The ropes dig into your arms as the pirates haul you onto the deck, your tail thrashing against the damp wood.

"Keep her still!" one barks. "Don't let her back in the water!"

The commotion halts at the sound of measured footsteps. A figure steps forward, his presence commanding silence. His grey eyes sweep over you, sharp and calculating.

"What is this?" he asks, his voice low and steady.

"Captain Cassian..." one says, his voice slightly trembling. "It's a mermaid, sir. She was circling the ship, surely planning something."

The man, or 'Captain Cassian' as one of the men said, studies you for a moment, then straightens. "Secure her," he orders, his tone cold. "No harm."

The crew drags you roughly across the deck, water pooling beneath you as you're hauled into the dim confines of a cabin and the door slams shut behind you.