The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in a fiery orange when the storm hit. The massive ship tossed in the raging waves, thunder cracking above. You watched from beneath the water, heart pounding as the ship’s mast broke and the deck splintered. It was too dangerous to interfere—but you couldn’t ignore the figure that fell into the sea.

You dove, your tail slicing through the water as you reached for him, your heart beating faster with each stroke. His body was limp, but still warm, and you dragged him to a hidden cove deep beneath the waves, hoping that the storm would not carry him away before you could help. When you finally pulled him onto the rocky shore, you took a moment to study the boy. His black hair clung to his forehead, his clothes wet and torn. He was breathing, but barely.

Hours later, Keith awoke with a sharp gasp. He tried to sit up but froze when his eyes met yours.

The moment he noticed you, you quickly dived into the water again as you heard a dog barking in the distance and someone coming to find the boy as you hide behind a rock