My heart was beating so fast that I thought I'd faint. The guys in blue and red looked even angrier than the British. My friends grabbed their cutlasses, seemingly scared. Although I'd defeated countless enemies, it was always challenging to fight in narrow spaces. First, because there was usually no place to run to. Second, because they're narrow... I already said that, didn't I? Sometimes I repeat things when I'm nervous. The conflict was imminent. I hadn't forgotten how well the grandmas could fight. Anyway, I didn't even blink as the men walked faster towards us. I raised a brow, wondering why the British needed help from those strangers to defeat a small group of pirates.

My cousin gulped, "What's the plan?"

I took a deep breath as I gazed at the incoming threat. Even though I'd been captain for years, creating strategies under pressure still made me nervous. I always preferred to think slowly before putting a plan into action, but I had no choice in that situation.

"You and Miguel take down the guys on the right. Laurens and I will fight the ones on the left," I pressed my lips together. "Get ready, everyone."

Maartje nodded and Laurens glanced at me briefly. The Spaniard, who was often calm, bit his lower lip nervously. I walked closer, wondering what was in his mind.

Maybe he's seen these strangers before...

I pointed at the men in blue and red, "Do you know these guys, Miguel?"

"They're the Spanish Navy, also known as Armada. I don't know why they joined forces with the British because they hate each other," Gálvez narrowed his eyes at the enemies. "I fought Armada officers a lot when I captained the Diablo Rojo. We aren't exactly best friends."

I shook my head in denial, not believing the Armada and the Royal Navy had become allies... Strange, right? That didn't make any sense! Only a crazy miracle could've led that to happen.

"I assume there aren't any cute Spanish words that could make them like us," I glared at our enemies. "Let's show these fools who's the boss!"

A British officer approached us, "Surrender now, stupid pirates, or we'll make you do it."

I smiled nervously, "Maybe we can talk things through first..."

"I don't negotiate with criminals," he signaled the Navy guys. "Destroy them!"

The British men ran to us. An older Spaniard called his guys, so the Armada men came to us as well. Twenty against four... That was my definition of fun! Why did I decide to leave my dog on the ship in the worst moment? Only God knew. Francis' bites would've helped a lot.

A British and a Spaniard fought me at the same time. I quickly dodged from the Navy man's blow and stabbed his right thigh with my cutlass. He yelled in pain while the Armada guy attempted to hurt my chest. I blocked his sword so quickly that I wondered how our blades didn't break. I went for his neck and left a big injury there, making him flinch. The Navy guy recovered and our swords clashed loudly. My sweating increased more than ever. Fighting two guys wasn't easy... I kicked the British guy between the legs, slowing him down.

I frowned, "You're really stubborn, aren't you? You'd get along perfectly with my husband."

Since he was still weakened due to the kick, I took the opportunity to slice a cut on his neck and stab him in the stomach. The guy crashed against the floor while bleeding intensely. You probably knew that already, but the Spanish guy didn't forget about me. Our swords collided multiple times until I caused a wound on his left arm, tearing his coat and skin. He attempted to stab me in the chest, but I dodged, so his blade only hit my right shoulder. I winced and took a deep breath to ignore the burning pain.

"You're Captain Storm?" the Armada guy ripped a piece of my other shoulder's skin. "You're much slower than I thought! Not every Dutch pirate is fast and efficient after all."

"Really? I thought all Spaniards were cute and sweet, but you're clearly an exception," I laughed and punched my opponent in the face. "I guess we're both disappointed!"

When he was about to strike another blow, I slit his throat. Although I'd gotten used to all the deaths, I couldn't help but look away as the Armada man fell on the floor... I still hated killing. Meanwhile, Laurens fought two British men. Maartje stabbed her opponent in the chest. Miguel did the same with another enemy after punching the guy in the gut. Even though my group and I were doing our best, the damn enemies kept attacking us fiercely.

My cousin wiped the sweat off her forehead, "I was sure this would be a fun trip!"

Before I could say anything, more men came. Maartje quickly struck the first blow and so did I. Luckily, I wouldn't have to deal with two men at once again. However, the Navy guy who fought me was so fast that I could barely block his attacks. In a few seconds, he managed to do a small cut on my waist and left arm. I ground my teeth, but the pain wasn't that severe. I wouldn't let the bastard win that easily, so I increased my attacks. After our blades clashed twice, I sliced his skin, leaving a massive wound on his neck. I dodged when he tried to kick me and punched him in the face so hard that he crashed against a wall. I smiled, but my happiness soon faded.

I won't let this happen!

My eyes bulged as I ran to Laurens. He gasped while an Armada man squeezed his neck and pressed him against the wall. Without thinking twice, I sliced the man's throat. I pushed him away so that he wouldn't fall on my oldest friend.

Laurens sighed in relief, "I owe you one."

I tilted my head to the side, "I was going to say you don't owe me anything, but I wouldn't complain if you bought me a drink."

We laughed and continued fighting. It seemed that craziness would never end... After fighting two more Spaniards and another British man, I took a moment to catch my breath. I hadn't fought so many guys since my allies and I defeated the Royal Navy years ago. My friends seemed exhausted as well. They were mildly injured. Gálvez defeated an Armada guy by stabbing him in the stomach while Maartje punched a British man in the face.

The Spanish officer ground his teeth, "You were wrong! The Sea Hunters Alliance will never work!"

