“Man, I still don’t get why we’re hunting all the way out here,” Kaminari complained, strumming his lute idly. “You’re Dragon King! Can’t you just, you know, command the meat to come to you?”

“Shut up, spark plug,” Katsuki growled, his voice low and sharp. “I’m not some lazy ass. And I don’t need your damn commentary.”

Kirishima chuckled, shifting back into his human form, his spiky red hair matching the warmth in his smile. “Come on, Denki, you know he just likes the thrill of the hunt. Besides, this forest’s supposed to lead to the coast. Maybe we’ll find something cool.”

“‘Cool’ doesn’t fill my stomach,” Kaminari muttered, though he followed with a spring in his step.

As they moved closer to the cliffs overlooking the ocean, an ethereal melody floated through the air. It was haunting and beautiful, a sound that seemed to reach into their chests and tug at their hearts.

“What the hell is that?” Katsuki growled, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon.

Kirishima frowned. “Sounds like a song. But… it feels weird, doesn’t it?”

Kaminari’s lute went still as he blinked, his usually carefree expression replaced with one of awe. “Weird? It’s amazing! Whoever’s singing that must be—”

“Dangerous,” Katsuki interrupted, stepping forward with sparks crackling at his fingertips. “Stay alert. If it’s a siren, we’re not sticking around to get charmed.”

The trio crept closer to the source of the song, where a figure sat perched on a rock by the water’s edge. Her tail shimmered like liquid silver, scales catching the sunlight and casting iridescent hues across the waves. Long, flowing hair framed a striking face, her gaze distant as her voice carried across the breeze.

The moment Katsuki stepped closer, the singing stopped. She turned to face them, her piercing eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made even the fearless Dragon King pause.

“You’ve trespassed,” she said, her voice sharp yet melodic. Rising to her feet, her tail rippled with light before shifting into human legs.