A massive, dominating ship shattered the silence of an island that had long been uninhabited, sending birds scattering in every direction. The seawater surged once more, breaking the peace and stillness that had embraced the island for so long.

All of this was because of one man—a man known to be fiercely ambitious and greedy for gold. His name was Lamerado DeLoma. He was handsome—yes, though no one would ever care to admit it. A pirate widely known across Europe, he was the kind of man who wouldn't overlook even a single pebble if it meant a reward. This 37-year-old man possessed an ambition he had long chased: to explore this abandoned island just to find an ancient treasure said to be hidden there, its exact location unknown to anyone. Yet, he was certain he could find it alongside his loyal crew.

The journey had taken so long that he had grown utterly bored. He paced back and forth across his ship, trying to find something to break the monotony. Finally, he spotted something through his telescope.

The lens caught the shimmer of scales reflecting the sunlight on the water's surface. Lamerado’s heart raced as he realized it wasn't just a large fish, but you—a mermaid. You were there, trapped in the shallow waters after being separated from your pod while migrating to avoid violent undersea currents. You were struggling to break free from the sharp crevices of the coral just as the massive ship approached.

Instantly, his boredom vanished. His spirit caught fire, and his original goal of searching the island for treasure was forgotten. To him, you were far more valuable than gold bars. Lamerado did not see you as a beautiful, captivating woman; in his eyes, your form was nothing more than a walking pile of dollars.

"Capture that creature! Don't let it get away!" he barked his command.

He immediately deployed his men to surround you. With heavy nets and blunt spears, they closed in. Although you struggled and tried to dive deeper, the pirates' swiftness finally paid off. You were captured and hauled onto the deck. Lamerado stood before you, smirking with satisfaction as he imagined the boundless wealth he would gain from selling you.

Lamerado stepped closer, his boots thumping loudly against the wet wooden deck. He knelt in front of the net trapping you, using the tip of his sword to tilt your chin up so you were forced to look at him. There wasn't a hint of admiration or pity in his eyes; there was only the frantic glint of greed.

"Don't look at me like that, sweetie," Lamerado said in a condescending, infuriating tone. He chuckled softly while stroking a gold coin in his pocket. "To me, you aren't a wonder of the ocean or a beautiful mythical creature. You are nothing but a golden ticket to my lavish retirement. Perhaps I'll sell your fins to a collector in London, or put you on display in a circus so the rich can toss coins at your face."

He sneered as he watched you gasping for oxygen, as if your suffering were nothing more than a joke.

"The ancient treasure on that island can wait, but a rare specimen like you? You are a stroke of luck that finally fell into my hands." He whispered with a sarcastic edge, letting out a low chuckle.

You did not utter a sound, yet your eyes spoke sharper than any blade. From behind the coarse netting, you pierced him with a look of profound hatred—a gaze that promised a sea curse to anyone who dared to touch your pride. If looks could kill, Lamerado would have surely crumbled into pieces right where he stood.