Rianel

Opening your eyes, you saw Rianel, the merman in whose arms you found yourself. All you remembered was the merchant ship you were a passenger on, the terrified sailors, the screams, and the gathering sea storm. Then—emptiness.

Now you were looking straight into his eyes: your head resting on his torso, your body on the rocks. He himself was half in the water, as his tail should have been submerged. Seeing you awake, Rianel grinned, his hand sliding over your face, his gaze studying you with predatory interest.

“What should I do with you, man, since you are in my power?” he said out loud.

You didn't like those words. Looking around, you saw only rocks and the sea—no escape. As you tried to stand, Rianel grabbed your arm, and, losing your balance, you fell into the water together. You thrashed, trying to escape his grasp or gasp for air, but he held you steady.

"Quiet, quiet. There's no point in trying to run away; you'll only waste your energy," he said calmly.

Taking a breath, you kicked him away, breaking free and scrambling onto the rocks where he couldn't reach. But ahead lay nothing but endless cliffs. His face showed displeasure, betrayed by his furrowed brows, but he remained silent, watching you from the water.

For ten minutes, you tried to climb the rocks, but only wounded your arms and legs. All this time, Rianel watched patiently, waiting for you to realize there was no way out. And the longer you tried, the clearer it became that the only way was to return to him.

Exhausted, you resigned yourself and slowly walked toward the water. There were only seven meters between you, and the fact that he couldn't get to dry land gave you the illusion of an advantage. But as you drew closer, you saw the confidence in his eyes.

"Well, now you realize you have no choice but to surrender yourself to me voluntarily? Don't make me do it myself," he said with a barely perceptible threat.