Ondina's heart raced as she fled through the winding streets away from the castle, her cloak billowing behind her.

The Ardyn Library loomed ahead, its imposing façade standing as a symbol of hope and knowledge. She pushed open the heavy oak doors, which creaked in protest, and stepped into the dimly lit interior. 

Ondina's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she moved quickly through the library's aisles, her footsteps echoing against the stone floor. The silence of the library was profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of her cloak or the whisper of her breaths.

"Cyrus!" she called out, her voice trembling with urgency. "Cyrus, are you here?"

The call was swallowed by the vastness of the room. She turned over every stone, her hands brushing against the cold spines of books as she navigated the labyrinth of shelves. Her heart pounded as she checked every nook and cranny she knew well from her previous visit, but the library was eerily empty.

She reached the central reading area, where a large wooden table stood littered with old manuscripts and quills. The chair where Cyrus often sat was empty, the room devoid of any sign of his presence. Ondina's breath hitched as she rifled through the papers, her fingers shaking as she overturned them, hoping for any clue or sign that he had been there recently.

Her desperation grew with each passing second. She moved to the small alcove where Cyrus sometimes sought refuge from the world, but it was as empty as the rest of the library. The dim light cast long shadows, making the silence even more oppressive.

"Where are you?" Ondina whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. She sank to her knees beside a stack of old volumes, her shoulders shaking as she fought back tears. The thought that the Blackwoods might be in danger—or worse—hit her like a physical blow.

She stood up, her resolve hardening. If Cyrus wasn't here, he must be back at the cottage, but without Kael she didn't know how to get back. She needed to find them. She ran her hand through her hair, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

As she turned to leave, the faintest sound caught her attention—a creak from the far end of the library. Her head whipped around, but the vast room remained still and silent. A fleeting hope sparked within her, but it quickly faded as she took in the emptiness.

With one last glance around the library, Ondina knew she had to keep moving. She exited the Ardyn Library, stepping back into the night.

In the midst of her hurried escape, she nearly collided with a man emerging from a nearby bar. He was carrying a tall glass of rum, its contents sloshing dangerously close to the rim. Without warning, Ondina bumped into him, and the liquid exploded out of the glass, cascading in a shimmering arc over both of them.

The man let out a startled yelp, his once-proud posture crumpling in surprise. Rum splattered across his clothes and spilled onto the cobblestone street, mingling with the grime and litter of the back alleys. He looked down at his stained garments, a mix of annoyance and disbelief flashing across his face.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" he shouted, his voice rising above the street noise. His hand clutched the empty glass as if it were a lifeline, while his other hand reached out to steady himself.

Ondina, momentarily stunned, glanced up at him. Her expression was a blend of apology and impatience. "I'm so sorry," she said, her voice muffled by the din of the street. "I didn't see you."

Ondina's apology was barely out of her mouth when the man's anger flared. His face reddened, and his hand was already moving toward her in a threatening gesture. "Watch where you're going, damn it!" he growled, his voice cutting through the street noise.

Just as his hand was about to make contact, another man emerged from the bar's dim interior. He was slightly taller and dressed more sharply, his expression serious but calm. Seeing the situation, he stepped between Ondina and the angry man with a practised ease.

"Hold on a minute," the newcomer said, his voice firm but controlled. "There's no need for that." He placed a reassuring hand on the angry man's shoulder, his gaze steady and authoritative. "Let's not make a scene. It was an accident."

The angry man, still fuming, hesitated. He glared at Ondina, but the presence of the new arrival seemed to cool his temper. "Fine," he muttered, his voice grudging. "Just watch where you're going next time." With a final scowl, he turned and walked away, his mood visibly soured.

Ondina, her heart still racing from the confrontation, looked up at the man who had intervened. He exuded a mysterious aura, his presence commanding attention. His long dark hair fell in waves to his shoulders, and his blue eyes were piercing, holding a depth that suggested he knew more than he let on. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of danger that was impossible to ignore.

Despite the initial tension, his gaze was calm and composed. His sharp features softened as he assessed Ondina, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. He seemed to move with a practised grace, as though he was accustomed to navigating both physical and social conflicts.

"Are you alright?" he asked again, his voice low and smooth, carrying a subtle hint of authority. His eyes scanned her face, noting her dishevelled appearance and the anxious look in her eyes.

Ondina was about to respond when the sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention. The clanging of armour and the murmur of voices grew louder, signalling the arrival of guards making their way through the streets. Panic surged through her, and she instinctively began to turn to run.

"Hold on," the man said swiftly, his tone firm yet calm. "This way."

He reached out and grabbed her arm gently but firmly, steering her away from the incoming patrol. His movements were quick and assured, leading her down a narrow side street that branched off from the main thoroughfare. The alley was dimly lit, with shadows stretching along the walls as the night deepened.

