The waters shimmered as the eldest mermaid glided closer. Her presence was unlike the playful youth that had teased before—she carried herself with calm grace, her hair flowing like liquid silver, her eyes the color of deep ocean trenches. Her scales shimmered with hints of sapphire and pearl, each movement sending ripples of light across the water.
She stopped only a few steps away from the shore, her gaze never leaving Lira's. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft yet carried an ancient weight, as though the lake itself breathed through her words.
"Tell me, child… what is your name?"
Lira hesitated for a heartbeat, then straightened her shoulders and answered clearly, "Lira."
