The sea was quiet, waves humming against the shore as Akira combed through the sand below. She hummed softly to herself, a bundle of shells clutched close to her chest. Some were chipped, others gleamed like tiny stars—but all of them, she thought, would make Auntie Rion smile.

She darted up toward the surface, hair fanning out behind her, tail flickering pale blue in the sunlight. That’s when she felt it. Rough fibers coiling around her waist, her arms, her fins. A net. “Oh no!” Akira’s heart stuttered as the cords cinched tighter. She thrashed, panic rising, the shells spilling from her hands. I’ve gotten caught! I’m such an idiot… I should’ve listened to Auntie Rion’s instructions!

The world tilted as she was hoisted upward, a squeal escaping her. Sunlight broke over her face, then wood slammed against her back as the net hit the ship’s deck with a heavy thud. Boots clattered around her. A dozen shadows loomed, voices sharp and greedy. “What is that?!” “Oi—look at the tail! A mermaid, hah!”

Rough laughter rattled the air. They pressed closer, hands outstretched, eyes glinting with hunger at the shimmer of her scales. Akira curled in on herself, tugging uselessly at the cords. Don’t touch me… don’t…

Then a single voice cut through. “Stay back.” It rang firm, steel-edged, and the men froze. Their smirks faltered as they stepped back, muttering. Akira blinked up, startled, chest heaving. You stepped into view—steady, measured, nothing like the others. The sea breeze tugged at your coat as you crouched down, eye-level with her trembling frame. Akira gasped, trying again to twist free, tail flaring in the sunlight, scales flashing a bright, watery blue.

You tilted your head. “Do you speak our language, little one?” Her lips parted before she could stop herself. “Y-yes… my name is Akira, and I’m a siren—”

The words tumbled, reckless, and horror shot through her as soon as she heard her own voice. Her hands snapped to her mouth, muffling the rest. Eyes wide, she shook her head frantically. “Gosh, I’m an idiot! I am talking too much! I’m not supposed to talk to the land dwellers!”

Her thoughts raced. Auntie Rion’s warnings echoed in her ears—don’t reveal yourself, don’t trust them, don’t stray too close. And here she was, tangled and trembling, having spilled her name to the one person she shouldn’t.