our weapons might hit Wasim.

  Their strikes are precise...

  Let them fight."

  The stranger launched a dark blast.

  Assassins blocked it—one hurled a dust bomb into his face.

  "Damn you!"

  Qaws struck from behind—deadly and clean.

  The stranger dropped a violet gem.

  It pulsed—forming a glowing circle in the sand.

  He hurled Wasim into it.

  Wasim vanished.

  The captain ran, eyes wide.

  "Impossible...

  A teleportation spell?

  long ago Sydney was supposed to block those.

  Did they bypass her?

  Or find another way? Or she’s dead? Like…"

  He turned.

  "Sawsan... stay here."

  He looked to Lainas.

  Lainas nodded, stepping beside the trembling girl.

  "Father!

  Let me come!" she cried.

  "No!" he shouted.

  "I can fight!"

  Lainas saw the mark on her neck.

  "It's alright..."

  Qaws watched Wasim vanish.

  "No!

  We could've cured him!"

  The stranger collapsed—then vanished.

  "Qaws!

  No!" Lainas cried.

  Qaws leapt into the circle.

  It closed.

  He and Wasim were gone.

  The captain arrived, stunned, hand trembling.

  Lainas ran to him.

  "Qaws...

  Where did he go?"

  The captain stared.

  Assassins turned to Lainas.

  He took a breath.

  "He'll return.

  Qaws knows what he's doing...

  Right?"

  The assassins nodded.

  Lainas faced the captain.

  "Now...

  Will you listen?

  If you had heard me earlier, none of this would've happened.

  The Black Order exploits every crack—every doubt.

  And now...

  My friend sacrificed himself for your son.

  Isn't that proof enough?"

  The captain's gaze shifted.

  His voice dropped.

  "Come with me..."

  "Not yet," Lainas said.

  "Your daughter...

  She's infected.

  Like Wasim.

  If we don't treat her now...

  She'll become like him."

  The captain froze.

  His crew looked on—grim and silent.

  "What are you saying?

  Is this one of your tricks?"

  "Are you insane?"

  From the shore—footsteps on wet sand.

  Nawal emerged.

  The captain blinked.

  "Impossible...

  A sea nymph..."

  The pirates gasped.

  "Let him treat her, Yamen.

  He's telling the truth."

  "And how do I know that?"

  "You don't.

  Unless you want her to end up like Wasim."

  Yamen raised his weapon.

  "You dare—!"

  Nawal stepped closer, fearless.

  "I came to help Sawsan.

  She spoke to me often—late at night.

  Told me everything."

  Yamen's eyes narrowed.

  "She spoke to the sea...

  I heard her.

  But you?"

  Nawal turned toward the ocean.

  "I'll search for Qaws.

  If I find him...

  I'll return.

  We must move.

  My mother is growing restless.

  The sea is full of corrupted power."

  Lainas looked at her.

  "You mean—?"

  She nodded, then vanished into the waves.

  Yamen turned to Lainas.

  His voice cracked.

  "Heal my daughter...

  Please."

  Lainas nodded.

  Rose took a deep breath.

  "Alright... but if you mess things up with your idiocy, I'll cancel the mission."

  The Red Knight saluted. "Absolutely!"

  Razan scoffed. "You're insane, Frog Lady."

  Jalmoud grunted. "See you... or maybe we won't."

  Razan glared. "You broke another table, you oaf."

  Jalmoud shrugged. "Sorry."

  Rose exited the guild, mission scroll in hand. The Red Knight followed, armor clinking.

  "My name is Klen," he said proudly.

  Rose didn't look back. "Don't care."

  Klen deflated, theatrically. "You're cruel! What's your name? It's protocol—we're on a mission together!"

  "Rose," she said. "We're heading to a bear cave near the outer woods. We need eight pelts."

  Klen puffed his chest. "Easy! For the glory of the Red Knights!"

  Rose sighed. "What's with the glowing armor and dramatic flair? Did you steal it? Or are you just rich and here to mock us?"

  "No, no! I come from a noble family. My father was part of King Caesar's royal guard."

  "He vanished with honor during a mission in the Valley of Wonders."

  "After a long search, we found his armor. He and the entire escort were slain."

