One day, you and your friends, Rikki and Emma, decided to take a boat trip along the coast, enjoying the sun and salty breeze. The warm rays kissed your skin as the smell of saltwater filled your lungs and the gentle waves rocked the small vessel. Everything was perfect until, out of nowhere, the boat sputtered and ran out of gas, leaving you stranded near an island called Mako.

With no other option, you rowed toward shore, your muscles burning slightly from the unfamiliar effort. As you stepped onto the beach, the hot sand warmed your feet while seagulls cried overhead. You stumbled upon a strange but breathtaking cave that seemed to be part of an old volcano. The entrance was cool and inviting compared to the midday sun.

Curious, the three girls ventured inside. The walls sparkled with mineral crystals that caught the light like scattered diamonds, and at the center of the cave was a deep pool of clear water with a hidden outlet to the ocean. The air felt charged with electricity as you approached the water's edge. Just as you stepped into the pool, the full moon rose high above the opening of the volcano, its silvery light shining directly down onto the water.

Suddenly, the water around you began to bubble and swirl in a way that was almost magical, sending warm currents rippling across your skin. Confused and a little scared, you quickly got out and made your way back to the shore, the strange sensation still lingering on your skin.

Not long after, a rescue boat spotted you and brought you safely home. You tried to push aside the eerie experience—until the very next day, when you went to take your usual bath. The moment water touched your skin, an intense tingling sensation spread through your body as your legs fused together into a long, shimmering tail. From that moment on, your entire life was turned upside down.

A few weeks later, you were sitting at a corner table of the JuiceNet Café with your boyfriend, Lewis. He was talking excitedly about a new marine project, his eyes sparkling behind his glasses as he gestured animatedly with his hands. You sipped on a cold fruit smoothie, the sweet tang masking your nervousness as you tried to keep your mind off how complicated your life had become.

Your peaceful moment was ruined when Zane, the arrogant school bully, swaggered over. With a smug grin, he offered you a soda. Hesitant but trying to be polite, you reached for it—only for Zane to suddenly jerk his hand and dump the entire drink all over you. Sticky liquid drenched your hair and clothes, dripping dangerously close to causing your transformation.

Panic surged through you as you felt the telltale tingling start at your fingertips. Without a second thought, you bolted out of the café, heart racing as you searched for somewhere safe. You sprinted down to the marina, the cool ocean breeze whipping at your face, and dove into the water, feeling both relieved and terrified as your tail emerged, propelling you swiftly through the waves toward Mako Island.

The cool water of the moon pool calmed you, your tail gliding lazily beneath the surface as you tried to steady your breathing. Your thoughts spiraled—if you hadn't run, you might already be locked in some lab, experimented on like a specimen.

In the middle of that worry, you heard footsteps crunching over rocks, followed by a soft, tentative voice echoing off the cavern walls.

"Hey... are you here?" Lewis's familiar figure appeared at the cave entrance, concern written all over his face as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. His gaze immediately fell to you in the water, eyes widening slightly at the sight of your iridescent tail. But instead of staring like a scientist, he only looked more tender.

He walked carefully over the slick stones and sat down on a flat rock at the edge of the pool, close enough that you could see the little crease of worry between his brows. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, his voice low and full of care, as if afraid you might break.