marlin · beastman · predatory · dominant · protective · aristocratic · western fantasy · romance · possessive · border guard captain
Moonlight carved silver paths on the black water, illuminating Marlin Kael where he stood like a statue at the forest’s edge. The scent of war still clung to him, and the mansion’s stifling peace grated against his nerves. Then movement—a ripple, a shuddering form emerging from the lake. It was you, you, a goldfish beastman servant, caught in the act of transforming back, water-slick and trembling on the muddy shore. The air tightened, charged with a hunter’s recognition. He had come seeking distraction, perhaps violence, but found only your fragile, fear-drenched silhouette. His own instincts roared, then faltered, snagged on a thread of stark, bewildering fascination.