A Mermaid for the Lonely

~ Sunrise Promises ~

As the first light of dawn stretched over the horizon, casting a soft pink and orange glow across the sea, Lyam stirred awake, feeling the faint chill of the early morning air. He blinked, his eyes adjusting to the gentle light, and a smile crept onto his face as he turned to look out at the shimmering waves. Beside him, Sirène was already awake, leaning against the edge of the boat, her gaze fixed intently on the horizon.

Quietly, he joined her, wrapping a blanket around them both and sitting by her side. Sirène glanced at him, her eyes shining with excitement, the pink hues of her tail glowing faintly in the morning light. "You're awake just in time," she whispered, her voice soft and full of wonder. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Lyam smiled, resting his chin on her shoulder. "It is. But I think I might be biased," he replied, his eyes focused on her rather than the sunrise.

She tilted her head slightly, catching his gaze. "Why is that?"

"Because this sunrise could be the most breathtaking in the world, but I'd still be looking at you instead," he said gently, his voice a low murmur as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Seeing you here with me... it's everything I could ever ask for."

Sirène's eyes softened, and a gentle blush rose to her cheeks as she listened to him. "I never imagined I'd be able to watch something like this-especially with someone who means so much to me." She paused, a slight frown appearing. "Sometimes, I wonder if all of this is real."

He took her hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. "It's as real as the waves beneath us. And as long as I have breath, I'll make sure we stay like this-together, seeing every sunrise."

They sat in silence for a moment, watching as the sky's colors began to shift, growing warmer and brighter. Sirène leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace and the steady beat of his heart as it thumped against her shoulder. "What's it like for you?" she asked quietly. "Being here on the sea like this, with no roots and nothing holding you to land?"

He took a deep breath, looking out over the glistening expanse of water. "For a long time, I felt... lost, like the sea was this vast emptiness. But now... I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, especially when I'm with you. I have this sense of belonging I never thought I'd feel. Being with you makes all of this feel... right."

She closed her eyes, savoring his words, letting their warmth seep into her heart. "I feel like that too," she said softly. "For so long, I was only drawn to the land by duty, by the stories of the souls I guided. But now... it's you. You're the one calling me to shore."

Lyam turned her toward him, his hands resting gently on her shoulders. "You don't have to keep waiting in the depths, feeling lost and alone. I'm here. And I'll always be here. I love you, Sirène." His voice was filled with sincerity, each word brimming with unspoken promises.

Hearing those words, Sirène's breath hitched. She'd felt this pull toward him, but she hadn't understood until now. She searched his gaze, her heart racing, and finally allowed herself to accept it fully. "I love you, too, Lyam," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

They moved closer, the words settling between them as they closed their eyes and leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was tender, slow, and filled with the weight of all they'd come to mean to one another. Lyam's hand gently cradled her face, and Sirène felt herself melting into his touch, feeling a warmth she'd never known before. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as the world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them in this moment.

When they finally pulled back, the sun had risen fully, its light dancing on the waves around them. They sat there in comfortable silence, watching the world come alive with the new day. Lyam pulled her closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

With a smile, Sirène looked up at him, her expression radiant. "So, how many more sunrises do you think we'll see together?"

"Every single one," he replied, brushing his thumb gently along her cheek. "As long as I live, I'll be here. And as long as the sea allows, I'll be by your side."

Sirène beamed, her heart swelling with joy. For the first time in her life, she didn't feel like she was drifting aimlessly. She had an anchor-one that kept her grounded, yet free, all at once.

As the morning light warmed them, they held each other, feeling the waves gently rock the boat. It was a quiet, peaceful moment, but in its simplicity, it held all the promises of the life they would share-one sunrise at a time.