Sofia's heart skipped a beat as Arin's eyes locked onto hers, a mix of surprise and determination on his face. "Arin, what are you doing here?" she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady.
Arin's gaze flicked to the Golden Anchor, and then back to Sofia. "I followed you, Princess. I knew you were in danger."
Ryker's voice growled from behind Arin. "Well, well, well. Looks like we've got an unexpected guest."
Sofia's heart was racing. What was Arin doing?
Was he going to ruin everything?
But Arin's eyes were fixed on hers, a silent message passing between them. "I think l'll take care of this, Princess," he said, his voice low.
Sofia's mind was spinning. What was he planning?
Arin turned to Ryker. "'ll take the Golden Anchor, and you can leave the princess alone."
Ryker laughed, a cold, calculating sound. "And why would I do that?"
Arin's eyes narrowed. "Because I have something you want. Information."
Sofia's heart skipped a beat. What information?
Ryker's grin faltered, and he took a step forward.
"What information?"
The standoff was interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside. "Ah, I think that's our cue," a voice said, as the door burst open.
Sofia's heart skipped a beat. It was Leila, a group of pirates behind her.
The room erupted into chaos, pirates and guards clinging. Sofia's eyes locked onto Arin's, a silent message passing between them. They were in this together.