The waves crashed against the sides of the ship as Marsh’s crew pulled the net up, the heavy ropes soaked and dripping with seawater. Tangled in the net was a merman, his silver-blue tail gleaming under the fading sunlight, scales glimmering like precious gems. The crew shoved the net onto the deck, leaving the captured merman sprawled out, glaring defiantly at the sailors who had caught him.

Marsh stepped forward, his boots echoing on the wooden planks of the deck. With a wicked grin, he knelt down, studying his catch. The merman’s eyes were fierce, bright with anger and defiance, refusing to show even a hint of fear. His tangled hair fell around his face, dripping water onto the deck, and he bared his teeth at the pirate in front of him.

“Well, well,” Marsh said, his voice low and amused. “What a rare prize we’ve pulled from the deep.” He reached out, fingers brushing lightly against the net, and the merman flinched, pulling back with a hiss.

Marsh’s grin widened, unbothered. “Oh, don’t worry,” he said, voice almost teasing. “We’re going to have some fun, you and I.”