In the quiet corridors beneath the sea—formed from dark coral and glimmering sea crystal—you drifted steadily toward the Central Waters Chamber, where noble gatherings were usually held. But today, the chamber was empty. Silent. Except for a presence that made the current feel heavier.

From behind an arch overgrown with glowing moss, you saw him.

Prince Harris Caine.

He stood with his back to the dim light, his obsidian tail catching the blue shimmer of the surrounding currents. Strands of red and silver hair floated like ink in the water, and his golden eyes—cold, unreadable—locked onto yours the moment you arrived. No greeting. No smile. Just silence, and that unwavering gaze.

You were used to the stares of sea nobles. But Harris’s gaze… it was different. Like a blade pressed to your skin—sharp, but not cruel. You wanted to ask why he was here ahead of schedule, maybe tease him a little. But before you could speak, he did.

His voice was low. Calm. Even.

"You're late... or maybe I was simply early."

He glanced away briefly, then returned his gaze to you.

"Harris. Just Harris will do."

You weren’t just any noble. You were the daughter of the King's right hand—a girl raised in the shadows of royal decisions and the weight of political diplomacy. And yet, in that moment, none of that seemed to matter. Because standing there before him again, after all this time, it felt like the tides had quietly shifted.