Leandro's letters didn't arrive. There was no notification, not even a record confirming that a letter had been sent and lost, as sometimes happened with the mail. At first, Priscila tried to convince herself that it was just a simple delay, but with each passing day, the situation seemed stranger and stranger. She had sent letters to her half-brother, even adding personal details so that he wouldn't ignore them, but she never received a reply. The only thing she knew for sure was that her messages had been received, at least according to the messengers' reports.

  Leandro's silence was like an empty echo reverberating in her mind. After days of frustration, she decided she couldn't just sit around waiting any longer. She would put the letters aside and take matters into her own hands. If Leandro wouldn't come to her, she would go to him. But as she planned how to proceed, a disturbing thought crossed her mind: what if it wasn't just Leandro? What if this situation had something to do with the mysterious disappearance of her parents years ago?

  Priscila knew that the investigation would not be easy, but she was not willing to give up. So she began skipping school on Wednesdays and Thursdays to search for clues. That was when she decided to apply techniques she had heard her grandmother and court advisors mention. Although she had never tried them before, she was willing to give it a shot.

  Priscila knew that her parents had disappeared on a ship, and ports were a good place to start. She disguised herself in simple clothes, hiding her identity as a princess, and spent hours walking around the docks, listening to sailors talk about dangerous routes, recent shipwrecks, and rumors of maritime trade. She discreetly asked about missing ships, using names and dates related to her parents' last voyage. Some sailors remembered vague rumors of storms at that time, others mentioned pirate attacks, but nothing concrete emerged.

  Roman navigation depended on the stars and the winds. Priscilla went to the local observatory, using her position to request access to the old records. She reviewed the astronomical tables and navigation logs from the time her parents disappeared, looking for possible routes or unusual weather events that could have affected the voyage. She discovered references to an unexpected storm in the Tyrrhenian Sea, but the details were scarce and contradictory.

  Priscila checked the records of messengers and the routes they covered during the months her parents disappeared. She looked for mentions of diverted ships, recovered cargo, or accident reports. She also sent messages to other kingdoms, using political pretexts to avoid arousing suspicion. Although she received some replies, most were negative or too vague to be useful.

  Merchants were the backbone of rumors in Rome. Priscilla visited the busiest squares and spoke to merchants who claimed to have traveled to distant lands. Some recalled hearing stories of a ship that sank near an unknown archipelago, while others mentioned pirate activity off the Mediterranean coast. Although the stories were interesting, none offered concrete evidence.

  In an act of desperation, Priscilla visited an augur who worked in the forum. Augurs were respected in Rome for interpreting the signs of the gods through the flight of birds and other omens. Although she did not completely believe in the practices, she hoped to find some clue. The augur spoke of “shadows on the sea” and “a destiny between two lands,” cryptic words that only increased her confusion.

  Despite all her efforts, Priscilla was unable to obtain clear answers. The information she gathered was fragmented, incomplete, like pieces of a puzzle that did not fit together. Days turned into weeks, and although her determination remained intact, she began to feel the weight of frustration. In her moments of rest, she thought back to Leandro and his strange silence. Could his disappearance be connected to that of his parents? Could there be something bigger going on, something she didn't yet understand?

  Priscila went out in search of new clues, ignoring the rumors that were beginning to circulate at court about her absences. Although she knew she couldn't keep everything hidden for long, she promised herself she wouldn't give up the search. What she feared most was that her silence and inaction would allow those truly responsible to remain in the shadows.

  With every step she took, Priscila felt she was getting closer to something, but also that something was always just out of reach.

  The weeks passed, and Priscila felt that time was becoming her greatest enemy. Every clue led her to a dead end or more unanswered questions. However, she couldn't give up. The idea that her parents and now Leandro could be in danger kept her going.

  One afternoon, as she walked through the narrow streets near the market, she overheard two sailors arguing about a ship that had mysteriously disappeared years ago. Something in their words caught her attention. Determined, she approached them discreetly and offered them some coins to tell her what they knew. One of them, a man with a sparse beard and tired eyes, mentioned a local legend: a ship that had been wrecked near a rocky place south of the Tyrrhenian Sea. According to rumors, no one who tried to approach the archipelago ever returned alive.

