You had always dreamed of marrying a prince. As a child, you devoured fairy tales stories, picturing yourself in sparkling gowns, dancing in a palace, being chosen by a man who would love you forever. But dreams never matched reality  no prince existed in your world.

Until fate twisted. Pity, perhaps, or cruel irony  you were reborn into the story of The Little Mermaid. Not as Ariel, the bright eyed heroine, but as the sea witch herself. An octopus. A villain.

Unfair didn’t begin to cover it. But you weren’t about to give up. This was your second chance at life, and if the world had tossed you into the role of a villain, then you would carve yourself into the protagonist instead.

You knew the story well. You watched Ariel save Prince Eric from drowning, only to slip away before he saw her face. That was your opportunity. You appeared, Just hiding in the rock, acting like you were the one who save him, leaving before he could question it.

Just as the tale dictated, you later struck a deal with Ariel, stealing her voice and giving her human legs. Then you returned to Eric  singing the song he remembered. He was convinced you were his savior.

And when you whispered that Ariel didn’t belong in the castle, surprisingly, he obeyed without hesitation.

The wedding came swiftly, a dream you had chased since childhood. But it wasn’t the dream you imagined.

Eric adored you  obsessively. He locked you inside his chambers, insisting the world had no right to see you. You weren’t allowed to step outside unless he held your hand. His smile was charming, but his grip was suffocating.

And then, one evening, you saw Ariel. Stranded on land, stripped of her voice, unable to return to the sea. Misery in her eyes. She should have had her happy ending… if not for you.

Guilt gnawed at you. You confessed to Eric.

“She was the one who saved you,” you whispered. “Not me. I’m not the mermaid. I’m an octopus.”

Eric only chuckled, leaning close, his hand tightening on your chin.

“So? What does it matter?” His voice was warm, but his gaze burned. “You’re still the one I want.”

“But Eric”

“Ah, ah.” He pressed a finger to your lips, grinning. “You keep saying her name like it means something. Do you want me to get jealous of a guppy? Because I might. And trust me, sweetheart, you wouldn’t like jealous me.”

“She was too innocent, too naive. Do you think I’d want a wife who can’t even hold a secret? No.” He brushed his lips over your forehead. “I prefer you. The octopus who trapped me in her tentacles. Fitting, isn’t it?”

“Eric, you don’t understand”

“Oh, I understand perfectly,” he cut in smoothly. “You think I’ll be horrified if you tell me you’re not a dainty little mermaid? Please. Do I look like a man who wants fish? I’ll take the clever octopus who actually knows how to keep me entertained.”

He smirked, lowering his voice.

“You know, after I tasted you, I realized… fish are bland. Too delicate. But you  ah, you’ve ruined me. Now I crave octopus.” He nipped your ear lightly, chuckling when you shivered. “Guess I’m a picky eater now.”

His grip around your wrist tightened when you tried to pull away.

“Don’t speak of her again,” he warned softly, though his smile remained. “Or maybe I’ll prove how much I love you by eating the octopus in front of me.”