  Rose softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"

  Klen cut her off. "Ha! I'm not sad!"

  Rose frowned. "Don't lie. He was your father."

  "I'm not lying. He died Guarding King Caesar. Whatever the king was doing, it was right. My father died fulfilling his duty."

  They left the city behind, entering a strange desert-like forest.

  "You're right," Rose said quietly.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  "I'm sure your father was honorable too," Klen replied. "You're strong."

  Rose smiled, remembering her father. "Yes... he was."

  They reached the edge of the forest.

  "This is it?" Rose asked. "I expected something greener."

  "This is the natural terrain," Klen said. "What did you expect?"

  "Nothing."

  Klen pointed with his sword. "That cave—could be it."

  Rose nodded. "Looks like it."

  Klen stepped forward, raising his shield. "Stay behind me, Lady Rose! The Red Knight shall protect you!"

  Rose rolled her eyes. "Wow. I feel so safe."

  They approached the cave.

  A deep, guttural roar echoed from within.

  Rose grinned. "By the spears of Valor... that's terrifying—and exciting!"

  She turned.

  "Klen?"

  No answer.

  "Klen?"

  His voice came from behind a rock. "I'm formulating a plan of honor! To slay the invaders!"

  Rose marched over. "Invaders? You're hiding. Get out here, brave knight!"

  Klen emerged. "The plan is complete."

  Another roar shook the cave.

  Rose grabbed him. "Where are you going now? Another plan?"

  Klen stammered. "No! Tactical withdrawal!"

  Rose groaned. "You'd let a weak woman enter alone?"

  Klen trembled. "Never! I'll defend you!"

  He stepped forward, shaking.

  "I'll light a fire," Rose said. "It's too dark."

  "No need!" Klen struck his sword against the stone. It ignited.

  Rose blinked. "Okay... that's actually useful."

  "Useful? I'm the heart of this mission!"

  "Shut up. Something's moving."

  "Where?!"

  "Look ahead. One large bear... and four smaller ones. That's five pelts if we take them down."

  Klen gasped. "I'll guard the entrance!"

  Rose grabbed him. "Where do you think you're going? This is the fight. Your honor's on the line!"

  Klen sweated beneath his gleaming armor. "Then let history be written!"

  The bear lunged.

  Klen was struck and thrown to the ground.

  He groaned. "A fatal blow from the devil! The Red Knight... shall die an honorable death!…"

  Rose screamed. "What?! You idiot!"

  Klen whispered dramatically. "Tell my family... I fought bravely."

  Rose knelt beside him. "You're not dying! You're wearing enchanted armor. A bear swipe won't kill you!"

  "I'm not so sure..."

  "You just want me to kill them first!"

  "That's not true!"

  Rose raised her hand. A green aura swirled around her fingers.

  She faced the bears.

  "Come on, beasts. This isn't my first bear hunt."

  Klen, still on the ground, cheered weakly. "Yes! Slay them!"

  "Shut up!" Rose snapped.

  The Crescent Island - Where Peace Meets the Storm

  At dawn, Sydney sailed beside Falcon's colossal ship. The sun crept over the horizon, casting golden light across the sea.

  Before them lay a vast crescent-shaped island, its center a shimmering lagoon teeming with life—fishermen, travelers, pirates. Boats dotted the waters like scattered stars.

  From one of the fishing skiffs, a man waved excitedly.

  "Look! It's Captain Falcon's ship! He's returned! And Sydney's crew too!"

  Sydney stepped out, smiling as she gazed at the island. Children waved from the shore. Pirates gathered at the docks, murmuring.

  Falcon emerged, standing tall at the prow.

  "Captain Falcon!" the islanders cried.

  He laughed heartily.

  As they reached the docks, Falcon disembarked with his crew, greeting the people. Sydney followed, her crew behind her, welcomed by the waiting children.

  Falcon turned to her.

  "Rest, you and your crew.

  We'll speak after midday."

  Sydney nodded.

  "Everyone!

  Rest now—we'll gather at noon in the usual place!"

  "Aye!" her crew replied.

  Falcon wandered into one of the alleys, smiling as children followed.

  Sydney watched him, smiling.

  "It's incredible...

  Falcon built this island from nothing—after Thera sank and vanished.

