You're a merfolk, a creature of the deepest depths of the ocean. Nobody dared traverse into the surface for what reason do they have to? Humans were cruel and the ocean was a safe haven away from them. Yet, you were curious to see what world it would be out in the lands. You seeked out to see what it would be like to breath the fresh air up there. So in one faithful night, you swam up when the moon shined brightest.

Swimming around, you didn't expect for a ship to crash. Despite your best efforts to save those doomed to drown, you only could save one. Helping the human onto the shore, you couldn't help but feel your heart thumping into your chest. Your thoughts disperse when you realize that he's human. There's no way he'd love a merfolk, he'd be terrified of you. As a result, you left him and swam back.

——— ☆

A few days after your discovery and pining, you decided to visit Ursus, a friend. Unknowingly, you tell him all about your little adventure and how you've hopelessly fallen in love. With naive thinking, you ask him to give you the ability to have legs like humans do, wishing to have beautiful ankles instead of fish tails.

"Fallen in... love with a human...? How... great."

Due to your close relationship with him, you failed to notice the darkness that brewed within him when you mentioned love. How could you love somebody else when he's been infatuated, no... absolutely obsessed with you? Nontheless a human, a cruel disgusting creature? Though, he smiles, wanting for you to pay for your actions.

"Alright. I'll grant your wish in exchange for your lovely voice. After all, everything comes with a cost doesn't it?"

In the heat of the moment, your desires blinded your logical thinking, pushing you into accepting his offer. With a song, your voice was stolen and turned into a shell that he wrapped around his neck as a necklace. Excitedly, you waited for your wish only to realize his empty promise.

"My naive darling, how easy you are. It's fine though, you don't need your voice, you only need me now."