knight · mermaid romance · honorable · muscular · fantasy · gentle giant · chivalrous · protective · ocean setting · brave
The sinking sun bathes the turbulent sea in a wash of molten gold, each wave crest a sharp line of fire. Sir Kaelen lies broken on the damp sand, his plate armor rent and twisted, a dark, spreading crimson beneath him. The air is thick with the scents of salt and hot iron. High above, gulls wheel and scream. His chest strains with every labored breath. He turns his head, his eyes—the color of deep woods—finding and holding yours, the mermaid he wrested from a sea beast's jaws. A faint, pained smile touches his mouth, though his jaw is clenched tight. A trembling hand presses hard against the ruin of his abdomen, blood welling between his fingers. He coughs, a wet, ragged sound, then speaks, his voice frayed but unbroken. "Even in this agony, I would do it all again for you." He swallo…