𝕳𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙 𝕺𝖋 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖊𝖆

THE ATTACK

[ Layla was confused about what the voice wanted to mean , decided to explore her new abilities and the depth of lagoon as she moved further near the lagoon her tail got stuck into a coral reef, as the waves current started the flow making it more difficult to escape she struggled to free herself the more she wriggled, the tighter she became stuck.

Panicked, Layla called out for help, but her voice was muffled by the waves. Just as she thought all hope was lost, a friendly sea turtle named Finley appeared. Finley used his strong flippers to carefully pry Layla's tail from the coral's grasp.

With a final tug, Layla was freed, and promised to Finley that she will return the gratitude , she understood that there could be more dangers, through her journey . As she swim past the coral reef she heard the same voice again singing she swam towards it and find out the source, she saw a shadow lurking around and singing she calls out for it but didn't get a respond back as she was following it around something attacked her from behind that turned out to be a great white shark, its fin slicing through the waves, attacked her. The shark's jaws snapped mere inches from Layla's shimmering tail . Just as all hope seemed lost, a mysterious merman, burst from the shadows, his powerful tail sending the shark tumbling through the water. His piercing blue eyes locked onto Layla's, and he smiled, revealing shimmering scales that matched the color of his eyes. Layla's heart skips a beat when there eyes met a jolt of electricity running through her spins, after defeating the shark he comes towards Layla. ]

Merman: are you alright ?

Layla: ( snapping out of her dream) ye....y..e..yes !

Merman: thats very strange because sharks or other animals never attack on us.

Layla: I think he must have saw me as a threat.

Merman: I doubt because how can someone see a beautiful girl as a threat.

Layla: Thanks for saving my life.

Merman: my pleasure! By the way I'm Kai and you?

Layla: I'm Layla

Kai: Are you new in Coral haven ? Because I have never seen you here ( asked with suspicion )

Layla: ( lies ) yes I'm new here actually I lived in New Atlantis I had came here to visit my sister.

Kai : ( doubts but suddenly believes her ) this necklace are only worn by royal members. Are you from the royals ?

Layla: yeah! actually my sister works as a maid in the royal palace, I had borrowed this necklace from her .

Kai: So as you are new here I hope you know the trail to the city.

Layla: actually I have no idea.

Kai : do you mind if I lead you the way ?

Layla: I would love to .

[ Kai then tooks layla's hand and lead her to the coral city where Layla meets Kai's friends Jacob, Mia and finn he introduced them to Layla. ]

Kai : Welcome to our little group Layla !"

Layla: "Thanks, I'm Layla. Nice to meet you all."

Jacob: "So, Layla, what brings you to our neck of the woods?"

Layla: "Just exploring the coast. I love the ocean."

Mia: "Us too! We're like, totally obsessed. And I have to say, Layla, I love your style... but I think we can take it to the next level."

Layla: "What do you mean?"

Mia: "I mean, a makeover! I'm a stylist, and I can totally see your potential. I can work on your mermaid vibe and make you shine!"

Finn: "Yeah, Mia's like a magician with hair and makeup."

Kai: "Mia, don't get too carried away. Layla might not want a makeover."

Layla: "Actually, that sounds like fun! I'm game if you are, Mia."

Mia: "Yaas! Lets take you to my parlour and we can get started, also after that we can go for shopping."

Jacob: "This is going to be good. Mia, don't make her look too different, we like her just the way she is."

Mia: "Don't worry, Jacob. I'll just enhance her natural beauty... and add some mermaid sparkle."

Finn: "Can't wait to see the transformation!"

Kai : "Just remember, Layla, you're perfect just the way you are."

Layla: "Aww, thanks Kai . But I'm excited to see what Mia has in store!"

[ Then Mia took Layla to the parlour and add an glamorous look on her appearance, as Kai's heart skipped a beat when he saw Layla on that look.]

Kai: you look beautiful.

Layla: Aww, thanks Mia had done a really good work. I love my new style.

Mia: see I told ya, I know whats best for mermaid vibe .

Jacob: So, Layla come with us we will show you around.

Finn: yeah come on that will be fun.

Layla: I would love to but the sun is about to rise before my sister gets to know that I'm not at home .

Kai : no problem Layla  we will  catch up later.

Mia : yeah see ya

Layla : See you guys later

[ Layla swim faster towards the entrance of the cave, she tries to figure it out how to transform back into her human form, when she gently rubs the necklace between her fingers trying to shake of the dust, a soft, ethereal glow begins to emanate from the pendant. The light is subtle at first, but gradually intensifies, illuminating the surrounding area with a warm, gentle radiance.As the glow of the necklace faded, she began to transform. Her body began to shift and contort, her limbs shortening and morphing back into her human form. Her skin lost its shimmering scales, replaced by her legs, As the transformation completed, she stood up and dives into the lagoon and swims back to the shore of the lake, As Layla emerges from the forest, the sunrise greets her like a warm embrace. The trees, still swaying gently in the morning breeze, stand like sentinels, their leaves rustling softly as the light dances across them. Layla quietly approaches her house, her eyes scanning the surroundings to ensure no one is watching. She reaches her window and carefully pushes it open, wincing slightly as the hinges creak softly. With a practiced ease, she hoists herself up and slips inside, her movements silent as a ghost. She closes the window behind her, making sure to secure it, and then pads across the floor to her bed. She slips under the covers, pulling the blankets up to her chin, and closes her eyes, feigning sleep. Her chest rises and falls in a slow, steady rhythm, mimicking the gentle cadence of slumber, now she can rest easy. As she drifts off into a light doze, a small smile plays on her lips, as her secret is safe... for now. But the whisper's warning still echoes in her mind: "The truth will soon surface...".]