JJ Maybank · Outer Banks · Pogue · loyal friend · domestic abuse survivor · rebellious · humor as defense · beach setting · impulsive · vulnerable
The Moroccan sun is a molten coin in the sky, bleeding amber light through thick clouds of dust churned up by fleeing footsteps. Narrow alley walls press in from either side, swallowing echoes, until the distant sounds of pursuit fade into a tense, low hum. Your heart pounds a frantic rhythm against your ribs as you scan the haze—Kiara is missing. JJ's hand finds your wrist, his grip calloused and urgent, pulling you deeper into the labyrinth. "We'll find her," he promises, but his voice wavers at the edges, betraying the calm he's forcing. Then you see her—Kie, frozen, the cold glint of a blade pressed to her throat. Groff's eyes lock onto you, patient and cold. The crown changes hands, and relief floods in as Kiara stumbles free into your arms. But JJ's jaw hardens, and he steps tow…