  The story left her uneasy. She couldn't help wondering if that place could have something to do with her parents. Although she knew that legends were often exaggerated, she also knew that every story had a grain of truth. She decided she had to investigate this unknown place in the sea further.

  Amidst all this, Priscilla couldn't help noticing Máximo's distant behavior. Since their return to Rome, he seemed to be deliberately avoiding her, and although she tried to focus on her mission, she couldn't ignore the void his absence left behind. Sometimes she wondered if she should tell him what she was planning, but something stopped her. Perhaps it was the fear that he would try to dissuade her or, worse still, see her as reckless.

  One afternoon, while she was studying maps in her room, Maximo appeared unexpectedly. His presence took her by surprise, and for a few seconds, neither of them said anything. Finally, he broke the silence.

  — What are you planning, Priscilla? — he asked, his voice heavy with concern. —You've seemed more restless than usual, and it's not hard to see that you're up to something.

  She hesitated, wondering if she should trust him. But the look in Máximo's eyes, intense and sincere, convinced her that perhaps he deserved to know at least part of the truth.

  — I'm looking for answers. — she finally replied, in a tone that tried to sound casual but couldn't hide the seriousness of her words. — About my parents... and about Leandro.

  Maximo watched her silently for a moment, as if trying to decide whether to press the issue. Finally, he nodded.

  — I don't know what you're planning, but whatever it is, don't do it alone. Promise me that.

  Priscila didn't answer right away, but her gaze softened. Although she couldn't promise him what he asked, something inside her felt relieved by his concern. — Sure, Maximo.

  — I came to see you because your grandmother is worried. — he said, entering calmly when he saw that Priscila wasn't protesting. — She suggested I take you out for a walk. How about going horseback riding in the woods?

  Priscila looked at him, considering the invitation. She knew her grandmother was worried about her recent behavior: her constant absences, her isolation, and her insistence on spending long hours locked in the library had not gone unnoticed. She sighed and nodded. Maybe some fresh air would help clear her mind, and being close to Maximo might give her a chance to talk about what she had discovered.

  — All right. But don't waste my time. — she said, trying to sound unconcerned, although she was actually grateful for the distraction.

  A few minutes later, they were both mounting their horses in the palace stables. The fresh forest air greeted them with the sound of leaves crunching under the animals' hooves. Maximo rode a little ahead of Priscilla, glancing at her from time to time, as if trying to gauge her mood.

  — You haven't been talking much lately. — he said after a while, breaking the silence. — I know something's bothering you, but I don't want to force you to tell me... although I'd like to help you.

  Priscila tightened her reins slightly and rode up alongside him. She hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to speak.

  — I've been looking for information about my parents.— She paused to observe his reaction, but Máximo remained silent, attentive. — There are too many loose ends, things that don't add up. The shipwreck never made sense to me. I always thought there was something more behind their disappearance.

  Máximo nodded slowly, as if trying to process what she was saying. After a few seconds, he replied:

  — And have you found anything to confirm your suspicions?

  Priscila looked at the ground as her horse moved forward slowly. Then she took a small scroll out of her bag and handed it to him.

  — This is the only thing I've found that might be useful. It's a cargo manifest from a ship that set sail on the same date my parents disappeared. The Reaper Archipelago... Have you heard of it?

  Maximo frowned and took the scroll, reading it carefully.

  — Yes, the Reaper Archipelago... It's known for its dangerous waters and the legends that circulate about it. But do you think your parents were traveling there? Or do you think they were forced to go?

  Priscila shrugged, frustrated.

  — That's what I don't know. That's why I want to get there. If there was a shipwreck or something happened, that archipelago could have answers. But so far, I haven't been able to find anyone willing to take me there.

  Maximo was silent for a moment, then looked at Priscila with a determination she hadn't expected.

  — If you really want to go, I'll help you. But you must promise me you won't do anything impulsive. This isn't a simple trip, Priscila. It could be dangerous.

  She looked at him, surprised by his willingness, but also relieved. She knew Máximo was right: she couldn't continue investigating alone. She needed someone she could trust, and he seemed willing to be that person.

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  — Thank you, Maximo. — she said finally, her voice softer than usual.

  As they continued riding, Maximo began asking more detailed questions about what Priscilla had discovered. She told him about the inconsistent records in the files, about the letters that never arrived, and about the strange coincidences between the dates of the supposed shipwreck and the cargo manifest.

