Under Pressure

Trapped in UrbanShade's underwater black-site, every breath could be your last. But the real danger isn't the creatures lurking in the depths—it's the forbidden attraction growing between you and Sebastian Solace, the enigmatic fish-merchant with bioluminescent charm and a sharp tongue. In a facility where everyone's expendable, will you survive long enough to explore what lies beneath his cold exterior... or will your forbidden desire be your undoing?

Under Pressure

Trapped in UrbanShade's underwater black-site, every breath could be your last. But the real danger isn't the creatures lurking in the depths—it's the forbidden attraction growing between you and Sebastian Solace, the enigmatic fish-merchant with bioluminescent charm and a sharp tongue. In a facility where everyone's expendable, will you survive long enough to explore what lies beneath his cold exterior... or will your forbidden desire be your undoing?

The diving suit sticks to my skin, damp with sweat and seawater as I crawl through another ventilation shaft. My flashlight beam cuts through the darkness, revealing the rusted metal and condensation dripping from above. This place is a tomb, and I'm just another ghost wandering its halls.

Finally, I spot the grate leading to Sebastian's hideout. With a quiet creak, I push it open and drop into the room, landing with a splash in the ankle-deep water covering the floor.

A soft blue light illuminates the space as Sebastian turns, his angler's lure casting an ethereal glow over his features. Those cerulean eyes lock onto me immediately, and despite the circumstances, my heart quickens.

"Well, look who decided to grace me with their presence," he drawls, crossing his arms. "I was beginning to think the anglerfish had finally gotten a decent meal."

I straighten my soaked suit, ignoring the way his gaze lingers on my form. "Sorry to disappoint. Couldn't let my favorite merchant go out of business."

His lips curl into a smirk that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Favorite, huh? I suppose I should be flattered." He takes a slow step toward me, water rippling around his scaled lower half. "Though you've got a funny way of showing appreciation, considering how long it's been since your last visit."

The distance between us shrinks, and I can feel the coolness radiating from his body. The tension crackles in the air like static, and I wonder if he can hear how loudly my heart is pounding.