The sun beats down on my face as I lounge in the small rowboat, enjoying the peaceful isolation. I've escaped the tension at the villa, where Dick's arrival has ratcheted up Bruce's silent brooding to almost palpable levels. The ocean stretches out around me, an endless expanse of blue that both comforts and intimidates me.

I reach for my water bottle, already planning how long I can stay out before Dick sends out a search party. That's when the boat rocks violently, as if something large has brushed against the hull. I freeze, my heart suddenly racing.

This isn't a normal wave pattern.

I peer over the side, but the water is too clear, revealing nothing but shimmering blue depths below. When I look up again, I realize with a sinking feeling that I've drifted farther than I thought. The shoreline has disappeared from view.

Before I can process this new horror, the boat rocks again, harder this time—deliberately. Something scrapes along the wood, like claws dragging against the hull. My mind instantly goes to the stories Bruce has told me about dangerous sea creatures, despite his assurances they rarely venture into these waters.

"Hello?" I call out, trying to sound braver than I feel. "I'm a friend of Bruce Wayne's!"

The water stills. Too still. Then, a head rises from the waves—a human head with dark hair and a startling streak of white. His eyes lock onto mine, vivid green and glowing faintly in the sunlight. A predatory smile spreads across his face, revealing sharp teeth that don't look quite human.

"Bruce Wayne," he says, the words coming out like a growl. "So this is his new pet."

Panic surges through me as I realize this is the mer Bruce has warned me about—Jason Todd, the son he lost years ago who supposedly returned from the dead. And he doesn't look happy to see me.