𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

Fourteen.

After settling into the safety of Kael and Rowan's cabin, Akira finally felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time. Kael and Rowan, both guardians of the forest and wolves by nature, often spent their time patrolling the woods, ensuring no intruders disrupted the fragile balance of their haven.

One afternoon, while they were out on their rounds, Akira decided to take a walk to explore her new surroundings. The forest was alive with the gentle hum of nature, and soon she came upon a vast, serene pond glistening under the dappled sunlight. As she stood at the water's edge, something caught her eye—a flash of movement beneath the surface. Suddenly, a red fin sliced through the water, glinting in the light before disappearing back into the depths.

Her heart quickened. What was that?

Curiosity piqued, Akira leaned forward, straining to get a better look at the mysterious creature. But as she took a step closer, her foot slipped on the slick, moss-covered rocks, and she tumbled into the pond. Panic set in as the cold water engulfed her; she thrashed desperately, unable to swim.

Before the fear could fully take hold, a figure moved beneath the surface with lightning speed. The finned girl, with long, flowing wavy red hair and scales that shimmered like rubies, emerged and wrapped an arm around Akira. With surprising strength, the woman pulled her up and out of the water, setting her safely on the bank.

Akira gasped for air, coughing and shivering as she looked up at her rescuer, wide-eyed and speechless.

"Are you okay?" Renetta asked looking at Akira with concern.

"Are you alright?" The girl's voice was soft, melodic, as she offered Akira a reassuring smile.

Akira, still catching her breath and shivering from the cold, glanced up and immediately noticed the shimmering scales that adorned the girl's body and the long, ruby-red fin that glistened in the sunlight. There was no mistaking it—this girl was a mermaid.

"I'm... I'm okay," Akira stammered, her eyes wide with wonder. "Are you really a—?"

The girl's smile widened, and she nodded, the sunlight catching on the delicate scales that trailed along her arms. "Yes, I am. My name is Renetta."

"...and you're lucky I was nearby. Not many humans make it to this part of the forest," Renetta said, her voice both soothing and serious. "I guard these waters. You are Akira, aren't you? Kael and Rowan have spoken of you. We were all entrusted by your grandfather to keep watch, just in case you ever decided to leave the Academy, which he suspected you might."

Akira's eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and hope sparking within them. "Yes I am! So you knew my grandfather too?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Renetta nodded solemnly. "Yes. He was wise but burdened by secrets. He worried about you more than anything. If you're here, that means the Academy isn't safe for you anymore." She glanced around as if expecting danger to appear at any moment. "There's more you need to know, Akira, but not out here. Let's get you back to the cabin where it's safe."

Akira's heart pounded as Renetta's words sank in. There were more secrets about her grandfather, and this group of supernatural beings seemed to know them all. She nodded, letting Renetta lead her through the forest. The mysteries surrounding her family and Silvermoon Academy were deepening, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for what would come next—but she had to find out.

Renetta gracefully emerged from the water, droplets shimmering like jewels under the dappled sunlight. As she stepped onto the soft mossy ground, her scaled tail glimmered for a moment before transforming into human legs. She stood tall, the sea-shell necklace draped delicately around her neck, the iridescent shells catching the light with each subtle movement. A thin layer of shimmering, water-like magic enveloped her, creating a modest and ethereal covering that seemed almost woven from the sea itself.

Akira's cheeks flushed as she quickly averted her gaze. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have looked," she mumbled, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

Renetta chuckled, a light, melodic sound. "It's all right," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm a mermaid, after all. This human form tends to catch people off guard. Just try not to stare too much." She winked playfully.

Akira managed a small, embarrassed smile before Renetta wrapped a soft, water-woven cloak around herself. "Come on, let's get you back to the cabin before the others wonder where you've gone."

With that, they began walking through the forest, the scent of damp earth and pine surrounding them as they made their way to Kael and Rowan's hidden cabin. The trees rustled gently in the breeze, the forest seeming to hum with unseen energy as Renetta led the way, her movements graceful and confident. Akira felt a sense of comfort knowing she wasn't alone in this mysterious world, and that she had allies she could trust.