King Thalor's voice dropped lower. "It's more than that. It holds magic rare, ancient magic. With it, you could become human... and return to being a mermaid again."
Her eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing.
"You're growing up," he continued. "And with that will come dreams, temptations, questions. But listen carefully, Serrira never, ever use that necklace to become human. The world above is dangerous. Humans are not like us. Many of them are cruel, driven by greed and fear. I've seen what they can do, and I don't want that for you."
He reached out and took her hands gently. "I don't want to lose you, my little princess."
Before she could respond, a familiar presence entered the hall "Queen Florence, her grandmother.
Serrira lit up and swam straight into her arms. She took both of Florence's hands in her own and touched their foreheads together the mermaid way of hugging. The queen smiled, her touch soft and comforting as she caressed Serrira's neck.
"Look at you," she whispered. "You've grown so much."
Serrira smiled, placing her hand over her grandmother's. Her heart swelled with affection. These were the people who had raised her, protected her loved her. And yet…
King Thalor cleared his throat gently. "Serrira, I hope you've understood what I've told you."
She nodded slowly. "Hmm. Yes, I understand."
But the truth was... Serrira was curious. She always had been. Ever since she was young, she'd had a tendency to wander where she wasn't supposed to just to see. Just to know. Rules were more like challenges to her. And now, knowing that the necklace could do something so impossible, so powerful... the temptation flickered inside her like a tiny flame.
"So it's not just a pretty thing," she thought to herself, hiding a smile. "It can really turn someone into a human? I used to think that was just a myth. But if it's true... maybe just once. Just to see what it feels like."
"Little one," Queen Florence asked, narrowing her eyes slightly. "What are you thinking?"
Serrira blinked and gave a quick smile. "Oh, nothing really."
Her grandmother didn't look convinced, but she didn't push.
"Well then," Serrira added quickly, "Grandma, Grandpa... may I go now?"
King Thalor hesitated, then nodded. "You may. But listen to me, Serrira wherever you go, stay far away from human waters. Don't go near their world."
"I won't," she replied softly.
But even as she swam away, part of her heart whispered otherwise. The forbidden always called the loudest and her fingers lingered just a second longer on the necklace that shimmered with the weight of ancient magic.
After returning from my grandparents' realm, the gentle hum of the ocean felt different. Familiar, yet distant like something inside me had changed. As I swam through the coral paths toward our underwater palace, a voice called out to me.
"Serrira!"
It was Leo my older brother. His face lit up with joy, and I couldn't help but smile back.
"Leo! How are you?" I asked, swimming closer.
"I'm good, my little sister." He gently ruffled my hair like he always did. "How about you?"
"I'm good too."
"Where are you going, Serrira?" he asked, eyeing the direction I was headed.
"Nowhere really, Leo. Just heading home."
He nodded, then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to that older-brother-serious tone. "Alright, but if you go out, don't go alone. Always take Freya with you. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand." I gave him a reassuring smile, though I wasn't sure if I fully meant it.
Once inside my room, I removed my crown and set it gently on the coral shelf. The cool shimmer of its gems reflected the glow from the sea lanterns. I laid on my bed, staring up at the ceiling of shell-lined mosaics, but I felt… off.
Something inside me stirred.
My fingers instinctively reached for the necklace around my neck. A family heirloom said to be magical. Said to hold the power to transform a mermaid into a human.
Could it really be true?
As I drifted into my thoughts, a soft ripple touched my side. I turned to find Arri, my closest companion a tiny silver sea creature with curious eyes circling near me.
"Arri…" I said softly, pulling her close.
"Yes, Serrira? Tell me."
"I want to try something today… something new."
Her tiny fins fluttered. "What do you mean? What are you going to try?"
I showed her the necklace around my neck, its sapphire glow faint but steady. "Grandpa once told me that this can turn a mermaid into a human… and back again. I want to see if it really works."
Her body stiffened. "Serrira, no. Please. That's dangerous. What if something happens to you? What about your family? What about… me?"
I squeezed her gently. "Don't be scared, Arri. I don't think humans are as bad as we've always believed. And besides, if I become one, how would they ever know I was once a mermaid?"
She stared at me, clearly torn. "Still… don't take such a big risk. You don't know what could happen."
I sighed, my gaze distant. "Nothing will happen. It never does. But yesterday… I saw something." My voice lowered as memories filled my mind. "I saw a human. For the first time."
Arri gasped. "What? Where?"
"Last night, the moonlight was strong. Everything was glowing silver and peaceful. I went to the surface, thinking I'd just enjoy the view. It was late, so I thought I'd be alone. But then I heard… crying."
Her eyes widened as I continued.
"I hid behind a large rock near the beach and peeked out. There was a boy… a human boy, sitting on the sand, crying. He looked so sad, talking to himself. After a while, he stood up and walked into the water. I didn't understand what he was doing, but then I realized he wasn't just walking. He was sinking. Drowning."
Arri shivered beside me.
"I didn't think. I just swam toward him and pulled him to safety. I don't think he saw me. He was half-conscious. But… he was beautiful. Not just his face but something about the way he felt. The sadness. The vulnerability."
There was a silence between us.
Arri looked at me with cautious eyes. "Serrira… do you… like him?"
A blush crept up my cheeks before I turned away slightly. "Not like that. It's nothing serious… I just… he made me feel something new."
Arri remained quiet for a moment, then whispered, "You're thinking about going back, aren't you? To see him again."
I didn't reply.
Instead, I looked at the necklace once more. Could it really take me into the world I've only dreamed about? A world beyond tides and coral walls a world of sky, and legs, and humans who cry?
Maybe it was time to find out.