Ren watched the merman pacing the room, his golden hair catching the light like threads of molten silk. The way it gleamed reminded her of fairy-tale treasures, the kind woven by Rumpelstiltskin from straw. His blue tail shimmered, each flick of his fins blending seamlessly with his tan skin. But it was his eyes—piercing and icy blue—that sent shivers cascading down her spine. They were cold as frozen seas, a stark contrast to the warmth of the chandelier's light above.

"You're a human," he stated at last, breaking the silence with a tone as sharp as a blade. He crossed his powerful arms over his broad chest, his posture both intimidating and inquisitive. "And your name isn't Lady Belle. So, who are you?"

Ren flinched, her fingers instinctively clutching the edges of the chair she was perched on. She lowered her gaze, her pale fins catching her attention. They seemed so out of place now, no longer feeling like her own. The merman's presence loomed over her, and she finally answered, her voice barely above a whisper. "My name is Ren Monroe."

Destan's eyes narrowed, suspicion flashing across his sculpted face. "Does the Emerald King know you're human?"

Ren shook her head, the weight of her deception pressing heavily on her chest. "He doesn't."

A muscle in his jaw tightened, and he took a step closer, his movements measured and deliberate. "I assume Morgan is the one who turned you into a mermaid?"

Her eyes widened in shock. "How—how do you know?"

Destan's lips curled into a faint smirk, though it lacked humor. "Morgan's the only one with that kind of magic. He's infamous across the kingdoms."

Heat flushed Ren's cheeks as shame twisted in her gut. She looked away, her hands trembling slightly. How foolish she had been to think she could keep up the charade forever. She wasn't a mermaid—just a human running from her past. And now, she was caught in a net she couldn't escape.

Destan circled her like a shark sensing blood in the water, his icy gaze never leaving her. "How did you get this far out into the ocean?" he asked, his tone more curious than accusatory.

Memories she had tried to bury surged to the surface, crashing over her like waves. Her breath hitched, and her chest tightened as tears welled in her silver eyes. "The plane," she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her grief. Her body shook as sobs overtook her. "My parents—they died in the crash. I'm the only one who survived."

She expected his response to be harsh, perhaps mocking. But instead, she felt the warmth of strong arms wrapping around her trembling form. "I know what it's like to be alone," Destan murmured softly.

Ren blinked up at him, her tears momentarily forgotten. "You do?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Aye." His gaze softened, the icy edge in his eyes melting into something almost tender. "My mother abandoned me when I was just a boy. She left to join the sea gypsies and never looked back. My father... he was a hard man. Strict. Unforgiving. I didn't have a childhood, Ren. No friends, no joy. Just rules and loneliness."

Her heart ached at his confession. She studied the merman before her—the way his golden hair framed his face, the sharp angles of his jaw softened by the vulnerability in his eyes. There was so much more to him than the cold, unyielding prince she had first met. And yet, despite his unexpected kindness, her thoughts drifted to Kai. The Emerald King's warm smile, his steady gaze, his gentle touch—they were a light she hadn't realized she needed until now.

In the Emerald Kingdom...

Kai stood in the war room, his green eyes blazing as he gripped the hilt of his sword. His warriors waited outside, their armor gleaming like emeralds in the sunlight. The air was thick with tension, the anticipation of battle heavy in his chest.

He would get Lady Belle back.

"Brother," a soft voice broke through his thoughts. Kai turned to see Atlantis standing hesitantly at the edge of the room. His younger brother's red hair was tied back, his face streaked with crimson war paint.

"What is it?" Kai snapped, his patience wearing thin. He turned back to the map spread out on the table, his mind racing with strategies.

Atlantis shifted nervously, his usually confident demeanor faltering. "There's something I need to tell you," he said, his voice barely audible.

Kai frowned, looking up sharply. "Well? Out with it!"

Atlantis swallowed hard, his amber eyes darting to the door as though seeking an escape. "Lady Belle isn't who you think she is," he began, his words careful, deliberate.

Kai's frown deepened. "What are you talking about?"

Atlantis hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Lady Belle... she's not a mermaid. She's... she's Ren."

The words struck Kai like a physical blow, stealing the breath from his lungs. He staggered back a step, his sword clattering to the floor. "Ren?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ren is... Lady Belle?"

Atlantis nodded, his expression pained. "Aye, brother. Morgan turned her into a mermaid. We thought—" He faltered, guilt twisting his features. "We thought it would make you happy."

Kai's mind reeled. The woman he had fallen for, the one he had danced with beneath the moonlight, shared secrets with, dreamed of... she wasn't who he thought she was. And yet, she was. The realization hit him like a tidal wave, leaving him unsteady.

"You knew?" Kai's voice was low, dangerous. His green eyes bore into his brother's, demanding answers.

Atlantis flinched but nodded. "I didn't mean for it to go this far. We just wanted you to find someone who could make you smile again."

Kai turned away, his hands gripping the edge of the table. His knuckles were white, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. Ren. His Ren. She was Lady Belle. The same woman who now lay captive in the Diamond Kingdom.

"She's gone," Atlantis said softly, his voice breaking. "And it's all my fault."

Kai's head snapped up, his eyes blazing with determination. "No," he growled, his voice fierce. "It's not your fault. And she's not gone. We'll get her back."

He grabbed his sword, the weight of it familiar in his grip. A surge of resolve coursed through him. He didn't care about her secret. He didn't care about the lies. All that mattered was Ren—his Ren. And he would stop at nothing to bring her home.

In Morgan's Cave...

Morgan paced back and forth, his thoughts racing. Time was slipping away, and Ren's spell was on the verge of breaking. If they didn't act soon, she would lose her ability to breathe underwater—and her chance of survival.

"Cassio was right," he muttered to himself, his brows furrowed in concentration. "The prince isn't like his father. If anyone can help her..."

He grabbed a piece of shell, carving hurriedly with his blade.

Meet me at Blue's Coral.

-Morgan

With a sharp whistle, he summoned his loyal messenger—a small octopus that slithered from the shadows of the cave.

"Yes, master?" the creature's skin flashed in question, its dark eyes glimmering with intelligence.

"Take this to Cassio," Morgan instructed, handing over the shell. "Tell him to deliver it to Prince Destan. And hurry. We're running out of time."

The octopus's skin pulsed a bright blue in acknowledgment before darting away. Morgan watched it disappear into the vast ocean, a flicker of hope lighting his usually guarded expression.

"This has to work," he whispered, his voice trembling with urgency. "For Ren."