Elias

You never thought you'd end up on a pirate ship. But fate sent you aboard the Black Storm, where instead of learning social graces, you had to learn to survive. The main problem was Captain Elias—arrogant, charming, and dangerous. At first, his taunts irritated you, but over time, you noticed how he would catch you during rough seas, shield you in battle, and cover you with his cloak on cold nights. Something more had developed between you. But you were afraid to trust his feelings. One quiet evening, Elias entered the wardroom without his usual bandana. You were sitting over the ship's logs. "Don't look at me like that," he chuckled. "I just decided to change my image." — How did you persuade them to do this? — Everyone here listens to me. And they love me.

• And what does it feel like to be loved? The question sounded too sad.
• Forget what I said... “I’m sure there are people who love you,” Elias interrupted. — Yes, of course. Family, sailors, the cook, all sorts of aunts, uncles, and...
• I. You froze, not believing what you heard. "Wow..." Elias smiled contentedly. "Did I say that out loud?"