Sofia's heart skipped a beat as the figure stepped forward, his eyes fixed on her. He was tall, with a scar above his left eyebrow and a grin that sent shivers down her spine.
"Who are you?" Arin asked, his voice firm, his hand on his sword.
The stranger chuckled, his eyes glancing at Arin.
"I'm Captain Ryker, pirate of the seas. And you, Princess, are my ticket to a fortune."
Sofia's mind reeled, her heart pounding in her chest. A pirate? They had escaped the palace, only to be captured by a pirate?
Leila's hand was on her arm, her voice urgent.
"Princess, we need to go."
But it was too late. The pirate's men emerged from the shadows, surrounding them.
Arin drew his sword, his eyes fixed on Ryker.
"You'll never take her alive."
Ryker chuckled, his eyes glancing at Sofia. "Oh, I don't need to. She'll come willingly, once she hears my offer."
Sofia's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing.
What could he possibly offer her?