a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

243: Unnatural changes

he sound of chuckling children echoed faintly within the dim caverns of the cave. After the long conversation with the chief, Moulin conceded to staying with the tribe until tomorrow morning. Just after he took a step departing the cavern, he could hear the soft murmurs as the chief called for his people and prepare the things Moulin would need.

Gratitude remained inside Moulin's heart. His steps were resounding within the tunnel as he walked silently. Around his neck was the blue crystal necklace glowing and illuminating his way. Moulin secretly felt his mother was still there trying to comfort him, bringing him hope, lighting up his practice. Although it was hard to believe, Moulin chose to convince himself. As pitiful as it sounds, right now, there was no one else there to comfort him... only himself.

"That's a pretty gem you're wearing."

An intrigued voice spoke to him, making Moulin lift his head and turn to his side. The woman next to him was the same as the one who came when he awoke. He learned that her name was Cyra. She was one of the royal merfolk's servants. That is before the Kron. Currently, Moulin was helping her carry a few precious conch shells that her tribe had gathered before they left the sea. It was all that was left of their memories of the ocean, and they cherished these shells well.

"Yes..." Moulin replied with a faint smile.

Cyra knitted her brows as she turned to look ahead. "Did someone gave it to you? Something tells me that perhaps you're in a relationship?"

Moulin almost stumbled as he held the large basket in his arms. He cleared his throat with a slight flush. "Mn..."

"I see. What a pity..." She sighed.

The youth grew confused at her reply. Soon enough, Cyra noticed his expression. Beaming amusingly, she shook her head with a laugh. "Oh, don't mind my words. You see, you have quite the looks. My fellow people here have been dumping questions on me wherever I go. However, you're not one of our own. they're quite interested in you..."

"Oh..." Moulin blinked, not sure how to respond to it.

Cyra chuckled. "Honestly, I can't help but act protective about you. You look so marvelous, yet you act so cutely. I can't let anyone steal you away under my watch." She hummed as her eyes narrowed in determination.

So a mermaid's possessiveness of anything beautiful was really true. Moulin smiled faintly. He honestly didn't expect he would be meeting one of the mythical creatures he had endlessly written about in his stories. Only, he wished he could see them in their proper form.

"We're here..." Cyra gestured her chin towards a dark open cave. The opening was circular, man-made. When the youth narrowed his eyes, he could see faint glowing strings of light dappling the walls. Light of the water. It was bright enough to illuminate the cavern a little. Cyra glanced at Moulin before she led the way. "This is the spring of the mountain. Our lifeline..."

Moulin followed Cyra inside, and the sound of water instantly filled his ears. When he stepped inside the shadows of the cavern-

SPLASH!

A giant splash appeared before his silver eyes. Luminous water droplets sprayed the air and seemed to slow down within his gaze. What welcomed his sight afterwards was a long colorful mermaid tail. Scales in gradient blue and purple. Its long lace-like fins were glowing with the water. It was a breath-taking sight.

There were a few merpeople currently taking a swim in the water. Their long sparkling hair moved like the waves underneath the water's surface, and their bodies moved as though they were dancing.

The luminosity of the water reflected on Moulin's silver pupils. Glistening exquisitely.

"Hey, you! Stop making the ground wet!" Cyra suddenly yelled, snapping Moulin from his trance.