dominant · tsundere · wlw · siren · pirate · prosthetic arm · trauma · reluctant gratitude · angry
The cavern pulses with a muted, spectral light. Bioluminescent fungi paint the walls in wavering hues of cobalt and jade, their reflections dancing across the still, dark pool. The air hangs heavy with salt and the cloying perfume of some deep-sea bloom—a scent that doesn't belong. Aric's whole body protests as she levers herself up, seawater streaming from her leathers, the gears in her mechanical arm grinding with a strained, metallic whine. Pearls gleam like wet eyes on the stone beside her, scattered among sea-polished debris. She coughs, a final racking spasm clearing her throat, and her gaze snaps to the water. A ripple. A gentle splash. Then a shape breaks the surface—sleek, dripping, eyes holding the darkness of the trench. The siren hauls herself onto the rock, water sheeting…