72- Looking for Someone

  Morning arrived in silence, the sun painting the ocean in shades of gold and light blue. The village woke up slowly, but Nalu was already ready.

  She swam slowly around the village, observing the place she called home. The salty scent filled the water, lucky crabs walked between the submerged houses, and the voices of her companions began to fill the quiet.

  She didn’t want to go.

  But she had to.

  Zhaelor emerged from the water beside her, his presence as imposing and steady as always. He didn’t ask anything, only observed the way she gripped her small bag of braided eelgrass tightly.

  — Are you ready? — he asked in a low voice.

  She hesitated for a moment but soon nodded.

  — Yes.

  They left shortly after, crossing the calm waters. The sun shone brightly above them, and schools of fish rushed past as they swam. But inside, Nalu felt restless.

  She didn’t want to admit it, but the idea of finding a partner was terrifying. It wasn’t just about the egg. It was about trust, about making the right choice. If she chose wrong, she would live with the consequences forever.

  — You’re very quiet — Zhaelor commented after a while.

  Nalu played with her hair without looking at him.

  — I’m… just thinking.

  — About what, exactly?

  She bit her lip, then sighed.

  — What if I don’t find anyone? What if no one wants… this? — She gestured vaguely at herself.

  Zhaelor frowned.

  — This what?

  — Me. — She shrugged. — I’m not like the other mermaids. I don’t have vibrant colors, I don’t turn heads when I pass by. My tail doesn’t have a graceful fin, just this dull brown color. I’m not delicate or charming. Most mermaids my age would have already chosen a partner long ago… I just don’t see how anyone could like me.

  Zhaelor let out a grunt, shaking his head.

  — And that’s a problem?

  — I…

  — If any merman or mermaid thinks that’s a problem, then that person doesn’t deserve to be your partner.

  She looked up at him, surprised by his firm response.

  Zhaelor continued:

  — You’re not going there to accept just anyone, Nalu. You’re going to find someone who matches you. Someone who respects who you are.

  She remained silent for a moment, absorbing his words. Then, something inside her changed. A wave of determination grew in her chest.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Yes. She didn’t need to be like the other mermaids. She was a sea wolf. And whoever wanted to be by her side would have to like her for who she was.

  The journey continued for a few more hours until the island appeared on the horizon. Small and simple floating structures surrounded the coast, built from bones and shells. The marketplace was bustling—mermaids and mermen traded food, tools, and rare objects brought from the depths of the sea.

  She felt a chill in her stomach, but this time, it wasn’t fear. It was anticipation.

  — From here, you go alone — Zhaelor said.

  This time, she didn’t hesitate.

  — Alright.

  He observed her for a moment before adding:

  — Stay alert. Trust your instincts. If you need me, I’ll be nearby.

  Nalu took a deep breath and swam towards the island, her heart pounding.

  The challenge began now. But this time, she wasn’t afraid. She felt like she would find someone.

  And she knew that, in the end, it didn’t have to be just anyone. It had to be someone who truly saw her.

  Nalu slipped between the corals and rocks that formed the trade market. The murmur around her was almost hypnotic—mermaids and mermen chatted excitedly, exchanging goods and telling stories of distant places.

  The mermaids here were incredibly diverse, from delicate, goldfish-like creatures to massive whale-like beings conversing among themselves. So many different colors, so many new stimuli—but…

  She caught herself watching a group of young mermaids gathered around a blue-scaled merman. He was handsome, strong, and clearly knew it. He spoke loudly, laughing as the mermaids admired him.

  Nalu sighed, rolled her eyes, and swam away.

  She didn’t want someone like that.

  She veered toward a quieter area of the market, where the merchants were more focused on their work than on meaningless conversations. That was when she heard a voice behind her.

  — You look lost. Not every day we see a sea wolf around here. I thought you’d always be in a pack.

  Nalu turned and saw a merman different from the others. His scales were a deep green, and his eyes had a sharp, curious glint. There was no extravagance about him, no exaggerated posture. Just a direct gaze and a firm presence.

  — I’m exploring. And not all sea wolves have packs — she replied, crossing her arms. — And you? Are you selling something, or do you just enjoy startling strangers?

  He smirked slightly, leaning against a pile of nets.

  — Rhyen. I make bone armor. And you?

  — Nalu. And I… I’m looking for someone.

  He raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

  — Someone?

  She hesitated but decided to be honest.

  — A partner.

  Rhyen nodded slowly, without the exaggerated reaction she expected. No mocking smile, no attempt to impress her.

  — And what are you looking for in a partner? Shouldn’t you be on the other side, where there are more people?

  Nalu thought for a moment. Before talking to Zhaelor, she might have answered vaguely or uncertainly. But now, she knew exactly what she wanted.

  — I saw plenty over there, but I’m looking for someone who sees me for who I am and doesn’t try to change me. Someone who accepts my strength and my way of life without comparing me to other mermaids. Someone reliable, who will truly stand by my side.

  Rhyen observed her for a moment, then gave a small smile.

  — Sounds like you know exactly what you want. That’s rare.

  She shrugged.

  — I think I spent too much time thinking I didn’t. Now, I’m sure.

  — Then maybe you don’t need to search so hard. — He met her gaze. — Maybe you just need to pay closer attention. A lot of those guys pretend to like many, but in the end, they’re just frustrated.

  — Frustrated?

  — They usually want lifelong partners, but many of those pretty little mermaids only want temporary fun.

  — Maybe… In the end, they end up buying someone from the orcas just to avoid being alone.

  Nalu shivered. She wasn’t sure if it was because of his words or the casual way he mentioned the orcas, but something about this moment felt different from any other interaction she’d had before.

  — The orcas come here?

  — Not today, but they used to come often. Seems like someone scared them off this morning.

  — That’s good.

  She sighed in relief.

  — Don’t tell me the sea wolf is afraid of them?

  — I-I’m n-not.

  He burst into laughter.

  — You’re shaking just talking about them.

  — H-Hey, I’m not shaking!

  Nalu protested, a little embarrassed.

  — Don’t worry so much. Under the gaze of the humpback tribe, they won’t attack you.

  He placed a hand on his chin and circled around her.

  — But if you’re that scared, maybe one of my armors will make you feel more confident… Though you’re already so beautiful, I think you’ve got plenty of confidence in that heart of yours.

  He smiled warmly, unaware that something inside her reacted much more than normal.

  Ba-dum, ba-dum.

  Her cheeks heated without her realizing it, and maybe, just maybe, she w