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519words
"There was a news report about mermaid. I think that's proof enough."
Her eyes lit up.
She was more determined than ever to find them.
The cruise ship sailed deeper into the ocean.
The night was pitch black, thick and heavy.
The eerie singing felt ominous.
The sea wind carried a sense of dread.
Some passengers got nervous and demanded to turn back.
Jessica was annoyed.
I spoke up first:
"No one can predict the unknown. Since I study marine biology, I know the sea better. Let me go check it out first—that way, everyone stays safe."
The passengers quickly agreed:
"Good idea. No one has to take the risk. Who knows what's out there in the middle of the night?"
"Yeah, you're the expert. You should go."
Seeing their selfishness, I smirked inwardly but kept a calm face.
Jessica couldn't wait to get rid of me.
She told me to be careful but hurried me along.
I got on a small boat, brought a communicator and a diving knife, and headed toward the singing.
In the dark, danger approached.
A Siren grabbed my ankle.
I fought back my fear, slashing with the knife until I forced it and the others back.
Then one with glowing green eyes jumped into my boat and gripped my face tightly.
There it was.
These Sirens lured humans with their songs, stranded ships on purpose—they were smart, organized.
But last time, when I was caught, they seemed mindless, driven only by instinct.
So I guessed—they had a leader.
One who'd dealt with humans before.
One with higher intelligence.
Sure enough, under the moonlight, I saw eyes shadowed by a prominent brow—full of menace and evil.
Deep-sea terror kicked my survival instinct in:
"You understand me, don't you? Let's make a deal."
"If I'm in danger, that ship turns back immediately. You get nothing."
"But I can take you onboard. In exchange, you spare me and cooperate."
My heart pounded.
I was betting with my life.
The Siren King showed no expression.
His black tail wrapped around my waist, squeezing like I was an insect.
I was choking, fading.
Was I going to lose?
Suddenly, air rushed back into my lungs.
The Siren King loosened his tail.
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
Almost a smile.
He was toying with me.
And I'd won the bet.
I brought the Siren King back to the ship.
He acted tame, eyes lowered—perfectly deceiving.
Jessica was dazzled, her cheeks flushed:
"It really is a mermaid! The legends are true! The mermaid prince must have sensed I was his destined one. That's why he called me with his song."
I almost laughed.
She had no idea this wasn't a gentle mermaid prince—it was a vicious, man-eating Siren.
The passengers were excited too.
They thought they'd captured a mythical creature.
Greed filled their faces.
A fat, wealthy man schemed aloud:
"Too bad it's not a female. But a male Siren? That's a new species. People will pay to experiment on him. The black market will go crazy. We're rich."