  Remarkable."

  She looked around—homes, huts, people living in peace.

  "Beautiful..."

  Then she turned to the docks, eyeing the gathered pirates.

  "So... they're all here.

  Falcon must be planning something."

  She retreated to a nearby inn.

  —

  At noon, the cry of seagulls stirred her. She rubbed her eyes, dressed, and made her way to the navigation hall.

  Inside, Falcon sat at a round table, sipping from a mug. A map lay spread before him. The pirate captains sat in silence.

  Sydney entered, took her seat. One chair remained empty. She glanced at it, then at Falcon. The others watched him.

  Falcon scowled.

  "I don't want to talk about it.

  But as you know...

  We possess what Lothar and the invaders want."

  "The Pearl of Thera?" one pirate asked.

  Falcon nodded.

  "Yes.

  The only key to Vailena's location.

  Without it, they're blind."

  Sydney leaned forward.

  "So what do we do?

  It's good we've kept them away...

  But having the pearl puts us in danger.

  It risks the island.

  The people."

  Falcon nodded.

  "When we stole it from the ruins of Leonithra's palace—

  From that bastard Lothar—

  It was a declaration of war.

  The poisoned crops began after that."

  "Then what do you suggest?" another asked.

  Falcon looked up.

  "I've heard rumors of a resistance on the mainland.

  We may need their help.

  We can't fight alone.

  And... there's Jabir."

  Sydney's eyes widened.

  "Jabir?

  Are you sure?

  You think he's alive?"

  Falcon grinned, then laughed.

  "That fool?

  You think he'd die so easily?

  I raised him.

  Taught him everything.

  He's a rogue—just like me!"

  He laughed again. Sydney smiled.

  "So... do we send someone?

  Try to reach them?"

  "They've cut us off," Sydney said.

  "We can't reach the mainland.

  And I won't lie—

  They've found strange ways to travel.

  Even my enchantments can't stop them."

  "What?" one pirate gasped.

  Falcon nodded.

  "They carry strange tools.

  Sydney's magic can't block them.

  One of them used a violet gem—

  Touched it—and vanished."

  Sydney frowned.

  "So... they hold the upper hand."

  Seagulls cried overhead. The wind howled. Waves lapped gently. The islanders lived in peace—for now.

  "We can't send anyone to the mainland," a pirate said.

  "It's hopeless."

  Sydney lowered her head.

  Falcon leaned forward.

  "I have a plan.

  Precise.

  Dangerous."

  He looked at Sydney.

  The room fell silent.

  The Roar and the Remedy

  Inside the cave, five bears charged at once.

  Rose slammed her palm against the ground—her body igniting with a toxic green aura.

  "Mountain Venom!"

  A cloud of poisonous mist erupted, sweeping toward the beasts.

  Four were caught instantly, coughing and staggering.

  But the largest bear leapt high into the air, evading the blast.

  Rose looked up, stunned. "You've got to be kidding me! It dodged it?"

  Klen, still sprawled on the ground, called out, "You got four! Just one left!"

  Rose snapped, "Are you just watching?!"

  The massive bear landed with a thunderous roar, its cry shaking the cave walls and sending gusts of wind through the chamber.

  Rose covered her ears. "Ugh! That's loud... but kind of thrilling."

  Klen stood, raising his shield. "Finish your spell—I'll protect you!"

  He charged, slamming his blade against the bear's hide. The beast retaliated, but Klen blocked with his shield.

  "I'll save the planet of Silva with my honor and might!" he shouted.

  Rose blinked. "Save the planet?"

  "Strike of Glory!" Klen roared, swinging his sword.

  The bear didn't flinch.

  Klen stepped back. "Damn... my glory isn't enough. I must use my honor too!"

  Rose facepalmed, laughing. "You're an idiot."

  Klen braced himself as the bear struck again, sending him skidding across the cave floor.

  "I'm defending you, milady!" he cried. "In the name of the nation! In the name of Aurik! In the name of Prince Asser!"

  Rose closed her eyes, focused her energy, and raised her hand.

  Her palm glowed.

  She hurled a green venomous orb at the bear.

  It struck true.

  The beast collapsed.

