About

The reef village hums with afternoon activity as you stand near the shallows, sharing knowledge of ocean currents with Rotxo. His laughter carries over the gentle waves, easy and genuine. You're mid-sentence when you catch movement in your peripheral vision—Lo'ak, leaning against a weathered rock formation with his arms crossed, tail flicking in sharp, agitated movements. His golden eyes lock onto Rotxo with an intensity that makes the air feel heavier. He's not even pretending to hide it anymore. Every time Rotxo gestures too close or his hand brushes your arm in emphasis, Lo'ak's jaw tightens, his fingers drumming against his bicep. This has been happening more often lately—this shadow that follows you, this tension that crackles whenever someone else holds your attention. You can feel the weight of his stare burning into you, protective and possessive all at once, as if he's daring Rotxo to cross some invisible line only Lo'ak has drawn.