"Ren," she heard a voice say as she regained consciousness. Her eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry at first, but gradually sharpening to reveal Kai's familiar features. Light scruff framed his strong jaw, and a small cut above his brow stood out against his sun-kissed skin. His dark circles revealed exhaustion, but the warmth in his eyes told her everything she needed to know.

"Kai," she croaked, her voice hoarse and weak. Her hand reached up to trace the line of his jaw. "I love you."

A wide grin broke across his face, his incisors slightly sharper than the rest of his teeth. "I love you too, Ren," he murmured, his voice rich with relief and affection. He leaned down, pressing his lips gently to hers in a kiss that banished all the pain and fear she had felt moments ago.

For the first time in so long, Ren felt whole. The crash that had taken her parents felt like a distant memory, and even her old life seemed like a faded dream. Here, with Kai, she had found something new—something stronger.

"Ren, do you feel any pain?" Kai asked softly, his voice barely louder than a breath. He brushed a strand of her hair away from her cheek with delicate care.

Ren took a moment to assess herself. No sharp pain, no aches—just a strange, tingling sensation coursing through her body and an unfamiliar dryness across her skin. "No, I'm alright. Why? Did something happen?" Her brows furrowed as she tried to piece together what had changed.

Morgan's face appeared in her line of sight, his sharp features and pointed ears unmistakable. His amber eyes glowed with curiosity and mischief as he knelt beside her, his tail tucked behind him. "The Emerald Goddess," he began with reverence, "she saved you. But to do so, she had to make you one of us."

"One of you?" she echoed, her heart thudding against her ribs.

Morgan's sharp, claw-like nails gestured toward her legs—or what should have been her legs. Instead, an iridescent emerald-green tail shimmered in the light. Ren's breath caught in her throat. Her heart stopped for a single, excruciating moment before starting again in a steady, deliberate rhythm. She reached down, her fingers brushing against the smooth, cool scales.

"Beautiful," Kai whispered beside her, his large hand covering hers. His gaze was filled with awe and pride, as if she had become something sacred.

Heat rose to her cheeks. She glanced at him, her lips curling into a small smile. "I'm one of you now," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet wonder.

Kai's eyes met hers with unwavering certainty. "Yes, love." His voice took on a more serious note, his gaze unwavering. "Please say you'll marry me," he said, his words steady but his eyes searching hers. "I want us to be together forever, through every challenge, every triumph. To trust each other—"

She pressed a finger against his lips, silencing him. "Shut up, Kai," she teased, her eyes crinkling with joy. "I've already said yes once. I'll say it again. Yes, I'll marry you."

Kai's face lit up with unrestrained joy. He pulled her close, his lips capturing hers in a kiss so full of passion and love that it left her breathless. Laughter echoed around them as Atlantis—Kai's younger brother—burst into a fit of coughs, his attempt to gain their attention not lost on them.

"What is it, Atlantis?" Kai's tone was a mixture of amusement and annoyance as he turned toward his brother.

Atlantis pointed upward, his face tense. "A boat—it's coming this way."

Alarm rippled through the group. Ren's heart rate spiked, but she couldn't help the sudden laugh that bubbled up from within her. Just days ago, she would have been delighted to see humans. But now, she was one of them—one of the sea's hidden people. The fear was there.

*You never expected this, did you?* a soft, unfamiliar voice echoed in her mind. It was gentle but commanding.

Her eyes went wide. *Who's there?*

*Don't be afraid, the voice replied. I am the Emerald Goddess, guardian of the Emerald Kingdom. You are my voice and ears. Be at peace, little one, and enjoy your happiness for now.*

Ren's heart swelled with wonder. Before she could process what had just happened, a familiar voice called out to her from the distance.

"Ren!" Destan's powerful voice reached her. She looked up to see him swimming toward her with a grin so wide it could have split his face. "You're alive!"

His strong arms wrapped around her in a crushing hug. She gasped, "Des-tan... You're... crushing me."

"Sorry, sorry!" Destan released her with a grin. "I'm just so happy to see you're okay."

"Alright, that's enough, King Destan," Kai's deep voice rumbled as he pulled Ren back to his side. His possessive grip was undeniable.

Ren raised a brow, fighting a smile. "Jealous, Kai?"

Kai's grin was wolfish. "Now, why would I be?"

Morgan's sharp teeth gleamed as he leaned in. "Does this mean a wedding is happening soon?"

Heat crept up Ren's face, but Kai's grin widened. "Of course. And all of you are invited."

"What's a mer-wedding like?" Ren asked, tilting her head curiously.

Morgan's eyes glowed with excitement as he darted to her side. "Oh, you're going to love it! The whole kingdom comes to watch the Binding Ritual. It's blessed by the king's closest relative, which in this case..." he pointed at Atlantis, "is our dear Atlantis."

Atlantis's face went red, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "I'd be honored," he mumbled.

Kai's laugh was deep and rich. He pulled Ren close once more, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're going to be a queen, love. Get ready."

Her heart was so full it could have burst.

"I... don't want to interrupt," Atlantis said softly, eyes darting toward the boat above them. "But Destan... what's in that boat?"

Destan's face went blank. "A girl."

Atlantis's eyes went wide. "No. Please tell me—"

Morgan's eyes narrowed with mischief. "A girl? Destan... did you bring a human girl here?"

Destan's cheeks flushed red. "I... I brought her to save Ren! I—" He faltered. "Cassio said she'd be safe. I couldn't leave her with the humans."

Kai's gaze sharpened. "How long were you in human form?"

Destan's eyes darted away. "From center sky to western sky."

Silence.

Kai's eyes darkened. "Impossible. No mer can stay that long without water. Unless..."

Atlantis's voice was barely a whisper. "Unless he's part human."