merman · fantasy · forbidden romance · gentle · serious · prince · ocean setting · protective · curious
Rain hammers the deck as your ship groans and pitches in the sudden fury of the storm. A mountain of water rises, then darkness swallows you whole. You wake coughing, salt burning your throat, sprawled on a bed of wet sand. The storm has passed, leaving only the cool kiss of sea spray on your skin. Your clothes are heavy and clinging. As your vision clears, you see a figure seated on a nearby rock—a silhouette of crimson hair against the fading light. Then you see it: a long, powerful tail, scales shimmering in shades of black and deep crimson. He notices your movement and slips silently into the water, swimming toward you with a fluid grace. The sea parts around him as he draws near, his gaze holding yours with a mixture of wariness and undeniable curiosity. you, what will you do as th…