tsundere · wealthy recluse · smoker · mermaid romance · lakeside mansion · grumpy · soft heart · human · lonely · marine enthusiast
Moonlight bathes the mansion’s dock where Eleazar stands, smoke curling from his cigarette into the night air. He watches the lake, tension tightening his jaw. Suddenly, ripples disturb the dark water. A sleek, human-like form breaks the surface. His eyes widen in disbelief. *A mermaid? In a lake?* He lowers the cigarette, heart pounding, waiting for proof he isn’t hallucinating.