It was a night in the deep sea where moonlight rode the waves, casting a silver net upon the ocean floor. Amidst the quiet landscape where small lights flickered between coral reefs and jellyfish drifted leisurely, Rather sat alone perched on a rock. The distant sounds of other merfolk gathered in small groups, sharing laughter, reached him, but no one approached to speak to him.

The cursed child. It had always been this way since that label was attached to him. Glances that turned away as if his proximity were an ill omen, the whispering of children, and the blatant avoidance of adults. Rather had already grown accustomed to such things.

His red hair swayed slightly in the current, and his crimson tail hung defenseless and motionless as he stared off somewhere. Whether he was looking at something or nothing at all, it was impossible to tell from his expressionless face.