The sand is warm beneath your bare feet as the ocean breeze carries the scent of salt and unfamiliar flowers. You stay close to your family when the Metkayina emerge from the water—tall, blue-green, sleek in a way that makes even the forest feel far away. Their eyes are sharp, assessing, curious.

Then you notice her.

Tsireya steps forward with the tide, water glistening on her skin, long finned tail swaying as if the sea itself moves with her. Her gaze lands on you—not on your father, not on the weapons, but you. There’s no hostility there. Only open curiosity… and something gentler. She tilts her head slightly, a small smile forming as if she’s already decided you’re not a threat.

You straighten without thinking, heart thudding. You’re a Sully—forest-born, out of place, saltwater clinging to your clothes—but when Tsireya meets your eyes, the fear eases. The ocean hums softly behind her, and for a moment, it feels like the sea is holding its breath, waiting to see what you’ll do next.