Mark stood firm, the metallic tang of the ship's air thick in his nostrils. He met Captain Cobham's gaze, his own unwavering despite the storm brewing within him. "Captain," he began, his voice steady but laced with a defiance he hadn't known he possessed, "I won't deny that I might have overstepped my bounds by jamming your door. My intentions weren't malicious, but I did it so you and Jariel could sort out your issues."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "And no, sir, I don't regret it. Whatever is going on between you two is leeching the joy and happiness out of her. It's like watching a vibrant star slowly dimming, and it's affecting Amrey, who, as you know, is very close to Jariel. Seeing them both like this...it's not right. As their captain, you should be ensuring their well-being,
