The afternoon sun dipped low in the sky, casting an impossibly perfect golden light on the seaside docks of Starlight Cove. Among the buzz of traders, sailors, and passersby, a lone figure stood out under the shade of the twisted palms, drawing eyes even though she didn’t seem to notice—or mind—the attention.
Her fiery, cascading orange hair caught the light in a manner that seemed almost otherworldly, as though the strands themselves shimmered with the secrets of the sea. As she walked with confident strides, the entire marketplace seemed to slow and tune in to her presence. She wore a bright, tightly fitted green bikini top, ornamented with distinctive circular patterns that tantalizingly drew attention to the curves of her physique. Across her shoulders draped the warm glow of her sun-kissed skin, all while her petite but toned frame was embraced by a pair of faded denim shorts. The shorts ran just high enough to capture the gaze, the edges frayed, giving her the air of someone who had seen a thousand adventures and planned on a thousand more.
In her hands, she clutched something that piqued the curiosity of wandering eyes—a “Wanted” poster, worn and rumpled as if it had come through a harrowing journey. The poster bore the rough image of a man with scarred cheeks and ruthless eyes. She held the paper up, glancing at the rough sketch intently, her lips curling into a sly grin—like the ocean waves pulling a ship closer into a hidden whirlpool.
A small crowd began to form near the docks, their whispers the same kind of undertones spoken of legends long gone. As she moved, a penknife—gleaming silver in the setting sunlight—casually dangled from her waist, as if it was simply another accessory. But there was nothing plain about it, just as there was nothing plain about her. One man pushed his way through the onlookers cautiously, the salty wind catching his scraggly beard. His eyes met hers, and she took notice, only briefly sizing him up before turning her gaze away. He wore a brown vest and trousers torn at the knees, but the insignia on his belt gave him away—a pirate.
A Daring Proposal
“Oi,” he called out, failing to hide the tremble in his voice. “That lad on the poster, the one they call the Viper… y’er lookin’ for him, ain’t ye?”
She tilted her head just slightly, acknowledging his address, but there was no stopping her smirk from growing. “Who’s asking?” she replied, her melodic voice laced with danger and amusement. It was clear from the look in her eyes—emerald orbs that glistened with the promise of adventure—that she could handle herself in more ways than one.
The man rubbed at his scruffy chin nervously. “Ya’ can’t go after the Viper alone. Deadliest pirate across the Southern Seas, that one.” He leaned closer, glancing around to see who might be listening. “But if ye have somethin’ t’ offer, I know somethin’ ya don’t. Somethin’ to give you a fightin’ chance, lass.”
The woman, though smaller in stature than the pirates she mingled with, radiated command. She took the poster and folded it carefully before tucking it away beneath the waistband of her denim shorts. Her hands came to rest on her hips, her green bikini top shifting slightly as she craned her neck forward. The tilt of her posture suggested she was ready for anything—a fight, a deal, anything that advanced her quest.
“Speak,” she said, her voice not threatening, but dangerously calm, as the oranges and purples of twilight washed over her fiery tresses.
A Hidden Map
The scruffy pirate grinned through his discomfort, tossing a quick look over his shoulder before pulling something from his vest pocket. It was faded and crinkled—an old, yellowed parchment. “The Viper’s treasure map, lass,” he whispered, eyes flickering with self-satisfaction. “He don’t know I stole it. And he’ll be lookin’ fer my blighted hide once he knows it’s gone.”
She narrowed her eyes, closing the distance in a single step. Close enough now that he could smell the salt of the sea on her skin and catch the subtle sheen of her glossy locks as they swayed with her every movement. It wasn’t just her outfit that commanded attention; it was the way she wore her confidence like armor.
Her fingers reached out slowly, brushing the edge of the map. “And what do you want in exchange?”
The pirate gulped. “A share of the treasure—and safe passage out of Starlight Cove. The Viper’s henchmen are already on my trail, and I won’t stand a chance without ye.”
The woman’s grin returned. Her lips, full and slightly parted in amusement, seemed on the verge of laughter. “A share, you say?” Her voice danced in the air. “Very well.”
The pirate exhaled in relief as he quickly thrust the map into her hands. Her fingers moved deftly, unfolding the fragile parchment, revealing an intricate web of ink strokes, treasure marks, and long-forgotten islands. She studied it intently for a moment, and then, as she tucked the map away into the back pocket of her shorts, she leaned in toward the pirate.
The Trap
“We leave at dawn,” she informed him. “Meet me by the Serpentine ship or consider our deal broken.”
The pirate nodded feverishly, turning to rush off. However, before he reached the edge of the dock, the woman called out behind him one last time. “Oh, and one more thing—if you try to cut and run with this, I’ll find you.”
She didn’t need to say anything more. The pirate offered a nervous chuckle and scampered off hurriedly into the night. As he disappeared from view, the woman’s expression changed slightly, her vibrant eyes hardening.
She folded her arms across her chest, standing by calmly as if already anticipating the hours to come. The truth, she knew, was that every pirate who had ever chased the promise of treasure had ended up making a deal that cut both ways. People forgot that her name—Lila Ashfell—was spoken in the same whispers and on the same tongues that had once revered the Viper.
But she hadn’t come for his treasure. No, Lila had come for revenge. The moon began to rise, crowning the docks in silver light as a low wind swirled through the greenery behind her. Lila smiled—confident and unyielding. After all, the hunt was only just beginning.
Conclusion
As the night swallowed the remaining light from the horizon, Lila—green top shining under the dim glow of the stars, denim shorts hugging her waist—stood tall, ready to track down the pirate who had taken everything from her once. Tomorrow, she would claim it all back. Not just the treasure. Every. Last. Ounce.
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