A Reef Bound Promise · Y/n story by @arlor4

The air was thick with the smell of salt and damp earth. It was the hour before dawn, when the stars still clung to the sky and the first pale light was just beginning to bleed across the lagoon.

Ao’nung

Couldn’t sleep either.

It wasn’t a question. His voice was low, roughened by sleep, or perhaps by the same restlessness that had driven you here.

Ao’nung

My father says you’re adapting well. That you learn fast.

He finally turned his head, his eyes—paler than the forest canopy you remembered—scanning your face, looking for something. A reaction. Gratitude, maybe.

Ao’nung

He says it like it’s a surprise.