"The sea calls me, San. It always will."
"Then I'll follow, even if it takes me to the depths."
Prince San finds solace by the sea, where he encounters Wooyoung, a cursed siren bound to the ocean's depths. But as their bond deepens, the ocean's wra...
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The morning sun filtered through the palace windows, casting warm light across the ornate marble floors. San sat at the long, polished dining table, barely touching the breakfast set before him. His brothers and the king chatted idly about politics, alliances, and the usual court gossip, but San's mind was miles away, lost in the memory of the creature he had seen the night before.His hand absentmindedly traced the edge of his plate as he stared at the food, but his appetite was nonexistent. Every time he blinked, the image of the man in the water came rushing back—those midnight eyes, the haunting smile, and the song that had wrapped itself around his mind, refusing to let go.
"San!" a sharp voice pulled him from his thoughts. His brother, Seonghwa, sat across from him, frowning. "Father was speaking to you."
San blinked, realizing that the entire table had gone silent, all eyes fixed on him. His father, King Hyun, sat at the head of the table, his gaze stern but laced with concern."Apologies, Father," San said quickly, straightening in his chair. "I didn't hear you."
The king's brow furrowed. "You've been distracted lately, San. More than usual. Your absence from the council meetings has been noticed. Is there something troubling you?"San opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat. How could he explain what was troubling him? How could he tell his father that he had seen a man—no, a siren—in the ocean, that the stories whispered by fishermen and old women were true? That he was hearing a song no one else seemed to hear?"I've just been... tired," he lied, forcing a smile. "I've spent too much time at the shore, I suppose."
King Hyun's gaze softened, but his eyes were still filled with concern. "I understand the need for solitude, but you have responsibilities here. The council needs your input, and there are talks of—"
"I know, Father," San interrupted, his tone sharper than he intended. "I haven't forgotten my duties."
There was a tense silence, and San could feel his brothers' eyes on him, Seonghwa's especially. His eldest brother had always been the dutiful son, the one who never strayed from their father's expectations. San could sense the judgment in Seonghwa's gaze, the silent reproach for not taking his position more seriously.
King Hyun sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Just make sure you don't lose yourself, San. The sea may offer peace, but it can also be dangerous for those who wander too close."
The king's words struck a nerve, though they were meant as fatherly advice. Dangerous. That was exactly what the ocean had become for him—a lure he couldn't resist, a mystery that beckoned him to dive deeper. But San didn't respond, merely nodding before pushing his chair back and excusing himself from the table.
