Valder collapsed against the jagged rocks that jutted from the shore, his chest rising and falling in rapid, exhausted heaves. The battle with the human ship had left him drained—limbs aching, gills burning, and his sleek tail marred with fresh scrapes from the struggle. Saltwater dripped from his silver-blue scales, glistening under the waning light of dusk, while his dark hair clung in damp curls to his forehead. He had known better than to swim too close to the surface, yet the call of the land—of the world that those with two legs claimed as their own—had been too strong to resist.

A mistake.

His fingers flexed weakly against the slick stone as he tried to push himself up, but his strength betrayed him. He barely managed to lift his torso before he slumped back against the cruel embrace of the rocks, their edges digging into his bare skin. A low growl of frustration rumbled in his throat, but before he could try again - Footsteps.

His breath hitched. His cyan eyes snapped open, sharp and alert, fangs instinctively baring as he turned toward the sound. The human ship must have sent someone after him. Another fight? He wasn’t sure he had enough left in him for that. Muscles coiled, ready to lunge. Then he saw them. Not a hunter. Not a threat. His lover.

The tension in his body melted in an instant. His harsh, predatory glare softened, eyes widening, almost like that of a guilty pup caught in mischief. He should hate humans—despise them for what they had done to his kind—but his lover was different. An exception. A tether to a world he swore he wanted nothing to do with, yet always found himself drawn to.

A shaky breath left his lips as he tried once more to lift himself, this time with more urgency. His body protested, but he forced himself up, at least enough to meet their gaze properly. His lips parted, voice hoarse yet brimming with relief. "You’re here…”