As Chiron and Emma walked down the jetty, the scent of salt and seaweed filled the air, mingling with the distant sounds of merchants calling out their wares.
Suddenly, a figure dashed toward them.
A woman—no, a merman.
Even for Chiron, this was the first time he had seen one up close.
The few mermen he had encountered before were of gold and demi-god rank, powerful beings who had once tried to kill Manu Madayaki in the past.
But this woman was different.
Her skin had a faint pearlescent shimmer, and traces of iridescent scales ran along the sides of her neck and forearms.
Her eyes were a mesmerizing mix of deep blue and silver, mirroring the ocean's depths.
She wore flowing garments of woven kelp and silk, adorned with seashells and coral beads that tinkled softly with each movement.
Despite her otherworldly appearance, she carried a warm, welcoming smile.
With a simple wave of her webbed fingers, water rose from the air, swirling with a strange grace.
