Rays of sunlight glimmer through the turquoise waters. Y/N reaches out a hand, watching the light dance on her palm. It's a welcome sight after the dim caverns.

The pair have been traveling for a number of days now, Lysanthir's tail spurring them along. They stick close to shore, within easy reach of sea plants and fresh water for Y/N, as well as sheltered coves to rest in.

As time passes, Y/N begins to notice changes in her body. Her eyes have started adjusting to the salty ocean. She can now see more clearly as they swim beneath the waves, and the stinging has lessened. Not only that, but she finds herself being able to journey underwater for longer periods at a time. The differences are small, but undeniable.

This worries her.

Even though these new features are useful, the last thing she wants is to start becoming a part of Lysanthir's world. The more she changes, the further she strays from her life on land.

But Y/N can't help it. She is marked, her fate having been decided at birth. And now that Lysanthir has claimed her, wheels have been set in motion.

They break the surface, snapping Y/N out of her reflection. Clear blue sky stretches across the horizon. Y/N tilts her head back, basking in the warmth of the sun.

"We are approaching the Faian Canyon," Lysanthir hums, "I think you will like it, Y/N."

He says her name so intimately. She hates it.

~~~~~~~

Y/N has to admit that Lysanthir was right about the canyon. It is breathtaking.

Giant undersea mushrooms at least three times her size rise up from the sandy bottom. Their translucent tops fan outwards, golden light shining through. It gives them a cheery glow.

Y/N stares in awe, the landscape as otherworldly as the merman swimming beside her. Speaking of Lysanthir, she catches his beaming smile out of the corner of her eye.

They weave between the mushroom stems. Schools of colourful fish inhabit the canyon, lazily swimming in group formations. They quickly dart away as Lysanthir approaches, knowing to stay away from the predator.

A turtle glides by, its mottled shell a pattern of mossy green and brown. Unlike the fish, it pays the pair no attention, meandering within arm's reach.

When they emerge for air, Y/N treads water, trying to inconspicuously extricate herself from Lysanthir's arms.

"The Faians are a common passage used by my people," he says, nails digging into her sides as he notices her trying to move away.

"Are there any other murdukann here now?" Y/N hadn't noticed any merfolk.

"No," he says absentmindedly, playing with the fabric of her nightdress, "they know to stay away."

"From you?" She doesn't like the fact that even other murdukann don't want to cross paths with Lysanthir.

"Perhaps," a small smile graces his lips.

His fingers now claw at her dress. She doesn't like the look growing in his eyes.

"There is much you have yet to learn, sweet one."

Lysanthir leans forwards. His lips whisper against her ear, cold breath making her shudder.

Taking advantage of her vulnerable position, he tilts her head back. Y/N feels the merman's lips press to her neck.

"Not all murdukann were created equal by the great ocean," he whispers against her skin, "Some were favoured, granted unimaginable power."

Y/N flinches. Lysanthir's sharp teeth graze her collarbone, a low growl stemming from his chest. A warning.

Frozen, all she can do is shut her eyes as he flicks his tongue against her delicate skin, relishing the taste of her. Then, the murdukann begins to suck gently.

She bites her lip, trying not to scream. Y/N tries to think about something else, anything else. She refuses to let her body enjoy this.

Eventually, Lysanthir pulls away. She can tell by the look of burning desire in his black eyes that he doesn't want to stop.

"Soon, you won't be able to resist me anymore," he bears his teeth, "And then, I will have you."

Y/N can barely hear him over the pounding of her heart.

"Body and soul, you will be mine."