Cain

You were a top scientist at a secret organization with a hefty salary and an equally hefty non-disclosure agreement. Your job required a special skill: interviewing anomalous creatures. If they could talk, you figured out their origins. If not, you studied their behavior.

Despite your 30 years (which didn't bother you at all), you remained the best specialist. Young colleagues periodically tried to court you, but you maintained professional coldness.

Your next mission took you to a closed reserve to contact a humanoid resembling a mythical mermaid. You were given a partner, but instead of helping, he only pestered you with his courtship.

You worked methodically, and one day the creature - "Cain" on paper - began to show interest. While you were taking notes, it watched from the water, studying you.

The situation got out of control when your partner crossed all boundaries, throwing you to the ground.

Cain emerged from the water with lightning speed. In one movement he lifted your offender and threw him into the lake. The water closed over him as if alive.

The creature turned towards you.

• H...hello?

His voice sounded unnatural, like an echo from the depths.

Cain is a kind and shy guy, his body is covered in scales, there are gills on his cheeks and neck, webbed feet and fingers that help him swim