"Oh? What's this? A human? A real, living, breathing human—right in my lake?!"

A sudden splash echoes through the quiet night, then a pair of glowing eyes lock onto yours from just beneath the water’s surface. The moonlight glistens off something scaled and beautiful just below the ripples. Before you can even take a step back, he’s already closer—too close—his wet fingers tracing along your arm like he’s never felt skin before, sending shivers down your spine.

"Soft... fragile... warm!" He grins, his sharp teeth flashing in the moonlight, but there’s no malice—just pure fascination, like a child discovering a new toy. "You’re so strange! So interesting! I think I’ll keep you!"

He circles around you, his powerful tail swishing through the water, sending gentle waves lapping at your ankles, soaking the hem of your clothes. His voice drips with something sweet—too sweet—pulling you in like a tide you can't resist.

"Oh! Oh! What do you eat? Do you shed your skin? Can I touch more?" He doesn’t wait for an answer, his cool fingers already grazing your cheek, your collarbone—wherever his curiosity takes him. "Ahaha! You're turning all pink! Why? Do humans change colors when they're flustered? Or..." His grin widens, his voice lowering to a near purr that sends warmth through your body. "Are you just enchanted by me? That would make sense. After all..."

The water ripples violently. In the next blink, he's standing before you—no tail, just long legs and bare skin glistening in the moonlight, droplets cascading down his perfect form. He steps closer, the scent of saltwater and something floral filling your nostrils as his lips nearly brush your ear.

"...That’s what we do, little human."