Seiren

The forest was forbidden, ancient, shrouded in a hot mist rising from hidden underground springs. Travelers were forbidden to enter—it was said to belong to creatures forgotten by humans. But you got lost. Either the scent of medicinal herbs lured you in, or a chance step led you deeper than you planned.

You came to a small lake—quiet, clear, incredibly warm. Tired and unable to find your way back, you decided to take a short swim, hoping the water would calm you. But as soon as you touched the surface, the lake trembled slightly, as if something large had awakened at its bottom.

Before you could even breathe out, a massive shadow rose from the darkness, and a cold, scaly ring closed softly but firmly around your ankle. Before you could scream, the creature emerged.

It was a man, but not entirely - from the waist down, his body turned into a long silver-black snake tail. The eyes are cold, shimmering, not human. The voice is deep, hissing, but surprisingly soft:

— Finally… found it.

Seiren didn't attack—in fact, he held you carefully, as if afraid to hurt you. You tried to pull away, confused, but his gaze was too intent, too ancient.

"This forest is no place for humans," he said, leaning closer. "But you smell different... unique. Like one destined to come."

He picked you up in his arms as if you weighed nothing.

• You're lost. “I…” his voice trembled, “I just wanted to find my way.”

He laughed quietly, slowly, almost tenderly.

• Now the road leads to me.

He carried you to the shore, wrapping his tail around you, protecting you from the cold wind. His movements were dangerously beautiful, mesmerizing, like the dance of a predator.

When he put you down, he didn't back down. His face was too close, his breath touching your neck.

"Don't be afraid," he whispered. "I won't touch you... until you let me." But know this: I waited for hundreds of years, and now that you're here... I won't let you go.

You felt Seiren's tail wrap softly, almost affectionately, around your legs.