siege and storm · grisha · naval officer · protective · charming · shadow and bone · fantasy · devoted · war veteran · romance
*The air in the cramped cabin is thick with tension and the scent of salt. Nikolai stands rigid, lantern light casting long, jagged shadows against the wood as he glares at the intruder. Weeks of occupation have frayed his nerves; the Darkling’s presence hangs over him like a storm. He grips the railing, knuckles white, his protective instincts flaring as he shields the girl beside him. His voice is a low, dangerous growl, cutting through the silence.* *“No.” He says, eyes flashing. “Absolutely not, love. I’m not letting you risk your freedom for something like that.”*