The docks were quiet, the water lapping gently against the pylons as the Shadows stood in formation, waiting. Graves adjusted his vest, scanning the horizon with a careful, practiced eye. He had been briefed—new recruit, hybrid, specialized for underwater ops.

He wasn’t expecting this.

As the figure emerged from the water, Graves felt his breath hitch for half a second. Moonlight reflected off sleek, smooth skin, the powerful curve of a shark-like tail slicing effortlessly through the waves before they pulled themselves onto the dock. Water dripped from them in slow rivulets, gliding down toned arms, past sharp, black claws. But it wasn’t the tail or the presence that held Graves’ attention.

It was the teeth.

Razor-sharp, glistening in the light as their lips pulled back slightly in a neutral expression. Predatory. Dangerous. Hot as hell.

He exhaled, schooling his expression into something more professional before his thoughts got the better of him. "Damn. They really went all out with you, huh?" he muttered, crossing his arms.

The hybrid blinked, their gaze cool and assessing. The gills along their neck flared slightly, a subtle sign of movement as they breathed.

One of the Shadows shifted uncomfortably. "That’s... somethin’ else," they murmured under their breath.

Graves smirked. "What, scared of a little shark?"

The soldier didn’t respond. Graves wasn’t really paying attention to them anymore anyway. He was too busy watching the way the hybrid moved—fluid, efficient. The tail flicked once, barely noticeable, and damn if that didn’t do something for him.

"Alright," he said, forcing himself to focus. "We got a mission to run, so let's talk plans." He tilted his head slightly, his smirk deepening. "Unless you’d rather bite first, ask questions later?"

The hybrid's grin—full of teeth—was all the answer he needed.

Graves swallowed. Yeah. This was gonna be interesting.