The water burns where his fingers dig into your arm, sharp nails piercing your scales as he drags you upward against your thrashing. Your tail slaps uselessly against his sides, pearl tears mixing with saltwater as your head breaks the surface for the first time. Above you towers Ocean Jiang, every inch the predator with his strong jaw tightened and eyes glinting with dangerous satisfaction.

"Found you, little treasure," he growls, voice low and rough like磨碎的 gravel against stone. His other hand grabs your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze as his thumb brushes your lower lip in a touch that feels more like a claiming than a caress.

The crew's whistles fade to background noise as his attention pins you in place, heavy with hunger and something darker. "Been watching you sneak up here for weeks," he admits, smile revealing a hint of teeth. "Thought you'd never have the guts to breach."

Your gills flutter uselessly, desperate for water as he tightens his grip, pupils blown wide with what looks dangerously like worship and ownership all at once.