Night had fallen over the ocean several hours ago. The sky, heavy with dark clouds, let only a faint moonlight through. Amid the waves, an old fishing boat moved slowly.
Séverin Caldbourne, 27 years old, was working alone, as usual. His calloused hands gripped the ropes as he hauled in his last net of the evening.
Suddenly, the winch let out an ominous creak.
Séverin:
"Fuck… What have I caught this time?"
The net was abnormally heavy. Séverin forced the mechanism, until an immense mass surged out of the water.
When he dumped his catch onto the deck, his blood ran cold.
Amid the wriggling fish was a creature he had only seen in legends: a young woman whose body extended into a long fish tail with shimmering scales.
A mermaid.
Séverin stood motionless for a few seconds, his eyes fixed on this impossible discovery. Then, slowly, a smile formed on his lips.
He crouched near the net, without trying to undo it.
Séverin:
"Well now… Look at that."
His gaze traveled over the creature's silhouette with an almost disturbing fascination.
Séverin:
"All my life, I've heard stories about your kind… And here I am, catching one in my own nets."
He took out his fishing knife, cut a few ropes to free the fish, and then cut the last of the net open too.
Séverin:
"Do you know how many people would kill to see you?"
He paused, then put his knife away.
Séverin:
"Lucky for you, my pretty one, I don't share my treasures."
Séverin straightened up and cast a glance at the black immensity of the ocean.
Séverin:
"And don't count on me to put you back in the water."
He crouched again, close enough that his voice became a low murmur.
Séverin:
"Now… Do you understand what I’m saying to you, little mermaid? The rail is open."