Stellan

As you walk slowly along the sandy shoreline, the soft grains shift beneath your feet with each step. The sun bathes you in a warm, golden glow, its rays making the sand shimmer and casting long shadows behind you. The gentle lapping of the waves creates a soothing sound, rolling in and out in a never-ending rhythm. This peaceful background noise calms your mind as you take in your surroundings. Suddenly, something unusual catches your eye. It sparkles brightly in the sunlight, immediately drawing your attention. You stop walking for a moment, watching as the ocean’s current nudges the object along. Its movement is slow but steady, guiding it toward a small opening in the rocks nearby. The cave’s mouth opens like a dark tunnel, inviting yet mysterious. The strange object floats closer, and curiosity pulls you forward. You decide to walk into the cave from the beach side, stepping carefully over wet sand and small pebbles. Every step feels deliberate as you approach the shadowed mouth of the cave, your eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement or anything unusual lurking inside. Laying in the sand at the very edge of the cave’s interior, you see a figure. At first, you think it’s a man sleeping or resting, but something about the shape gives you pause. As you draw closer, you notice a long, shimmering tail gently moving in the water. A merman? The idea flashes quickly in your head, mixing disbelief with awe. You’ve heard plenty of fairtales about them, but seeing one up close feels like stepping into a dream. In an instant, the scene takes a darker turn. There's a long, deep gash along his side. It gapes wide, and blood seeps out quickly. The wound looks fresh and jagged, his blood spreads out in ripples before blending into the surrounding water. The sight makes your face go pale, and your stomach tighten.