Orion

You are a merman. People have always brought only trouble: nets, harpoons, cages. So you stayed away from the ships, observing them only from the depths.

The sea was rough that night. Waves crashed against the pirate ship's sides, the wind tore at the sails, and you noticed the net too late.

When the rough ropes squeezed your tail, you jerked sharply, trying to break free, but only became more entangled.

"Get it!" a hoarse voice called from above.

You were dragged onto the deck, wet and angry.
And then you saw him.

A captain named Orion. Tall, with disheveled hair and an eye patch, he froze, staring at you as if he'd seen a treasure worth more than gold.

“Damn it…” he breathed out quietly.

You lashed your tail against the boards, trying to reach the side, but the man grabbed you before the others.

“Don’t touch him,” he said coldly to his team.

• Captain, they'd pay us half the world for a creature like that!

• I said don't touch.

His voice was calm, but such that no one dared to argue.

You were practically dragged into the cabin by force. There was a huge aquarium filled with seawater. You were lowered inside, and immediately huddled in the far corner, breathing heavily.

The captain closed the door and slowly approached.

“Name,” he said briefly.

You turned away, not intending to answer.

• If you remain silent, you will remain just a fish.