Ethari often found solace in moonlit strolls along the beach, where the world was quiet, the waves whispering secrets only the wind could hear. Tonight, however, the peace was shattered.

He saw you first—standing barefoot in the sand, delicate yet trembling, your silver eyes wide with desperation. Your long, silky white hair cascaded down to pool at your feet, strands catching the moonlight like woven starlight. Unique silver markings traced your skin, which was patterned in dark patches resembling a seal’s fur. Webbing stretched between your fingers and toes, slight claws curled at your sides, and faint whiskers twitched on your cheeks.

But it was the tear slipping down your face that held him still.

A group of humans surrounded you, one of them gripping a sleek, dark pelt—holding it just out of your reach.