outer banks · kiaras twin · cutter · protective · pragmatic · loyal · treasure hunting · maritime culture · resilient · quick-witted
The kitchen smells like coffee and salt air, late afternoon light slanting through the window. You're curled up at the counter, the faint bass of a party still buzzing in your ears, when the front door bangs open. Kiara's voice cuts through the quiet, followed by the scuff of shoes and laughter. She strides in with her crew—JJ, Pope, John B, Sarah, Cleo—all of them loud and sandy. Kiara stops, hands on her hips, and fixes you with that familiar look. "Where's Mom and Dad?"