ꜱᴏɴ ᴀᴍᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴀʀɪɴ ✧seongjoong✧

chapter 1

The sea was restless and unforgiving in the absence of their beloved princess. Waves crashed with a sense of urgency against the rocky cliffs, echoing the anxiety that gripped the kingdom of the southern seas. King Orion, the ruler of the vast underwater realm, paced anxiously in his grand coral palace, his normally regal demeanor marred by worry. Beside him, his sixteen wives, queens of their respective domains within the kingdom, murmured worriedly among themselves.

Throughout the underwater kingdom, mermaids and mermen swam frantically through the colorful coral reefs and shimmering sea caves, their voices echoing in anxious calls and haunting melodies. Among them was Prince Seonghwa, the sole male heir to the throne and beloved by his people for his bravery and compassion. A steely resolve replaced his normally serene demeanor, his heart heavy with anger and determination.

The search for their youngest princess, known for her adventurous spirit and captivating beauty, had consumed the entire kingdom. Seonghwa led groups of merfolk through every corner of the sea bed, his sharp eyes scanning every crevice and shadowy abyss. Each passing moment without news of her whereabouts heightened the tension among the merfolk, fueling Seonghwa's anger and sense of jeopardy.

Seonghwa's mind raced with thoughts of his sister, the youngest and most cherished of King Orion's daughters. She had always been fearless, eager to explore beyond the borders of their kingdom despite the dangers lurking in the vast ocean. Her disappearance had shattered the kingdom's tranquility, leaving a void that threatened to engulf them all.

Seonghwa refused to rest. He pushed himself to the limits of his endurance, diving deeper into the murky depths and venturing into treacherous currents where sea creatures of legend lurked. With each passing day, hope flickered like a distant star, kept alive only by the unwavering determination of the prince and his loyal companions.

Amidst the search, tensions simmered among the merfolk. Whispers of blame and suspicion echoed through the coral corridors of the palace, casting shadows upon once-solid alliances. Some believed the princess had fallen victim to the treachery of rival kingdoms or the dark forces that prowled the sea. Others whispered of ancient curses awakened by the princess's curiosity, condemning her to a fate unknown.

Through it all, Seonghwa remained resolute. His heart burned with a fierce protectiveness for his sister, mingled with guilt for not accompanying her on that fateful day. He replayed their last conversation in his mind, the teasing laughter and shared secrets that now seemed like fragments of a dream slipping away.

At last, Seonghwa could bear the endless search no longer. Beneath the cover of night, when the moon hung low and the stars scattered like shimmering jewels across the sky, he made his decision. With a deep breath, he summoned the ancient magic passed down through generations of merfolk royalty. His iridescent mermaid tail, adorned with scales that caught the moonlight in a dazzling display, began to transform. The once graceful appendage twisted and elongated, reshaping itself into a pair of long, sinewy legs—legs that seemed sculpted by divine hands, their every curve and line a testament to the mystical heritage of his people.

As he stepped onto the rocky shore, the sensation was both exhilarating and disorienting. Seonghwa's feet sank into the cool, wet sand, a stark contrast to the smooth, weightless glide of his tail in the water. He felt a surge of energy and uncertainty surge through him, but his resolve remained steadfast. He knew what he must do.

The coastal village lay before him, its quaint houses huddled together like protective shells against the relentless embrace of the sea. Shadows danced along the narrow streets, their movements casting fleeting illusions that whispered ancient secrets of the land. Seonghwa moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of his sister.