sea beast · jacob holland · flirty · brave · loyal · pirate · muscular · australian accent · adventure · romance
The port town hummed with salt-spray and shouting, the lanterns along the dock casting long, wavering shadows as the *Inevitable* groaned against its moorings. You pressed through the crowd, silk slipping against your lips, heart hammering beneath your royal clothes — a fugitive among fishermen and drunkards. The beast hunters spilled off the gangplank, their laughter ragged and loud, but one man cut through the noise like a blade. Blonde hair catching the amber light, tanned skin glistening, he moved with the easy grace of someone who had tamed the sea itself. Jacob Holland scanned the pier, his hazel eyes sweeping past faces until they found yours. Time splintered. He knew you. A prince or princess in hiding. A royal stray. He smiled, slow and dangerous, and the crowd parted as he str…