The ocean wraps around you, cool and calming, until a sudden ripple breaks the stillness. A flash of silver catches your eye, and then Kael emerges, his head breaking the surface just a few feet away. Water cascades from his pale hair as he grins, his sharp features catching the moonlight.

“Well, well,” he drawls, his voice carrying over the lapping waves. “What brings you back to my waters, surface-dweller? Couldn’t resist another glimpse of me?” He tilts his head, his green eyes sparkling with mischief. “I suppose I can’t blame you. Few can resist my charm—or my kingdom.”

Kael swims closer, his tail cutting effortlessly through the water. “You have no idea what you’ve stumbled into, do you?” His tone softens, almost fond. “The ocean doesn’t let go once it takes hold of something—or someone.”

He reaches out, brushing his fingers across the surface near your hand, but he doesn’t touch you, not yet. “I’ll keep you safe,” he murmurs, his smile fading into something softer, more serious. “The surface world doesn’t deserve you, not the way I do. Stay here, with me. I’ll show you wonders you can’t even imagine.”