  Klen approached solemnly, kneeling beside the fallen creature.

  "Merciful Blow... May your soul depart in peace, noble beast. The war horns sing for you."

  Rose rolled her eyes. "Shut up and help me skin them."

  "Skin them? That's barbaric!"

  "Then why are you here?"

  Klen blinked. "Ah... yes. My noble mission! I'm here to protect you!"

  He watched as Rose began skinning the bears, one by one.

  Then he approached the last bear, pulled out a small vial, and poured a strange liquid over its fur.

  Rose turned. "What are you doing? What is that?"

  Klen gently peeled the fur away with ease.

  "The honorable method of the Red Knight," he said proudly.

  Rose stared. "That potion looks expensive. Don't waste it on bears!"

  Klen smiled. "Don't worry, Lady Rose. For you, nothing is wasted."

  The Crescent Island - A Plan Forged in Shadows

  In the heart of New Thera, beneath the flickering lanterns of the war chamber, Falcon began to speak.

  "We'll use the Pearl as bait.

  They'll come—soon.

  And when they do...

  we'll send a ship to the mainland."

  A murmur rippled through the room.

  "That's a dangerous gamble," one pirate muttered.

  Sydney leaned forward.

  "We could lose both fronts.

  What if they seize the Pearl?

  What if they capture the ship?"

  Falcon's voice was steady.

  "We have no better option."

  "And what if we reach the mainland," Sydney pressed,

  "only to find it already fallen?

  What if they refuse to help us?"

  Falcon smiled faintly.

  "We won't know until we try.

  If we find Jabir...

  he won't turn us away.

  And Sydney—look."

  He pointed skyward.

  The night had deepened.

  Beside the dark blue star Eklat, a green comet blazed into view.

  "The Green Comet," he said.

  "We can't rely on omens," a pirate scoffed.

  "That's superstition, Falcon."

  Falcon turned to them.

  "Do you trust me?

  Do you have a better plan?"

  Silence.

  Then:

  "We trust you."

  Sydney exhaled.

  "Then how?"

  "We'll evacuate the island," Falcon said.

  "Move everyone to the western islet.

  Leave this place empty—except for us.

  When they arrive, we'll spring the trap.

  Sydney... you'll sail to the Kingdom of Leona.

  If they refuse, go to Aurik.

  I'd hoped for Lenovard's help, but we haven't heard from them in decades.

  That's... not a good sign."

  Sydney's face darkened.

  "That bastard told me—before you intervened...

  They destroyed Lenovard."

  Gasps filled the room.

  "Impossible!" one pirate cried.

  "Lenovard? Fallen? Madness!"

  "He's lying!" another shouted.

  Sydney's voice was quiet.

  "I thought so too.

  We all know how strong they were—

  their knights, their pride.

  They used to challenge us in whale hunts...

  Sometimes they even won.

  But when he said it...

  I felt something.

  Like he wasn't lying."

  Falcon looked at her, his voice low.

  "Then Leona.

  Then Aurik.

  Avoid Valia at all costs.

  The poisoned crops came from there.

  It's the nearest port—but it's tainted."

  Sydney blinked, pointing to herself.

  "Wait... me?"

  Falcon nodded.

  "Yes. You."

  She stood.

  "Why me?

  Do you think I'm weak?

  That I can't fight?

  I thought you trusted me.

  I thought I was part of this family.

  And now you're sending me away?"

  Falcon's voice softened.

  "Sydney...

  That's not what I meant. It's just—"

  He stopped, eyes meeting hers.

  Tears welled in her eyes.

  "I thought I finally belonged.

  And now you're casting me aside."

  "Sydney, this isn't the time—"

  She turned and ran from the chamber.

  Falcon didn't move.

  He looked to the other captains.

  "We continue."

  —

  Sydney ran until she reached a cliff overlooking the glowing sea.

  Children played nearby.

  Their mother watched them, smiling.

  "Captain!"

  Majd approached.

  "What's wrong?

  I saw you run..."

  He paused, seeing her wipe her tears.

  "Did Falcon say something harsh again?

  He always does.

  But you know it's for all our sakes."

  Sydney gave a faint smile.

  Majd stood beside her, gazing at the horizon.

  "You know...

