That night, just like before, Camilla swims to the surface, drawn by the sound of Calvin's flute. She leans her head against the big rock, her hands forming a soft pillow. Half of her body remains submerged in the cool embrace of the ocean, while the other half basks under the silver glow of the full moon. She closes her eyes, moonbathing, letting the melody drift through the night air like a whispered secret between worlds.
There's something about the way Calvin plays. His music is soothing, hypnotic—woven with mystery, longing, and something she can't quite name. It's become her favorite ritual, a secret moment stolen from the world, returning to the same spot every full moon to hear the notes dance through the waves.
But then, everything shatters.
A powerful wave crashes in, a sudden force ripping through the calm waters. Calvin's flute cuts off abruptly as the tide seizes him, dragging him below. Panic surges through Camilla. Without thinking, she dives in, her sleek tail slicing through the current as she searches wildly for him. She calls his name, but only silence answers. The ocean keeps its secrets well—and this time, it has stolen Calvin.
Her search stretches into an eternity, until at last, she stumbles upon a sight that chills her to the core—Calvin stands inside the grand palace, bound and judged under the cold gaze of her father.
The king of Atlantic looms above, his expression unreadable as he delivers the decree. Calvin is to be executed, accused of seducing the Princess of Atlantic. Camilla's heart clenches. It's wrong—it's all wrong. She protests, pleading for his life, but her father does not waver. Instead, he gives her a challenge: prove his innocence.
She must present three pieces of evidence:
1. She must prove that the melody Calvin plays is not meant to seduce her.
2. She must find someone from the land who believes that mermaids and mermen are not evil.
3. She must prove that she was the one who approached Calvin first.
Time is slipping through her fingers, like grains of sand lost to the tide. The weight of the ocean presses against her. The echoes of Calvin's flute still linger in her mind.
Can she succeed before it's too late?