Ondina followed him, her heart pounding as the sounds of the guards faded behind them. The man's pace was measured, ensuring they kept out of sight but didn't rush so much that they would draw attention.

As they turned another corner, he glanced back, ensuring they were no longer visible to the patrol. His eyes met hers with a reassuring yet intense look. "You should be safe for now. They won't find us in this part of town."

Ondina caught her breath, her gaze darting around the alleyway as she tried to calm herself. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaky. The man, still leaning casually against the brick wall, watched her with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

They both took a moment to steady themselves, the silence between them heavy with unspoken questions. Finally, Ondina broke it. "I need to find the Blackwoods," she said, her voice steady but edged with urgency. "Do you know where I can find them?"

The man's expression shifted from casual amusement to thoughtful contemplation. He regarded her with a probing gaze, as if assessing the sincerity of her request. "The Blackwoods, huh?" he mused. "They're unpredictable."

Ondina's eyes narrowed with frustration. "I don't have time for riddles. I need to find them. It's important."

The man's demeanour remained steady, his gaze unyielding. "I understand the urgency, but information comes at a cost. Before I help you find the pirates, you'll need to answer one question."

Ondina's impatience flared. "What's that?"

The man leaned in slightly, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity. "Why were you running from the guards?"

Ondina's brow furrowed. "Why does it matter? I need to find them, not answer questions."

He smiled wryly. "Oh, it matters because it gives me context. You see, I have a particular dislike for the royal family. If helping you means making things more difficult for them, I'm all in. But if you can't give me a reason that's compelling enough, I might reconsider."

Ondina blinked in surprise, her frustration mingling with a new sense of intrigue. "You hate the royal family?"

The man nodded, a flicker of disdain crossing his face. "I do. Let's just say we have some history."

Ondina's eyes widened, realising the depth of his grudge. "Well, it looks like we might have something in common then. I need to find the Blackwoods because they're in danger, and I have to help them."

The man's interest was piqued. "Danger, you say? And what makes you think they're in danger?"

Ondina took a deep breath, her gaze intense. "I've been followed by the guards. Something's brewing, and the Blackwoods are central to it. If they're not safe, neither am I, and neither is anyone else who's involved. I need to warn them, and I need to know where they are."

The man studied her for a moment, weighing her words. "I'll help you find them. But remember, our mutual dislike for the royals doesn't make us allies by default. Trust is earned."

Ondina raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Trust, huh? You're the one helping a stranger in the middle of the night, so maybe you're the one looking to earn some trust yourself."

The man chuckled, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Fair point. But let's not pretend this is some noble quest. We're both driven by personal motives. I might be helping you now, but don't think for a second that I'm doing it out of the goodness of my heart."

Ondina laughed softly, shaking her head. "I wouldn't dream of it. I'm well aware that our interests align for now. Just don't expect me to sing your praises or write you a thank-you note."

The man's smile was a mix of satisfaction and intrigue as he gestured for Ondina to follow him. "Alright then. I know someone who can help."

He led her through a maze of darkened streets, his presence both reassuring and enigmatic. Ondina kept a cautious distance, her senses alert to every sound and shadow. The man moved with purpose, his steps confident and deliberate, as if he knew these streets like the back of his hand.

They reached a nondescript door nestled between two larger buildings. It was old and weathered, almost blending into its surroundings. The man knocked twice, a rhythmic pattern that seemed almost ritualistic. After a moment, a sliver of light appeared beneath the door, and it creaked open to reveal a dimly lit room.

Inside was a small, cluttered space filled with maps, old books, and various artefacts. The air was thick with the smell of aged parchment and wax. Behind a desk cluttered with papers sat a woman in her mid-thirties, her sharp eyes glinting with curiosity and wariness.

"Isabella," the man said as he entered, his tone casual but respectful. "There's someone here who needs your help. She's looking for the Blackwoods."

Isabella looked up, her gaze shifting from the man to Ondina with a mix of scepticism and interest. "The Blackwoods? That's a name I haven't heard in a while. What's the reason for the search?"

Ondina stepped forward, her voice steady despite the turmoil she had faced. "They're in danger, and I need to find them before it's too late. Do you know where they are?"

Isabella's gaze remained fixed on Ondina, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the gravity of the situation. "They're quite elusive, even to those of us who keep our ears to the ground. Why are they in danger, and what makes you so sure they need help?"

Ondina took a deep breath, her resolve firm despite the exhaustion weighing on her. "The Blackwoods have been targeted by those who wish to see them out of the way. They hold secrets and connections that certain people would go to great lengths to control or destroy. I've seen the signs and I know they're in immediate danger. I have to find them to ensure their safety."

Isabella studied Ondina's face, her expression softening slightly as she considered her words. "You speak with conviction, and there's truth in your eyes."

