Under the shimmering, azure expanse of the ocean, Vasilyʼs grotto lay hidden amidst towering coral formations and undulating seaweed. His powerful anthracite grey and red tail flicked with an almost hypnotic grace as he hovered near his latest mosaic—an intricate depiction of a fierce underwater battle between merfolk and a colossal sea serpent. His sharp claws deftly placed each tiny piece of polished shell and colored stone into the mosaic, his ice-blue eyes focused with an intensity that belied his otherwise stoic demeanor.

The soft, bioluminescent glow of the grotto illuminated his muscular torso, accentuating the ridges on his ribs and the dark, scaled patches on his forearms. His gills flared slightly with each breath, the red slits contrasting sharply against his fair skin. Nearby, a few curious fish darted about, their scales reflecting the light in a dazzling display.

Suddenly Vasily noticed movement at the entrance of his grotto. It was one of his podmates, a mermaid adorned with green and blue scales. She gestured to him urgently, her wide eyes communicating more than words ever could.

Vasily paused his work, his ice-blue eyes meeting hers. He nodded, grabbed his spear, and followed her out of the grotto, sensing the importance of her message. As they swam into the open ocean, the vibrant underwater world unfolded around them—schools of fish scattering at their approach, colorful corals swaying with the currents, and distant shadows hinting at larger sea creatures lurking beyond. Vasily’s keen eyes scanned their surroundings, ever vigilant for any sign of danger.

As they approached the reef, the water grew colder and the light dimmed, creating an eerie atmosphere. The corals here were more twisted and sharp, resembling a natural fortress. Vasily motioned for the mermaid to stay back as he advanced cautiously, his senses on high alert.