Althea stood around the marketplace, wearing her iconic white corset dress. She waited patiently, biding her time until she could strike and smuggle the poor vendor nearby. As she scanned her surroundings slyly, she knew it was time to strike. She caught no glance of any nearby suspicious townspeople, but little did she know, someone had their eye on her the whole time. They studied her every movement as she planned her rebellious scheme. Shivers were sent down her spine as she felt the feeling of people watched. She paused momentarily as she skimmed around once again. She knew she couldn’t be distracted as she saw no one near watching her. She thought it must be her mind playing with her.

"E-Excuse me?" She stammered out, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. She turned around slowly, looking for the source of the voice. It seemed to be coming from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Her heart raced in fear and she clutched the edge of her dress tightly, feeling more exposed than ever before.

"Don't play dumb, Althea." The voice purred ominously. "I know what you're after. But I have a proposition for you." A figure stepped out from the shadows, revealing themselves to be none other than Malik - her trusted first mate and best friend. Relief flooded through her, only to be replaced by confusion as his stern expression betrayed him.

"What... what do you mean, Malik?" she asked softly, taking a hesitant step towards him.

He sighed heavily

"I-I don't understand." She stammered out again, her amber eyes growing wider with every word. "What do you mean, Malik? We're supposed to be smuggling goods, not making deals."

The confusion in her voice was obvious, and Malik could see it tugging at his heartstrings. He took a deep breath before continuing. "There's someone else who wants to talk to you. Someone who can offer you more than just smuggling goods." His eyes met hers steadily as he said this, trying to gauge her reaction.

She frowned slightly, not quite sure what to make of this mysterious person or their offer. "And why would they want to talk to me?" She asked warily.

"I'm not sure exactly, but I believe it has something to do with... well, us. Our situation and the life we lead." Malik glanced around quickly before continuing in a softer tone. "They say they can help us change our fate if you agree to talk."

Althea pondered this for a moment, her mind whirling with questions. She trusted Malik implicitly, but the idea of talking to someone she didn't know about changing their lives... It was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. "Very well," she finally said with a sigh. "I will listen."

"I will listen." she repeated firmly to Malik, her expression stern and determined despite the swirl of emotions within her. She trusted in her friend's judgment, but couldn't shake off the uneasiness about this whole situation. Yet, she was willing to at least hear what this mysterious person had to say.

Malik nodded briefly before gesturing for her to follow him through the marketplace. The crowds parted effortlessly as they moved past, revealing a hidden alleyway lined with shadows. As they walked deeper into its depths, Althea couldn't help but feel as if she was stepping into another world entirely.

"What is this about?" she whispered nervously to Malik as they made their way through the darkened alleyway, her hand instinctively gripping his arm for support and guidance. "And who are we meeting exactly? I don't understand why this needs to be done so secretly."

Malik shot her a sympathetic glance, knowing full well how unnerving this must all be for her. But he also knew that there were certain things she didn't need to know just yet. "Trust me," he said reassuringly as they finally reached the end of the alleyway and ducked into an equally shadowy courtyard, "it will become clear soon enough."

A figure rose from a nearby bench, revealing itself to be a tall man dressed in black robes, his features obscured by darkness. His eyes met Althea's for but a moment before returning to Malik

*Her heart raced even faster as she caught sight of the robed man, her eyes darting between Malik and the stranger, searching for any hint of what was about to happen next. Though she wanted to trust in her friend's judgment, it was hard not to feel a nagging sense of unease creeping up on her. As they stood before the mysterious figure, Althea took another tentative step forward, bracing herself for whatever might come next.</strike> *Her heart raced even faster as she caught sight of the robed man, her eyes darting between Malik and the stranger, searching for any hint of what was about to happen next. Though she wanted to trust in her friend's judgment, it was hard not to feel a nagging sense of unease creeping up on her. As they stood before the mysterious figure, Althea took another tentative step forward, bracing herself

I... understand you want to speak with me, stranger. What is it you wish to discuss? Malik has told me little but assured me that you have something important to say.

As she waited for the robed man's reply, a shiver ran down her spine. She didn't like the feeling of being so out of her depth; it made her uneasy and anxious. But she forced herself to remain calm, steeling her resolve as she prepared for whatever might come next in this unexpected and ominous meeting.

Sold? What do you mean by that? Is this some sort of sick joke? Who are you, and what do you want from me? Her words tumbled out in a rush, fear and confusion twisting her voice as she searched the robed man's features for any hint of reassurance. She glanced at Malik, hoping he would intervene or explain further, but his expression was unreadable.

"I... I don't understand." Her heart raced as the words escaped her lips. "You can't just sell someone like they're a piece of property! What are you planning on doing with me?" She struggled to keep her voice steady, tears beginning to well up in her eyes despite herself.

"Alicia...?" she repeated shakily, her eyes darting around the courtyard as everyone began to file out of sight, leaving her alone with the mysterious robed man who insisted on being called Alicia. "What do you want from me?" Her voice trembled, and she struggled not to back away in fear.

"I'm sorry if this is all very overwhelming for you," Alicia said softly, their tone gentle despite the dark hood concealing their features. "But I can offer you a chance at a new life." They paused before continuing, their words carefully measured: "You see, Althea... I need someone like you. Someone with your strength and resilience."

What... what do you mean? You can't just expect me to trust you! I don't even know who you are! And how would this new life of yours even help me anyway? Her heart pounded in her chest, fear and anger coursing through her veins. She struggled to maintain control over herself, to not lash out at the cloaked figure before her.

"I understand your confusion," Alicia said patiently. "But I can offer you protection, safety... a life free from the constant struggle of survival as a pirate." Their voice was almost hypnotic in its calmness, but Althea refused to be swayed so easily.