Serrira's POV :
Serrira closed the door to her room with quiet determination. The warm sunlight of the afternoon filtered through the windows, but she paid no attention to it. Inside her room, hidden behind a large tapestry, was a secret passage known only to her. It led out of the palace unseen. She had used it once or twice before, but today felt different. Today, she had a purpose.
If she tried to leave through the usual way, Freya would surely follow her, asking questions she wasn't ready to answer. So Serrira slipped into the passage, her bare feet making almost no sound on the cool stone floor. Her heart thudded in anticipation as she moved swiftly and silently through the tunnel.
Eventually, the tunnel opened to a secluded area far from the main beach. From behind a large, moss-covered stone, Serrira crouched and peered out at the shoreline. The beach was alive with people. There were bright umbrellas, colorful beach towels, and music floating in the air. Children and teenagers ran along the shore, laughing, splashing, and playing in the waves. Everything seemed magical and full of life.
A soft smile spread across Serrira's face. She had never seen humans like this before—so carefree, so vibrant. For a moment, she just watched, allowing the joy around her to wash over her like the tide.
Then her gaze dropped to the necklace around her neck. Its centerpiece, a diamond-like stone that shimmered even in the shade, pulsed softly with a hidden glow. Holding the gem between her hands, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Whispering ancient words she had memorized but never dared to speak aloud until now, she focused her energy on the stone.
A sudden warmth enveloped her, and then the necklace blazed to life. Light burst from the gem, swirling around her in ribbons of shimmering gold. Her skin tingled, and her body began to glow. Magic coursed through her veins, and her tail long and sleek began to change.
When the light finally faded, Serrira opened her eyes. She felt strange lighter, different. Looking down, she gasped.
Legs. She had legs.
Two fully formed, slender human legs. She wiggled her toes in disbelief, then shrieked with joy.
"Oh my goodness! I've actually become human! I can see my feet really see them!"
But her joy was quickly interrupted by a harsh realization. She wasn't wearing anything. Her transformation had left her naked. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. There was no way she could walk among humans like this.
Frantically, she scanned the area and spotted a girl nearby stepping into the ocean wearing only a bikini. She had removed her sundress and left it on the rocks. Serrira hesitated only a moment before darting through the water, grabbing the dress, and slipping it on. It was awkward at first the sleeves tangled around her arms, and she couldn't figure out how the buttons worked. But eventually, she got it on well enough to pass.
With a deep breath, she stepped out of the water and onto the beach.
"Wow," she whispered to herself. "This place is so beautiful. I never imagined I'd get to see such beauty up close."
She tried to walk normally, but each step was a challenge. Her legs wobbled, unfamiliar and uncooperative. She stumbled and nearly fell, drawing a few curious glances. Determined, she pushed on, trying to mimic the way the others moved. Her long, damp hair clung to her back, and sunlight glinted off her glowing skin.
People began to notice her. Some turned to stare, not rudely, but with curiosity. Her eyes were a brilliant shade of sea-glass green, and her hair shimmered like woven strands of moonlight. But no one said anything. They just watched with quiet admiration.
Then, a girl approached her. She had sun-kissed skin, a nose piercing, and a confident smile. "Hey, what's your name?"
Serrira blinked, startled. The girl was looking right at her.
"My name is Serrira," she replied cautiously.
The girl smiled wider and held out her hand. "I'm Olivia."
Serrira tilted her head. She didn't understand the gesture. Her eyes dropped to Olivia's hand, where colorful patterns curled around her wrist in the form of tattoos. Her nails were painted in bright shades of pink and blue.
Fascinated, Serrira gently took Olivia's hand and turned it over, examining it closely.
"Hey, Serrira, what are you doing?" Olivia laughed, slightly surprised.
Serrira looked up, her eyes wide with wonder. "Your nails are so pretty. All those colors."
"Really? Thanks! I got them done at a really expensive salon. They're extensions," Olivia explained proudly.
Serrira didn't understand everything, but she nodded politely, still entranced by the sparkling polish.
"So, Serrira, where are you from?" Olivia asked.
"From the water," Serrira answered honestly, pointing toward the ocean.
Olivia giggled. "Oh, Serrira, you're hilarious! But seriously, your skin is glowing, and your hair is gorgeous. What salon did you go to? Your style is so different totally unique."
Serrira glanced down at herself. The borrowed dress clung awkwardly to her figure, but it was holding up. She managed a small smile.
She didn't understand most of what Olivia was saying, but she liked her. There was something warm and friendly about her. So when Olivia offered to show her around, Serrira nodded and followed.
They wandered toward a small beachside shop with a canopy made of palm leaves. Inside, colorful drinks in glass bottles lined the counter. As soon as they sat down, a cheerful server brought them two glasses of fruit juice.
Olivia took a sip, and Serrira mimicked her. The flavor exploded on her tongue sweet, tangy, cold, and utterly delightful.
"This is amazing!" she said with wide eyes.
Olivia grinned. "Right? They make the best drinks here."
Serrira nodded eagerly, savoring every sip. She watched how Olivia held her glass, how she brushed her hair back, how she laughed without holding back. And Serrira tried to do the same. She copied Olivia's movements, her expressions, her joy.
For the first time, she felt like she belonged. The sun warmed her skin, the sand tickled her toes, and laughter bubbled from her lips.
She had come to the human world out of curiosity, but what she found was something she never expected.
Connection. Wonder. And maybe, just maybe a new beginning.