  They say Falcon, in his youth, was the one who evacuated the island—

  before the Great Wave swallowed Old Thera and destroyed Leonithra.

  The people who survived...

  owe their lives to him.

  He convinced them to flee.

  To start again."

  Sydney looked at him.

  "You're right."

  She turned and walked toward the tavern.

  Inside, pirates and townsfolk looked up.

  "Captain Sydney!"

  She smiled and took a seat.

  "Some aged grapes, please."

  "He's here!"

  Falcon sat beside her.

  "So?

  Are you angry?

  We can send someone else if you'd prefer."

  She stared at her drink.

  Falcon ordered.

  "Fried bananas. Extra crisp."

  "Why me?" she asked.

  He sighed.

  "If you want the truth...

  I'm afraid for you.

  Knowing you're far from the fight...

  gives me peace."

  She stood.

  "I knew it."

  "Wait, you fool," he said.

  "Also...

  I trust you.

  You're the only one who knows Jabir.

  He might listen to you.

  You speak well.

  People trust you."

  He glanced at a nearby pirate—grizzled, foul-smelling, one arm missing.

  "We can't send someone like him.

  We've lived rough lives.

  We take what we want by force.

  You...

  You're different."

  "So you admit I'm special," she said.

  Falcon raised a brow.

  "Of course.

  I trained you, didn't I?"

  She rolled her eyes.

  "Arrogant old man..."

  "Still," she added,

  "I haven't changed my mind."

  Falcon sighed.

  "We'll send someone else.

  Don't worry.

  Just... be careful, Sydney."

  She took a sip.

  "You be careful, old man.

  I'm not weak."

  Falcon bit into his fried banana.

  "Didn't say you were."

  The Whisper Beyond the Cave

  Klen walked slowly through the cave, his armor clinking with each step. Rose followed behind, arms crossed.

  Rose muttered, "I don't think knights are supposed to walk like that. Where's your honor?"

  Klen whispered dramatically, "This... is what I call a noble infiltration."

  He raised his hand, pointing toward a cluster of sleeping bear cubs nestled in the shadows.

  "Look. They're just children... and that's their mother."

  Rose extended her hand, preparing a spell.

  Klen gently grabbed her wrist. "Wait."

  He tossed a piece of dried meat across the cave floor.

  The mother bear stirred, sniffed, and lumbered toward the bait.

  In a flash, Klen struck from behind—one clean blow.

  Rose stared, stunned. "Why not kill the cubs too?"

  Klen knelt, pouring his strange potion over the mother's fur. "Leave them. Let them grow."

  Rose frowned. "You're insane. We still need two more pelts."

  "Don't worry," Klen said confidently. "We'll find them outside. I'm sure of it."

  Rose sighed and stepped out of the cave.

  Two massive bears were approaching from the forest edge.

  Klen turned. "I'll protect the cubs. You handle those."

  He sprinted back into the cave.

  Rose blinked. "What?!"

  The bears charged.

  Rose raised her hand, releasing a toxic green beam. One bear was struck and staggered. She rolled aside, narrowly avoiding the second's swipe.

  Klen's voice rang out from the cave entrance. "The Red Knight enters the fray!"

  He lunged, delivering a powerful blow that sent the second bear crashing to the ground.

  Rose raised an eyebrow. "Okay... that was actually useful."

  Klen bowed slightly. "I am honored by your praise, noble lady."

  Rose began skinning the fallen bears. "Alright. That's all of them."

  Klen walked beside her as they exited the cave.

  He paused, pointing to a patch of glowing mushrooms near the rocks.

  "Look at this fungus! It's rare. Let's collect it."

  Rose squinted. "Are you sure? Or is this another one of your ridiculous quests?"

  Klen knelt, carefully gathering the mushrooms. "The Red Knight only pursues noble tasks."

  Rose sighed and joined him, plucking a few of the glowing caps.

  Then—

  A whisper.

  Footsteps.

  Soft. Intentional.

  Rose froze.

  Klen looked up, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword.

  The air shifted.

  Something—or someone—was watching.

  Whispers in Red

  Rose raised her hand, signaling Klen to stay low.

  He crouched instantly; eyes alert.

  Ahead, cloaked figures in crimson robes moved through the trees, their voices hushed.

