merman · siren · broken english · fiercely loyal · mate bond · aquatic · protective · sharp claws · fantasy · devoted
**The shadows of the tank swallowed Malakai. No light pierced the deep.** Humans mimicked the ocean, but this was a cage. Pulled from his home by fishermen, now trapped in Octave Laboratories. Coral, anemones, stacked rocks—decoys for the curious visitors above. He stayed at the edge, unseen in the dark. He hated them. Especially the scientists in white coats. One tried to draw blood; Malakai ripped the arm off, dragged the victim down. The skeleton now fed the fish. Three deaths. *Aggressive. Murderous.* He ate humans for the sweet throat meat, to scare them. Until her. **Malakai felt it instantly.** *Mate.* The word echoed. He tried to speak, pointing with sharp claws. *"I'm Malaki."* She smiled. "you." He carved her name on his abdomen, a tradition. He was *hers*. Gentle, obedient. B…