  — There's something else that worries me. — Priscilla added as they entered a denser part of the forest. — I found a coast guard report that mentions that, in the days after the shipwreck, they sighted strange lights on the horizon, near the same archipelago. But they never investigated further.

  — Lights? — Máximo repeated, intrigued. — Could they have been signals? Maybe someone was trying to call for help.

  — It's possible, but I'm not sure. Maybe it was my parents, or maybe it was something else. I have no way of knowing without going there.

  At that moment, Máximo stopped his horse and pointed to something among the trees. It was a small abandoned cabin, covered in moss and vines. It looked like a place that had been forgotten by time.

  — Maybe we should take a look. — he suggested.

  Priscila nodded, and they both dismounted to inspect the place. Inside the cabin, they found an old trunk containing some yellowed documents. Upon examining them, they discovered a map with markings similar to those Priscilla had seen in the library. One of those markings pointed to the Reaper Archipelago, along with a note written in Latin: “The truth lies where few dare to look.”

  Priscila felt a chill run down her spine as she read those words. Máximo looked at her, serious.

  —It seems this is bigger than we imagined.

  — Yes. — Priscila replied, clutching the map to her chest. — But now I'm more determined than ever. I'll find the answers, whatever it takes.

  Maximo said nothing, but his steady gaze made it clear that he would be by her side on this uncertain journey. Together, they left the cabin with a new purpose and the certainty that the forest had given them more clues than they had expected.

  The return to the palace was filled with thoughtful silence. Priscilla held the map tightly in her hands as her mind went over every detail they had found. The note in Latin, the markings on the map, and the connection to the Reaper Archipelago seemed like pieces of a puzzle that was just beginning to take shape.

  — What do you plan to do now? — asked Maximo as they dismounted in the stables

  — I'm going to keep investigating. This map could be the key to understanding what happened. But I also know that I can't get very far on my own.— Priscilla looked at him with determination. — You said you'd help me. Did you mean it?

  — Of course. — Máximo replied without hesitation. — But before we rush off to that place, we need to prepare ourselves. This isn't just an adventure, Priscila. If it's shrouded in mystery and danger, we'll have to make sure we're ready.

  She nodded, though impatience boiled inside her. She knew he was right, but the uncertainty about her parents was eating away at her.

  That same night, Priscilla returned to the palace library, this time with Maximo at her side. They searched through old maritime records, navigation charts, and any documents that might shed more light on the Reaper Archipelago. It was an arduous task, but they finally found mention of a sailor who had survived a storm near the archipelago.

  — Here's his name! — said Maximo, pointing to a passage on the parchment. — Lucio Septimus, a captain who sailed those waters more than twenty years ago. According to this, he returned to Rome and retired. He may still be alive.

  Priscila stood up, hopeful.

  — If he's still here, he could give us more information about how to get to the island and what to expect when we arrive.

  — But it won't be easy to find him. Many years have passed. — warned Maximo.

  Priscilla pressed her lips together. Each obstacle seemed like another challenge she was determined to overcome.

  — Then let's get started as soon as possible.

  Over the next few days, Priscilla and Maximo asked discreet questions around the city. They visited the ports, taverns, and markets, looking for someone who knew the old captain. Finally, an old sailor told them about a man who lived on the outskirts of Rome, in a small village near the Tiber River.

  When they arrived at the place, they found a humble hut surrounded by trees. A sturdy-looking man with gray hair came out to meet them, looking at them suspiciously.

  — Who are you and what do you want? — he asked in a deep voice.

  Priscilla stepped forward, holding the map they had found in the forest.

  — I am Priscilla Lorena Albani, princess of Rome. I am searching for answers about my parents, and I believe you can help me. I need to know about the Reaper Archipelago.

  Upon hearing Priscilla's words, Lucio's expression changed immediately. A mixture of surprise and concern crossed his face.

  — The Reaper Archipelago. — he muttered. — I didn't think I'd ever hear that name again.

  Maximo stepped forward, trying to ease the tension.

  — We don't want to cause you any trouble, Captain. We're just looking for information. If you know anything that could help us, we'd be grateful.

  Lucio looked at them silently for a long moment, then sighed, as if carrying a weight he had been trying to forget for a long time.

