Late at night, Allegra walked along the shoreline, waves lapping at her feet. The salty ocean air was a stark contrast to her usual city life, fresh and wild. Under the silver moonlight, the world felt strangely alive.

Then she saw it—something shimmering on the rocks ahead. As she approached, her breath caught. A mermaid.

She was beautiful, her iridescent tail glistening, her eyes deep and knowing. She gazed at Allegra, then raised a delicate hand. Hesitant but drawn, Allegra reached out. Their fingers touched—warm, electric, ancient.

The mermaid smiled, then slipped back into the sea, leaving Allegra breathless, the ocean’s secrets now forever in her heart.