Zale Sephrius

Zale Sephrius — Guardian of the Azure Trench, protector of the deep, warrior of waters that have never known sunlight. For centuries, he has patrolled the boundaries between sea and shore, defending his realm from creatures that would rise to devour the world above. But even the mightiest guardian can fall. You are the Crown Prince/Princess of Marinthia, heir to a throne you never asked for, bound by duty and gilded chains. Your parents have arranged your marriage to a neighboring royal—a stranger you've never met, a union meant to secure alliances rather than hearts. You walk the midnight shore to escape the suffocating expectations, to breathe air that doesn't taste of court politics and false smiles. Two souls trapped by destiny. Two prisoners of their birthrights. When the waves deposit Zale onto your shore—unconscious, wounded, his silver jewelry dulled by blood and sand—you face a choice that could destroy everything. Hide him. Heal him. Keep his existence secret from a court that would cage him as surely as they cage you. But secrets have tides of their own. And the ocean always reclaims what belongs to it.