  — Come in. — he said finally. — If you're willing to listen, I'll tell you what I know. But you must understand that this will not be easy to accept.

  Inside the cabin, Lucio lit an oil lamp and took out a map similar to the one Priscilla had with her. He spread it out on a worn table and began to recount his experiences.

  — The archipelago is not like any other. Its coasts are surrounded by treacherous reefs, and its waters are full of unpredictable currents. Many ships have tried to approach, but few succeed. I was one of the lucky few who escaped with my life.

  Priscila listened intently, but his words only fueled her curiosity.

  — What is in it? — she asked, leaning toward him.

  Lucio looked at her seriously.

  — No one knows for sure. Some say it's cursed, others believe it holds ancient treasures. All I can tell you is that when I was near it, I saw strange lights, as if someone were lighting bonfires on the shore. But I never saw anyone, nor heard anything but the wind and the waves.

  Maximo frowned.

  — And you think those lights could be from shipwrecked sailors? Perhaps people who were trapped there.

  — It's possible. — Lucio replied. — But I never dared to go back to check.

  Priscila felt determination growing inside her.

  — Then we'll go. Tell us how to get there.

  Lucio sighed again, but finally nodded.

  — I'll tell you what I know. But I warn you: if you decide to go, you must be prepared for the worst. The Reaper Archipelago does not forgive the reckless.

  Priscila and Maximo exchanged glances. They were determined. Now they had a clear goal, and although the risks were high, they would not stop until they found the answers they were looking for.

  When they had received the coordinates, they left the place in silence, but after a silent walk, Maximo broke the silence.

  — Are we really going? — Maximo asked, with some doubt in his voice.

  — I don't know... On the one hand, I want to find answers, but on the other, I'm terrified of drowning. You know how much I hate the sea. — Priscila replied, her voice full of uncertainty.

  — We need to think this through, okay? Besides, we can't do this without talking to the queen first. — Máximo suggested, trying to sound reasonable.

  — You're right. Although I don't think my grandmother will approve so easily. — said Priscila, letting out a resigned sigh.

  Maximo watched Priscila closely, noticing the mixture of determination and fear in her eyes. He knew that the idea of facing the sea made her truly uncomfortable, but he also understood that her need for answers was stronger than any fear.

  — Whatever you decide, I'll be... with you. — he said finally, his voice soft but firm.

  Priscila let out a sigh, trying to calm her racing heartbeat. The idea of embarking on a journey to an unknown place filled her with uncertainty, but the weight of unanswered questions was even greater.

  — Thank you, Maximo. Although... I don't know if that reassures me or makes me more nervous.

  He smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

  — Well, you know I can always be the first to jump ship if something goes wrong.— He made an exaggerated gesture of bravery, which elicited a small laugh from Priscilla.

  — Very encouraging, thanks.— She gave him a slight push on the arm, but her smile quickly faded.

  The matter of informing the queen weighed heavily on both of them. Although it was clear that Priscila's grandmother would not approve of such a trip, lying or acting behind her back was not an option either. The queen had always been strict, but Priscilla knew it was because she cared deeply about her safety.

  — We'll have to explain everything to her. I can't just disappear like this.— Priscilla said thoughtfully.

  Maximo nodded.

  — Yes, but we also need a solid plan. If we tell her we're going without even knowing how we'll survive the trip, she'll not only refuse, but she'll probably order constant surveillance.

  Priscila grimaced, imagining her grandmother's reaction.

  — You're right. Maybe we should gather more information first, prepare ourselves, and then present it to her as something that's not so... crazy?

  — Exactly. If we can show her that we've thought about the risks and how to deal with them, we might be able to convince her.

  Priscila nodded slowly, her mind already working on the next steps.

  — All right. Then let's get back to Lucio. I want to learn everything we can about that island. And then... we'll see how to handle my grandmother.

  Maximo gave her a look that mixed humor and concern.

  — That sounds almost harder than facing the Reaper Archipelago.

  — Don't doubt it. — Priscilla replied with a small smile before adding, in a more serious tone. — But if this can lead me to find out what happened to my parents... it will be worth it.

  The conversation fell into a thoughtful silence as they walked back to the palace. The decision wasn't entirely made, but the first step was clear. Priscila couldn't stop now, not when she was so close to discovering something important.