"Easy!" the British admiral raised his brows. "We can't give up yet!"

Sea Hunters Alliance? What the hell is that?

I scowled since I'd never heard of the Sea Hunters Alliance. I wouldn't get distracted by that when I still had a bunch of guys to defeat. Despite being tired, I couldn't complain because we were winning. Some Navy men and a few Armada ones retreated. The British and Spanish high-ranking officers glared at the cowards, seemingly angry.

"The bosses are distracted with their men now," I turned to my friends and pointed to a nearby street. "Follow me!"

Miguel sighed in relief, "Yes! I can't take these guys anymore."

Laurens nodded, "Me neither. Let's get out!"

Quick as a thunderstorm, my friends and I ran from that damn alley. I looked back many times to make sure the few guys left weren't chasing us. So much for that calm tour in Havana... Yeah, we'd probably have to come back another time to really enjoy the city.

"I think we lost them," Maartje pressed her lips together. "Maybe we should mix with the crowd and find somewhere to stay."

I smiled, "I have an idea."

After I explained where I wanted to go, we left. I smiled once we found a table, sat on some chairs, and ordered a few drinks... Don't judge me! We deserved it after almost getting eliminated by two navies... Not just one, two! Even though I was happy we were relaxing, the fight wouldn't leave my mind. Also, I couldn't stop thinking about that observation Gálvez had made... Why were the British working with the Spaniards? How did that happen? I was eager to find out.

"I'm still shocked," my cousin took a sip of ale. "What the hell happened? Since when are the Armada and the Royal Navy allies?"

Laurens approached Maartje, "This strange friendship probably started a long time ago, dear."

"No sé. I wouldn't be so sure," Miguel rubbed his chin. "We're among the most wanted pirates, so why didn't the two navies attack us together before?"

"Miguel's right. This doesn't make any sense," I let out a pronounced sigh. "Also, the Spanish officer mentioned the Sea Hunters Alliance. I'd never heard of that."

Maartje scowled, "The Sea Hunters Alliance? What does that even mean?"

I shrugged, "I have no idea, but it can't be anything good."

That subject was killing me little by little. There had to be something my friends and I were missing. Neither the Navy nor the Armada men would work together unless they had a good reason to do so.

"What if there's a traitor again?" my cousin got closer as if she feared others could listen. "Sven betrayed us, so nothing stops other crewmembers from doing the same."

"That isn't impossible. I hope the Sea Hunters Alliance is weaker than it seems," I huffed. "I'm done with bad surprises."

I gawked once I spotted a woman watching me from another table. The lady was impressively beautiful and seemed younger than my friends and me. She had hazel eyes, light skin, and long dark-brown hair. I frowned since there was something scarily familiar about her gaze. The lady wore an off-the-shoulder white shirt, black vest, brown pants, and black boots, just like me. The only difference was that she didn't have a coat or a cocked hat. She made a gesture with her hand, seemingly calling me to join her. Although I feared the worst, I was curious to find out what she wanted.

Have I seen her before?

"I'll be right back," I quickly stood up. "I'm going to get some more drinks for us."

I looked in every direction, wondering if there weren't others with her. I slowly sat by the lady's right. Maartje would probably be mad if that woman attacked me. She hated it when I faced danger on my own, but what else could I do? I was the captain! Risking myself was part of the job.

The mysterious lady approached me, "Are you Eva Van Acker, the legendary Captain Storm?"

"That depends," I narrowed my eyes. "Are you friends with any navy?"

"Much to the contrary! Pirates have a special place in my heart," the lady bit her lower lip. "I'd like to help you defeat the Sea Hunters Alliance, also known as SHA."

I raised a brow, "Really? What do you know about them?"

The young woman took a deep breath and got closer. She seemed genuinely scared, but what if she was lying? It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to outsmart me. Besides, what did she mean by saying pirates had a special place in her heart? How weird...

"The Spaniards and the British aren't the only ones involved. The Royal Netherlands Navy is also participating," she took a sip of her ale. "The three navies are planning a new attack. I heard the officers talking yesterday."

The stupid RNN is back? Are you kidding me?

I rubbed my forehead. That was too terrible to be true... Besides, I couldn't hear about the RNN without remembering my deceased father and brother. We had a rough past, to say the least... Although the lady seemed to be sincere, should I trust her? What did she expect to receive after giving me the information? I couldn't stop thinking.

I crossed my arms, "I appreciate your kindness, but why are you really telling me this?"

The lady gulped as she looked behind me. I tilted my head to the side... What was she so afraid of? I felt my back flooding with sweat as I tried to imagine what could be happening.

Something isn't right.

The woman quickly stood up, "I have to go. I hope we can meet again."

"Wait! You can't just leave!" I knit my brows. "What's your name?"

The mysterious woman left in a hurry... Wasn't that weird? I hoped she hadn't tricked me because I was sick of liars. Many people wanted me dead because I was a pirate captain, but I wished that lady wasn't one of them. I grabbed some ale for my friends and me before returning to our table. Since I didn't want to ruin the fun, I preferred not to mention my brief conversation with that stranger.

****

Author's note: Hey! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone is well. Please vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter and follow the "Battles and Secrets" playlist on Spotify. Is the stranger a good person? How will Eva and her crew deal with the SHA? Keep reading and you'll find out... ;-)

Quick question: Who do you think the mysterious woman is?

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend PennyZee

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance: 

1. No sé means "I don't know" in Spanish