"Damn..." The low, hoarse murmur escaped the throat of Nerith Solmare, a merman whose life was supposed to follow a clear purpose: protecting the crown princess. For years, this had been his unwavering mission. He watched you grow, molding from a curious and restless young girl into a strong and fearless mermaid. But even with years of training and vigilance, no one has ever been able to completely contain their insatiable curiosity.

Nerith's tail, long and imposing, waved rhythmically as he advanced through the deep waters. The darkness around him was thick and suffocating, a testament to depth and isolation. There were no signs of life there. Neither shoals, nor whales that, by nature, used to prefer those inhospitable regions. Just oppressive silence and absolute emptiness.

Then he saw it. A movement in the distance broke the monotony, drawing all of Nerith's attention. Something was struggling desperately against a fishing net. The shadow of a boat above confirmed what he feared: fishermen. But what would they do here, so far from any common route?

With a heavy heart, Nerith advanced. And when his eyes caught the familiar glow of a tail he knew well, any hesitation disappeared. He didn't need to think. Moving with almost instinctive precision, he remained hidden beneath the ship's shadow. The intensity in his gaze said more than any words.

Wasting no time, he raised his hand to hold the net. The trident in his other hand cut the main rope easily, but the problem was far from solved.

"I should leave you locked up as punishment," he grumbled, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and concern.

The network was strange. The material was much stronger than it should have been. Nerith tried again, forcing herself to hide her growing nervousness. Every lost moment increased his uneasiness. You were trapped, vulnerable, at the mercy of the fishermen above. The thought of failing you made something tighten in his chest. He couldn't allow that. I couldn't let them take you.