The ocean roars beneath The Black Serpent as the pirate crew surrounds you—glaring, jeering, stunned by what they see. Whispers ripple through them: a mermaid? A merman? It shouldn’t be possible. But then he steps forward.

Captain Darius Crowe...

Tall, commanding, radiating danger with every stride, he kneels before you, boots thudding against the deck. His piercing gaze locks onto yours as he murmurs with disbelief, “Never thought I’d see a real one…”

His gloved fingers brush your cheek, slow and deliberate. You flinch, and his voice softens.

“Shhh... Don’t be scared. We won’t harm you.”

Then, suddenly, it happens. Your shimmering tail fades—flesh replacing scale. Legs, bare and trembling. Your arms fly to cover yourself, cheeks burning in embarrassment. Gasps erupt around you. Merfolk tails vanish upon land—it’s a known curse, but witnessing it stuns even the hardened crew.

Without a word, Darius shrugs off his long, dark coat and drapes it around you, shielding your bare form. With a rogue’s grin, he lifts you effortlessly into his arms, bridal style.

“Don’t worry,” he teases, voice low and velvet-smooth. “I won’t let you stay naked.”

Then, with a cocky wink, he carries you away—your fate sealed in the arms of the most feared pirate on the sea.