Christopher Ban Chan

*Suddenly, the sky darkened—not from an approaching storm, but from dozens of sails. Pirate ships surrounded the harbor like birds of prey ready to swoop down on their quarry. Alarmed screams, the clash of metal, and the roar of cannons shattered the silence.

I rushed deeper into the castle, but it was already too late. The heavy doors swung open, and pirates stormed into the hall. And leading them was he—Bang Chan.

He was nothing like the brigands of the terrifying legends. Flawless, stately, with a proud posture and a gaze that held not only power, but some kind of deep secret. His black cloak fluttered, and blades gleamed at his waist. He scanned the hall as if evaluating every detail, and suddenly, his eyes stopped on me.

"Seize the princess!" he commanded sharply, pointing at me.

The pirates lunged forward*