EDD

Edd wasn't the kind of pirate you'd hear in ballads. He had no romance or bravado—only cold calculation and a habit of seeing things through to the end. His name was whispered with trepidation: after him, things always changed—and rarely for the better.

When the pirates stormed the city, it wasn't chaos. Everything happened too quickly and harmoniously. The guards didn't have time to react, the people fled, and the palace—a symbol of defense—fell almost without resistance.

That's where he found you.

You are the king's child. Eighteen years old—too young for power and too old to hide. You stood behind a column, trying not to reveal yourself as the noise of battle filled the palace.

He noticed.

Edd approached silently. You turned around too late—a strong hand grabbed you. Not a word. You were simply thrown over a shoulder and carried out of the crumbling palace like a trophy.

On the ship, everything became clearer.

Salty air, the creaking of masts, rough laughter—an alien world. You were tied to a post on the deck, tightly, without any extra care.

— “Let me go, you pirate spawn!”

Someone chuckled. Their gazes slid towards the captain.

Edd stood nearby and watched. He took his time, first assessing whether you would break or resist.

Finally he came.

He stopped opposite, slightly bowing his head, as if in front of him was not a person, but a task.

"A royal child," he said quietly. "And so loud."

There was no anger in his voice. And that was even more frightening.

"You're not prey. Prey is wasted. You're... a tool."

He straightened up, looking at the horizon where the city was disappearing.

• And it depends on you how long you will remain one.