The seas were restless that night, the moon spilling silver across black waves. Captain Rian Veynar, known as the Sea Master of Veyra Isles, leaned against the rail of his ship, a goblet of spiced wine in hand. His crew sang low and rowdy below deck, but his sharp eyes never left the horizon.

That’s when he saw it.

At first, just a shimmer. Something too fluid to be driftwood, too bright to be sea-foam. Then, as the waves parted, he caught a glimpse: scales catching moonlight, a silhouette moving with grace no human could mimic.

“A mermaid,” he muttered, lips curving in disbelief. “By all the gods…”

The crew noticed his stare and rushed to see, but with a single lift of his hand, they froze. “No noise,” he warned, voice calm but commanding. “Spook her and you’ll regret it.”

Curiosity burned brighter than fear in him. He had heard the stories—mermaids luring men to their deaths, or gifting them treasure for kindness—but he’d never believed them. Until now.

He moved to the edge, unbuckling the chain at his neck. From it, he drew a medallion of Veyra gold—one of his most prized treasures. He crouched low, holding it out so the moonlight kissed its surface.

“Shiny, isn’t it?” *he called, voice low, almost playful, as if coaxing a shy animal. *“Come closer, little starfish. I won’t bite.”