The Escape Attempt

“Isabella, what is going on between you and James?”
"Nothing," I blurted, a little too quickly, feeling the words stick in my throat.
"Nothing is going on.”
“I'm the captain's wife," I added, the declaration tasting bitter as it left my lips.

Mauve’s gaze never wavered.

"James would not risk his life for just anyone," she said, her voice low and insistent.
"Do not lie to me."

I sighed. Were we really that obvious? I took a deep breath, searching for the courage to speak.

“We fell in love,” I whispered, barely able to hear my voice.

Each word was a risk I could not take back. Mauve’s eyes widened slightly, but she did not interrupt, waiting for me to continue.

“James and I are planning to escape,” I said, my voice gaining strength.
“We cannot live under Blackthorn’s rule any longer.”
“We need to find freedom, even if it means risking everything.”

Mauve looked away; her expression unreadable. When she turned back, her eyes softened, though they held an emotion I could not quite place.

“You are playing a dangerous game,” she murmured.
"If Blackthorn finds out..."
“I know the risks,” I cut in.
“I cannot stay here.”
“I cannot keep living this lie.”

Her hand settled on my arm, a gesture that was both comforting and a warning.

“Then be very careful.”
“For your sake, and James.”
“The captain’s wrath is not something you want to provoke.”

I nodded, swallowing hard.

“Where is the captain now?”

I asked, the desperation barely hidden in my voice.

“He is at the tavern,” she replied cautiously.
"In town."
“I need to see James.”

Mauve’s brow furrowed in concern.

"Isabella, that is incredibly dangerous.”
“If you are caught—"
“This could be our only chance," I interrupted.
"With Blackthorn distracted, now might be the perfect time to escape."

She hesitated, her face a mixture of worry and acceptance. She looked at me for a long moment, weighing the enormity of my decision.

“You understand what you are saying?"

Her voice was low.


"This is not just about sneaking a moment with him.”
“You are talking about defying Blackthorn entirely.”
“I know,” I whispered, my voice trembling with the enormity of the choice before me.
"We have to try.”
“We deserve a chance at happiness, at freedom."

Mauve sighed, glancing toward the small window as if searching for an answer in the darkness beyond. When she looked back, her eyes were filled with quiet resolve.

“Alright,” she said, her tone softer now.
"I will help you.”
“You have to be careful, Isabella.”
“One wrong step, and you both could pay with your lives.”
“I promise.”
“Thank you, Mauve.”
“For everything.”

She stood, her voice firm.

"Gather what you need and go.”
“I will keep watch, distract anyone who might come looking for you.”
“Remember, you must be swift and silent.”
“Every second counts."

With a final glance of thanks, I moved around the small cabin, quickly gathering my few belongings. The dim lantern light cast flickering shadows on the walls, heightening the sense of urgency. My hands trembled as I packed a small satchel, a change of clothes, a knife for protection, and the worn map James had given me, marking our escape route. At the door, Mauve stood ready, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

“Stay in the shadows,” she whispered.
"Avoid the main paths.”
“The guards are more likely to be there."

I slipped out of the captain's quarters, the satchel feeling heavier than it was as it bounced against my side. The ship was eerily quiet, save for the creaking of the wooden hull and the distant sound of the sea. I moved cautiously, eyes darting for any sign of the guards. The brig was below deck—a place I had always avoided, but tonight, it was the only place I needed to be.


The narrow passage to the lower deck was dimly lit, the lanterns casting ghostly shadows that made the ship feel like a haunted maze. Pressing myself against the wall, I inched forward. The faint sounds of guards’ voices carried through the corridor, mingled with their laughter and the roll of dice. I waited for my chance, and when one of them turned to reach for his drink, I slipped past, my heart pounding in my chest.

When I reached the stairs, I glanced back—the guards were still engrossed in their game. I descended quickly, the air growing colder and damper as I reached the brig. The sound of dripping water echoed, the cells lined with iron bars holding prisoners either asleep or lost in despair. I finally found him. James sat slumped against the wall, his eyes dull with exhaustion.

"Isabella?" he whispered, scrambling to his feet.
"What are you doing here?"
"I could not leave without you," I said, my voice trembling.
"We have to go, now."
"Do you have the keys?"

I shook my head.

"No, but I have this," I said, pulling out the small knife from my satchel.
"Maybe we can use it to pick the lock."

James took the knife and set to work. The minutes stretched endlessly, the metallic scraping of the knife against the lock filling the silence. My gaze flickered nervously toward the shadows, my ears straining for any sound of approaching guards. Finally, the lock clicked. James swung open the cell door, pulling me into his arms.

"We need to move fast," he urged.
"The guards will notice soon."

We slipped through the dark corridor and made it to the stairs, where the guards were still distracted. Breathing a sigh of relief, we made our way to the deck. The fresh night air was a welcome relief, but it did nothing to ease the tension in my chest. James led me toward a small rowboat tied to the side of the ship, working quickly to cut the ropes. Suddenly I felt the cold edge of a blade pressed to my throat. My blood ran cold as Captain Blackthorn’s familiar voice growled behind me.

"Going somewhere, pet?"

I forced myself to turn and meet his gaze, his dark eyes filled with menace.

"I was just—"
"You were just what?"

His grip tightened, the malice in his voice unmistakable. Before I could respond, James stepped forward, fury blazing in his eyes.

"Let her go, Elias," he demanded, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Blackthorn’s grip loosened slightly, but he did not release me.

"This is my ship, James.”
“You do not give orders here."

James took a step closer, his hand tightening around the knife.

"I am not asking," he said coldly.
"Let her go, or I will make you."

Blackthorn laughed, the sound cruel and empty.

"You are barely standing," he sneered.
"What makes you think you can beat me
"I love her."
“Love is the strongest force on this planet.”