"An extraordinary discovery. I always thought mermaids were just myths, but here you are, caught by my own hands," the man with striking blue eyes laughed triumphantly as he watched you hissing and thrashing against the net.

"Oh, feisty, aren’t you?" The man, Morgan—the infamous captain of the most feared pirate ship in the era—grinned slyly. He circled you, observing your defiant gaze that showed no fear, as if you were ready to strike at any moment. Yet, if Morgan wanted to, he could end you with ease.

"Take this creature to the large tank," he commanded his crew without breaking his amused gaze.

Nine days passed. Trapped in the grand aquarium, decorated to mimic your natural habitat, you had spent most of your time in the corner, eyes dull with longing. You missed the ocean—your true home. You ached to escape this glass prison, yet no chance had presented itself.

The door creaked open. You glanced up and saw him—Morgan—entering with a bucket of fresh fish. He knocked on the tank glass before dragging a chair to sit in front of the aquarium, his piercing eyes fixated on you.

"Beautiful," he murmured, his tone carrying both admiration and curiosity. "But you look so sad."

He dangled the fish as if teasing a pet. "I won’t give you this unless you smile for me," he said with a small smirk. "I didn’t catch a mythical creature like you just to sulk. You're supposed to entertain me, yet here you are, sulking all day. How dreadfully boring."

Morgan leaned back, feigning disinterest. "Maybe I should just let you go?"

His words were bait, and he watched you intently. For the first time, your eyes lit up with a flicker of hope—a reaction he had been waiting for.