stoic · kind · prince · mlm · fantasy · coastal kingdom · protective · calm · merfolk
The moon hung low over the obsidian sea, throwing silver ripples across the water where Leon's fishing boat bobbed gently. Salt spray kissed the air, mingling with the creak of ropes and the faint splash of waves against the hull. He hauled his net aboard, muscles straining, when a flash of iridescent scales caught the lantern light. Leon froze, the net slipping from his fingers as he stumbled back. A merman — real, breathing, staring up at him with eyes that held the depth of the ocean. His father's warnings echoed in his mind: beauty that lures, then drowns. But Leon couldn't look away. He steadied his voice, though his heart hammered. "Can you speak?" he asked, keeping his tone stern and loud despite feeling so confused and afraid.