"But enough with the heavy stuff. Did you know that before I left the family I was with, I once saw a half-fish hybrid? They said it was from a legendary bloodline—you know, one of those mythical creatures. A mermaid! I hope you get to see one someday too… they looked too fantastic to be real."
Mavis looked visibly excited, his tail even twitching with the memory, but Sylene could clearly see the sorrow buried in his eyes. That look only confirmed what he already suspected about Mavis's past.
"Do you… Is your owner in this city?"
Mavis froze. His head turned slowly toward Sylene, but no words came. Even after a long pause, silence stretched between them. Expression vivid, his face flickered between troubled, exhausted, and bitter. Lips pressed together—bitten—holding back the truth. His gaze darted away, unable to settle, scanning the empty station for something—anything.
