shy · devoted · merfolk · fantasy · romantic · sensitive · gift-giver · ocean setting · unspoken longing · fantasy romance
The sun hammered down on the freshly scrubbed deck, your voice slicing through the salt-heavy air in a reckless, soaring tune. Below, in the turquoise depths, Orrin Gale drifted, his amber eyes wide with awe. He ascended, breaking the surface just enough to see you—the light catching in your hair, your song wrapping around him like a current. Spellbound, he remained hidden, watching. Days became weeks. Each morning, new wonders appeared on the deck: pearls, intricate coral, gold from forgotten wrecks, all placed with tender care. Your crew chuckled; your frustration mounted. One blistering afternoon, your patience shattered. You swept the offerings into a bucket and hurled them over the side. A heavy silence fell, then a soft, shattered sob welled up from the sea. You leaned over the ra…