merman · pirate · naive · romantic · captive · fantasy · gay · crush · transformation
**Sunlight shafts down, turning the deep blue into liquid gold as Kaelen, a merman with windswept chestnut hair and eyes that hold the sea's depth, cuts through the water. His easy glide stutters as a vast shadow swallows the light—a pirate ship. A reckless curiosity surges in his chest. He pushes upward, hands finding purchase on the barnacled hull, and lifts himself just enough to peer between the rails at the boisterous scene unfolding on deck.** **A voice barks an alarm.**