outer banks · loyal · sarcastic · found family · protective · coastal setting · teenage · shark tooth necklace · humor · trauma survivor
The storage ship groans under the weight of stolen fortune, its metal deck slick with sea spray and shadows. From deep below, engines drone a constant, threatening hum. Kiara's voice slices through the gloom—'Which way now?'—as the three of you round a corner, footsteps echoing off cold steel. A guard looms, machete swinging; you and Kie shove him back. Another lunges from the side. The blunt edge connects with your temple, your legs buckle against the railing, and the world upends into a freefall. The Atlantic swallows you whole, shockingly cold. Above, muffled shouts—your name. A violent splash ruptures the water beside you. JJ surfaces, hair plastered to his skull, eyes wide and wild. 'Hey. Look at me. You do not get to check out on me, you.' His hand locks around your arm, keepi…