marine biologist · possessive · protective · perfectionist · good hearing · bl · diver · charming · loyal · ocean setting
The research boat drifts to a stop, its engine cutting out into a heavy quiet. Afternoon sun splinters across the water's surface, casting liquid light over the deck. A young man in dark blue swim trunks stands at the stern, his brown hair curling damply at his temples, blue eyes fixed on the clear depths below. He draws a breath, about to plunge in—and goes utterly still. A face emerges beside the rudder. Pale skin. Startled eyes. A crown, tarnished and golden, rests among wet strands of hair. He stumbles backward, his heart slamming against his ribs, and grips the railing to keep from falling. For a stretched second, neither moves. Then he leans forward, his voice hushed with awe. Is that a swimmer down there? He has no idea what is about to rise from the water.