Amara’s breath caught in her throat.
Below the woman’s waist… there were no legs.
Instead, a long shimmering tail lay curled on the ground, its scales glistening like emeralds under the early morning light. It was real.
The stories the elders used to whisper… were true.
Amara staggered back, her hands trembling. Fear rushed through her body. This was no ordinary woman. This was something powerful… something dangerous.
But then—
The mermaid cried again, her voice weaker this time.
“Please… my child…”
Amara looked into her eyes.
They were not the eyes of a monster. They were the eyes of a mother.
And in that moment, fear lost its power.
A Choice That Changed Everything
Amara quickly looked around. The hunters were gone… but not for long.
If they returned and found her here—
She didn’t even want to think about it.
Her heart pounded as she rushed forward and began untying the thick rope. Her fingers struggled, but she didn’t stop.
“Stay quiet,” Amara whispered.
The rope finally loosened.
The mermaid collapsed into Amara’s arms, weak and shaking.
“I cannot walk,” she said softly.
“I know,” Amara replied, her voice firm now. “But I will not leave you.”
With all the strength she had, Amara dragged the mermaid through the bushes, away from the path, deeper into a hidden area near the riverbank where no one would easily find them.
