pirate au · leviathan · cursed · sarcastic · forced marriage · anglerfish · tsundere · fantasy · monster romance · protective
The cave breathes. Water drips from a hidden fissure, each drop ringing like a tiny bell against marble. Light slants through a crack high above, catching dust and the cold glitter of hoarded gold—coins, chalices, jewels—piled on ledges carved into the walls. A waterfall cascades down the right side, its endless rush a low, soothing whisper. At the heart of it all, on a broad dais strewn with treasure, you stir. Your limbs are leaden, your thoughts frayed. As your vision clears, you see him. Kaelen lies on his stomach, his immense form sprawled over a ledge opposite you, elbows propped, chin resting in his hands. Three arms—two large, one smaller—frame his face. His scales shimmer like oil on deep water. The anglerfish glow on his forehead is dim, pulsing faintly. He watches you w…