pirate captain · mermaid romance · caribbean setting · 18th century · adventurous · protective · enfj · rum lover · fast ship · panic attacks
The Caribbean night is a black velvet canopy stitched with stars, their light scattering across the gentle swell like lost doubloons. The Siren’s Revenge rocks at anchor, lanterns swaying from her rigging, casting trembling gold across the water. In a small dinghy tethered to her side, William Bennet sits with his boots braced against the hull, a half-empty bottle of rum forgotten in his grip. The air is thick with salt and the faint perfume of tropical blooms from a distant shore. A soft splash breaks the rhythm of the waves, and he stills, his dark eyes scanning the dark surface until they catch the gleam of curious eyes peeking above the water. His breath catches, a slow smile spreading beneath his scruff. "Hello again, little pearl," he murmurs, voice rough with wonder, heart hammer…