  One whispered, "The prince has begun executing plans against the Black Order..."

  Another replied, "Then we can infiltrate the Mage Guild?"

  "No," a third warned. "The High Commander, Laika, would uncover us immediately."

  "Then we'll pose as healers," said the fourth. "We'll enter the royal palace under the guise of treating Prince Sarah."

  Suddenly—a thud.

  All heads turned.

  Klen had slipped.

  Rose hissed, "You idiot!"

  The red-cloaked figures moved toward the sound.

  Klen scrambled, crawling into a narrow tunnel beneath a rock.

  The strangers searched the area, found nothing, and vanished into the forest.

  Rose approached the stone and kicked it lightly.

  "Get out, you fool."

  Klen emerged, covered in dust, brushing himself off with exaggerated dignity.

  Rose walked ahead. "Let's go. I don't know who they were, but they weren't from Aurik. Something's wrong."

  Klen shrugged. "Maybe it was a costume party?"

  Rose glared. "Obviously not."

  Klen brightened. "I'm heading to the banquet prepared for Princess Kasra. Would you care to join?"

  Rose paused.

  Free food? That would save me a fortune.

  "Absolutely."

  They returned to the Mercenary Guild.

  Inside, a new table stood in the center of the hall.

  Rose smirked. "Looks like the guild spends all its coin replacing tables thanks to that oversized idiot."

  Razan snapped, "Shut up, you lunatic!"

  Jalmoud stood, fists clenched.

  Razan raised a hand. "Stop."

  Jalmoud growled. "Damn you, girl!"

  Razan turned to them. "I'm impressed. You managed to skin them all. Especially those two—" she pointed to the pelts Klen carried, "—they're in excellent condition."

  Rose glanced at Klen, surprised.

  He stood tall, voice booming.

  "Our noble mission is complete! Let the world witness a new dawn!"

  The Day of Reckoning - When Thera Held Its Breath

  The next morning...

  Sydney awoke to the sound of hurried footsteps—pirates shouting, villagers rushing through the streets.

  She rose, dressed quickly, and placed her hat firmly on her head.

  "Alright...

  The plan has begun.

  Time to focus."

  She stepped out of the inn.

  Pirates stood ready—some aboard their ships, cannons aimed. Others lined the docks. Falcon stood above them, flanked by two commanders, surveying New Thera from the high ridge.

  Sydney blinked.

  "I overslept..."

  Her crew watched her. Majd among them.

  She straightened.

  "Men!

  Today is the day we've waited for!

  Let the invaders learn who rules this world's seas!"

  "Aye!" the crew roared.

  Majd approached, smiling.

  "Let's win this."

  Sydney nodded.

  Falcon walked slowly, eyes fixed on the horizon.

  "Accelerate the evacuation!"

  The pace quickened. Boats filled with civilians sailed toward the scattered isles.

  Hours passed.

  Sydney watched the final ship vanish into the mist.

  She turned to Falcon.

  "You really think they won't target the islands?

  Aren't we putting the people at risk?"

  Falcon shook his head, smiling faintly.

  "Their mobility is limited.

  Strange. Incomplete.

  If they could reach the islands...

  they would've done so already.

  That's why they attacked you.

  They want you gone—so they can move freely without strong magic in their way."

  A pirate approached.

  "They avoid Valina on purpose.

  If they cast a massive spell...

  the Sea Queen might notice."

  Sydney nodded.

  "Alright...

  That's reassuring.

  Wait—what's that?"

  A shout rang out.

  "Ships!

  Leonithra's fleet is approaching!

  A full armada!"

  Falcon's expression changed.

  He strode quickly to the front.

  Pirates scrambled to their positions.

  Sydney's heart raced.

  "Everyone—get to your stations!"

  Her crew spread across New Thera's defenses.

  She looked around.

  Empty homes.

  Silent streets.

  Yesterday, the island pulsed with life.

  Now—only stillness.

  She turned toward the distant fog.

  Ships emerged—one after another.

  "It's them..." she whispered.

  The fleet was vast.

  Dark sails.

  Black insignias.

  The ships were filled with Black Order agents...

  and Lothar's men yet Lothar is nowhere to be found.