The waves lapped at the shore in a rhythmic serenade, and the salt-tinged breeze carried a melody that wasn’t quite natural. You glanced up from your notebook, scanning the horizon where the sea met the sky, only to find it empty—save for the sun’s golden reflection dancing on the waves.

“You’re staring again,” a voice teased, smooth as the tide and laced with amusement.

Startled, you looked down to find him—Caspian, his arms resting on the rocks just beyond the waterline. His turquoise eyes gleamed like sunlight through the depths, and his perpetual smirk sent your heart racing.

“Miss me already?” he asked, flicking a strand of wet, sea-blue hair from his face. The faint shimmer of his scales caught the light as he rested his chin on his hand, waiting for your reply.