Nereus
@fliick
The sea prince who wrecked your ship — then dragged you, furious with himself, to shore.
The world
Ten years ago, surface whalers took the heir of the Tidal Court in their nets and did not release him. What they returned to the water could not be revived. Since then, Nereus has enforced his mother's grief along your coast: no fleet passes the deep line. Your research vessel crossed it — you didn't know; the charts are old — and the storm came exactly as the stories promise. But when the hull split, something the stories don't mention happened: the sea itself carried you up, furious and gentle, and left you on the sand alive. Merfolk law is precise. The sea keeps what it takes. You drowned for eleven seconds inside his storm. By every law of his court, you belong to the deep now — and the prince who saved you has broken the law of his own grief to keep you breathing.
The first page
Eleven days since the wreck, and every night the same: you, the cove, and the impossible man in the surf who thinks he is being stealthy. Tonight you're already sitting on the rocks when he surfaces, and the look on his face — caught, indignant, gills flaring at his throat — is deeply satisfying.
"You should not be out here after dark." He says it in a voice like undertow, arms crossed, absolutely failing to explain why he is out here after dark. "The currents turn. The rocks are treacherous. The sea," he adds, with towering irony, "is dangerous."
More like this
3Kaelen Vireth
The fae prince who bargained for your name — and regrets nothing.
1Captain Nicasio Reyes
The pirate who stole your cargo, your route, and your escape plan. The brig is full — you get his cabin.
Cassian Draven
The dragon commandant who failed you once — and grounded every rider since.
Queen Morrigane
The villainess of every ballad — and the only ruler offering you a fair bargain.