Isabella studied Ondina's face, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the sincerity in her expression. The weight of her decision was clear, and she seemed to be searching for something more than just words.

"The Blackwoods are more than names to me—they're friends. I need to know you're not just another threat or a pawn in someone else's game," Isabella said. She paused, then added, "To prove your intentions, answer me this:"

She began to recite a riddle, her tone both challenging and contemplative.

"In the forest of the old, where the sun seldom glows,
There lies a house of secrets where the wind rarely blows.
Guarded by those whose loyalty is true,
Find the place where the path splits into two.
To the left is wisdom, to the right is gold,
Tell me, what is the path that the Blackwoods hold?"

Ondina considered the riddle carefully, her mind racing as she pieced together the clues. She knew that the answer was more than just about solving a puzzle—it was a test of her understanding of the family.

"The Blackwoods value wisdom over gold," Ondina said finally, her voice steady. "The path they hold is one of wisdom and truth, not wealth or power."

Isabella's eyes widened slightly, and a smile of approval touched her lips. "You've answered correctly. The Blackwoods have always placed wisdom and loyalty above material gain. It's a trait that defines them, even if they're pirates."

Isabella handed Ondina the folded piece of parchment with the directions written on it. "Follow this path. It's not marked on any map, but it will lead you to the cottage. Be cautious."

Ondina accepted the parchment with a grateful nod, her expression a mix of relief and determination. "Thank you, Isabella. I won't forget this."

The man, still a silent presence, gave a polite nod of his own, acknowledging Isabella's help with a subtle smile.

As they stepped outside into the cool night air, the street was quiet, illuminated only by the dim glow of lanterns. The man glanced at Ondina, his expression thoughtful.

"Thank you for your help," Ondina said, her voice carrying a note of sincerity as she looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity.

He returned her gaze with a small, almost enigmatic smile. "You're welcome," he said, his tone warm yet tinged with a subtle formality.

Ondina noticed the shift in his demeanour, the way his gaze seemed to wander off toward the distance, signalling his departure. "Are you leaving now?" she inquired, her tone revealing a blend of reluctance and concern.

He nodded, the seriousness in his eyes contrasting with the playful edge in his smile. "I need to head back. I have a meeting with someone important in the morning."

A glimmer of curiosity sparked in Ondina's eyes. "Before you leave... what's your name?" she asked, hoping to learn more about the enigmatic figure.

He clicked his tongue, a soft, dismissive sound that was both playful and evasive. His eyes, a piercing blue, twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Names can be dangerous. It's best if we don't reveal each other's."

Ondina raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips despite herself. "Is that so? Not even a nickname?" she pressed, her tone light but tinged with intrigue.

He chuckled softly, the sound rich and slightly husky, and shook his head with a graceful, almost theatrical gesture. "Just make sure you stay out of trouble. The world's a dangerous place, even for those who mean well," he advised, his voice carrying an air of quiet authority.

His words lingered in the air as he took a step back, his silhouette framed by the dim glow of the street lamps. The shadows played across his features, adding an aura of mystery to his already inscrutable presence. Ondina watched as he turned, his figure gradually merging with the night, disappearing into the folds of darkness.

The man stepped back into the bar, the warmth and noise enveloping him like a familiar embrace. The flickering light from the candles cast dancing shadows across the room, making the dark corners seem even more impenetrable.

As he made his way towards the bar, he was met by a pair of stern-faced guards. Their expressions were a mixture of concern and irritation. One of them, a burly figure with a scar running down his cheek, spoke up, his tone carrying a weight of authority. "Where did you run off to, my Lord? You're supposed to be kept safe at all times, sir."

The man, undeterred by their reproach, waved a hand dismissively. "Relax," he said with a nonchalant shrug, his voice smooth and casual. "I came back in one piece, didn't I?" He gestured dramatically to himself, as if to underline his point, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

The guards exchanged a look of exasperation. The scarred one shook his head, clearly frustrated. "It's not just about you being in one piece, sir," he said, his voice low but firm. "We've got orders to ensure your safety."

The man's smirk didn't waver as he leaned casually against the bar, the dim light highlighting the mischievous glint in his eyes. "And I appreciate your concern," he said, his tone sincere but edged with a hint of defiance. "But there's no need."

The guards sighed, their frustration palpable. They knew better than to argue further with him, especially given his reputation and the complicated nature of his role. They exchanged resigned glances, acknowledging the futility of pushing the matter any further.

"Just... be careful," the scarred guard finally said, his voice softening slightly. "We'll be keeping an eye on things, but don't make us have to come looking for you again."

The man nodded appreciatively, a more genuine smile crossing his face. "Understood. I'll keep that in mind. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to." He gave them a brief nod before turning back to the bar, signalling for a drink.