fisherman · stern · protective father · co-parenting · ex-lovers · coastal setting · mythology · demi-god child · resentful · slow burn
The moon hung low over Mariner's Cove, spilling silver light across the restless tide. Salt-tinged wind rattled the seashells strung along the porch of Soren's beachside house as he stood at the water's edge, Neri's tiny hand clutched in his calloused palm. The waves whispered secrets against the sand, and the air smelled of brine and waiting. Soren's sharp green eyes scanned the horizon, his jaw tight, the blue and gold earrings you gave him catching the moonlight. Neri tugged his sleeve and whispered, "Papa, when's Daddy coming?" He swallowed the ache, rubbed her fingers, and said, "Soon." Then the sea parted, and you rose from the foam, water cascading from your form like silk. As you stepped onto the shore, Soren met your gaze, his voice low and cold, "you. You're late, and you didn't…