When Marcus regained consciousness, he noticed something hard pressing against his cheek. Slowly, he opened his eyes, the bright light of the sun's rays nearly blinding him. Once his pupils adjusted, he noticed the white sand spread out in front of him, the crystal blue water rushing towards the shore.

Palm trees grew from his right and left, their shade protecting his fair skin from the sun. He could feel the familiar pressure of his violin next to him, bringing a sense of security to his rather fragile state of mind. He didn't know where he was, and the memories of what happened assaulted him in waves, images of the rather handsome man saving his life.

"You've awakened," a bored voice said from behind, startling him.

Marcus turned, his heart skipping as his gaze locked onto a sight that sent heat rushing to his face. The man stood there, water dripping from his muscular form. His skin glistened like polished stone, droplets rolling down his broad chest and over his taut muscles. A pair of strong legs connected to his well-built torso, and black hair hung in wet tendrils, clinging to his shoulders and biceps. His dark eyes locked with Marcus's, piercing and unyielding.

Marcus's breath hitched. His heart thudded against his ribs, his face flushing a deep red. "Hi," he squeaked, his voice cracking with nerves. Blood rushed to his cheeks in embarrassment as he looked down quickly, focusing on the grains of sand beneath his hands.

The man said nothing and threw a brown satchel into his lap. Marcus flinched, startled out of his thoughts.

"Eat," the man ordered, his tone sharp and commanding.

Marcus blinked, glancing between the satchel and the man. He cautiously opened the bag to find an assortment of exotic fruits nestled within. Hunger gnawed at him, but confusion still clouded his thoughts. "Thank you, sir, but... can you tell me where I am?" he asked, his voice small and wary.

The man didn't respond immediately. He turned and began walking toward the sea, his broad back flexing with every step. Water lapped at his calves, his movement fluid and deliberate. Marcus's gaze betrayed him, watching as the man's figure cut through the shallow water.

Marcus! Get a grip! He chastised himself, his eyes darting quickly to the sea instead.

"You're on an island. Far away from human civilization," the man said gravely as he waded deeper into the water. Before Marcus could respond, he noticed something changing. The man's body shifted. Black scales grew over his skin, smooth but sharp as needles. His back arched as his body twisted, the transformation both mesmerizing and terrifying.

Marcus's breath caught in his throat. His hand stretched out instinctively as if to touch the scales, but he pulled back at the last second. His eyes widened as awe and fear warred within him.

The man's head turned abruptly, his eyes locking onto Marcus's. The raw hatred in his gaze was like a blade to Marcus's chest.

"Stay away from me," the man snarled, his voice as sharp as the points of his scales. With a final, powerful flick of his tail, he vanished beneath the waves.

Marcus's heart pounded in his chest, his hands trembling as he clutched the bag close to him like a lifeline. His breaths came in quick, shallow bursts as fear coiled tightly in his chest. But mixed in with the fear was something else—a strange sense of longing. He couldn't explain it, but something about the man's presence lingered in his mind like a melody he couldn't forget.

He pulled the satchel closer, his gaze never leaving the spot where the man had disappeared. His lips pressed into a firm line as he whispered, "No, stranger. I won't stay away."

******************

Atlantis stared absentmindedly at the sphere that held the Emerald Queen, but his heart felt hollow in his chest. His gaze remained fixated on Ren's peaceful form floating within the sphere. He hoped that when she awakened, she could do something—anything—to help Morgan's sleep-like state.

"It's almost time, you know," his brother murmured by his side. "Tomorrow she'll awaken. I'm curious to know what the goddess has shown her that might help Morgan's health."

A flash of white and blue caught Atlantis's attention as Destan approached, accompanied by a tiny faery with a golden glow.

"Something's happened," Destan said, his voice strained with urgency.

Atlantis's heart nearly stopped, hope flaring bright and painful in his chest. Could it be that Morgan had finally awakened? His eyes darted to Destan with desperate hope, but the faery's next words crushed him.

"King Caspian found a human boy!" the faery squeaked, his eyes glowing brightly with excitement. Atlantis's heart sank, disappointment weighing heavily on him. He could almost hear Morgan's voice in his head—the curiosity and fascination he'd always had for humans. If Morgan were awake, he'd already be dashing off to meet the human.

Kai's hand settled on Atlantis's shoulder, the weight both grounding and heavy. "Go to Morgan," Kai's voice was soft but firm. "I'll meet you soon."

Atlantis clenched his jaw, his fists trembling at his sides. He didn't want to go. He didn't want to see Morgan like that—motionless, helpless. He'd rather go to the training room and drown his sorrow in battle. But the warmth of Kai's hand grounded him, and after a moment of hesitation, he nodded. With a single tear slipping from his eye, he darted away to drown his grief in the clash of steel.

*******************************

Cassio hovered close to his master as he caught sight of the Onyx King approaching. His eyes widened as he noticed Caspian's true form, his scales black as night, glistening like obsidian armor. The Onyx King's presence was undeniable—every movement sharp, deliberate, and filled with unspoken authority.

The light faery's wings fluttered nervously. Cassio knew the Onyx King's reputation. His kind were known for their fierce protection of those they claimed as their own. Yet King Caspian always looked like he was one step away from snapping.

"King Kai," Caspian's voice rumbled like distant thunder as he shifted back into his merform. His black eyes flicked to the faery, a subtle glare hidden in the darkness of his gaze. "I assume you already know of my encounter with the human."

Kai's gaze slid to the light faery, a grin tugging at his lips. Blush flooded Cassio's cheeks, and he quickly ducked behind his master's shoulder, his heart fluttering in his chest.

"Oh, we know," Kai replied, his grin widening. "Tell me, what do you plan to do with the boy?"

Cassio's heart thudded as he watched the Onyx King's expression shift. The usual stoic mask fell, revealing something much more human—a flicker of uncertainty and something almost mournful.

"I'll take care of the boy," Caspian muttered. His gaze was distant, as though lost in thought. "I request a few days of use of your island, as well as lodging in your kingdom."