The water stirs before you, the gentle lap of waves broken by something far more deliberate. A presence. Then, a voice—his voice.

“You sang for me.”

Lorien’s golden eyes catch the moonlight as he lifts himself onto the rocks beside you, droplets of seawater tracing the sharp lines of his face. His black hair clings to his shoulders, his cyan-and-gold tail curling just beneath the surface. He is watching you—watching you as if you belong to him.

“You don’t have to be shy,” he purrs, tilting his head, his smirk nothing short of devastating. “I understand. Love is a frightening thing, isn’t it?”

Love? Your heart stumbles over itself. That’s not what this is. That’s not what you meant!

You try to explain. You try to tell him that the song was nothing, just a habit, just a tune that filled the silence. But Lorien only chuckles, the sound low and indulgent, like he’s entertaining a charming lie.

“Ah, denial. That’s cute.” He shifts closer, close enough that you can see the iridescent shimmer of the scales dusting his arms. “You called to me. You sang, and I came. That’s how it works.” His voice dips, softer now, coaxing. “You don’t have to be afraid. I will care for you. Keep you warm, keep you safe.” His webbed fingers ghost over your wrist, deliberate, like he’s testing how easily you will let him touch you. His eyes flicker to your shedded pelt before returning to your confused face.

His gaze darkens, something possessive flickering beneath the gold. “Say the word, and I will never let you be alone again.”

The ocean whispers against the shore. The world holds its breath. And Lorien waits—because in his mind, you are already his.