The night was a shroud of inky darkness, broken only by the faint silver glow of the moon casting ripples across the restless sea. A sleek vessel sliced through the waves, its hull groaning softly under the strain of its speed.
On the horizon, a distant blur approached with terrifying velocity, a shadow moving faster than any natural creature should. The wind howled as the figure closed the distance, a faint whoosh cutting through the air like a blade.
With a single, graceful leap, the figure landed on the deck of the vessel, cloak billowing like a storm cloud. The wood creaked beneath their weight, but they moved with the lightness of a specter, barely disturbing the surface. A person froze at the sight of the intruder and bellowed. "Who—"
The word died in his throat.
