His eyes were inescapable. They lingered on me, studying my every move and motive.

“You cannot win this,” he said, pushing his sword closer to my neck.

The cold steel sent shivers down my throat.

I stare back into his oak brown eyes and respond, “I don’t need to win. You just need to lose.”

I push him back with all my might. His blade scarcely misses my neck.

With swift feet, I run from him, towards the open door of the ship.

Waves rock the anchored ship, swishing my steps side to side.

“You’ll never find the Ocean’s Heart!” Captain Trent shouted from behind. His sword still aimed towards me.

I ignore his words and study the mounds of looted treasure.

My eyes connect with an aquamarine stone.

I found it.

Without hesitation, I grab the stone and throw it into the angry sea.

“NO!” I hear Captain Trent shout.

His sword jabs within my chest, so fast I didn’t see it coming.

I don’t feel any pain. I completed the mission.

I restored the Ocean’s Heart to its rightful home after decades of looting.

With a gasp of wind, my body falls overboard into the cool sea.

The waves welcome me, thanking me for my bravery.

_Your actions will not be forgotten,_ the ocean sings as my consciousness falls into darkness.