I blushed as the burning cooled down. "You should sleep," he said, and I nodded. I yawned softly and closed my eyes.

I gently lay on the mattress, and Liora carefully tucked the duvet over my body. "Take care of her," she said, walking out of the room, and they nodded.

I tuned out everything as my lashes became heavier. I yawned softly and rested my head on the pillow. Just like that, everything went blank.

I groaned softly as I felt my body suddenly grow hot. I bit on my bottom lip and turned again. My head hurt so much, and I could feel my fever running high... just then I felt a wet rag placed on my head, and I opened my eyes.

Thyrian.

He didn’t realize I was watching until I groaned.

"What’s wrong?" he asked, and my lips parted. "My head hurts," I said. I never knew a hangover could make me feel like I wanted death. I touched my forehead, and Thyrian gently blew on it. The air made the coolness settle softly, and I stared at him, admiring his gentle features.

"Thank you," I said.

He didn’t reply and reached out for a bowl. "Drink this, I made it," he said. I gently sat on the bed, resting my head on the frame behind me. The bowl touched my lips, but I didn’t open my mouth. Instead, I smelled the tea. It was addictive, it scented of strawberries and honey... but were those ingredients also here?

Seeing I was reluctant to drink, Thyrian gently sipped it, and my eyes widened.

"Don’t, you might get sick," I said, but he chuckled. "You wouldn’t drink, so I had to assure it wasn’t poisoned," he said, and I sighed. He was misunderstanding my actions.

"It smells amazing, that’s why I wasn’t drinking. I was just enjoying the scent," I said, and his eyes softened.

He left the bowl in my hand and stood up. My gaze moved to his legs. I couldn’t get used to them, and it made me wonder...

"Thyrian, how did you get human legs?" I asked, and he turned to stare at me before smiling.

"Just a wish. In my kingdom, once it’s a certain season, we pray to our goddess and ask for one wish... I wished for a pair of human legs. I really wanted to follow you around!" Hearing his words, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. It sounded mystical and something I would never have believed in the modern world if I was told.

Just then, he swirled his left hand over his right, and a clay-like round mold appeared. He moved closer to me and gently stretched his hand.

"Taste it!" he said, and I took it, staring at it intensely. I had never seen anything like this before. The moment I used my finger to gently poke it, some parts fell like crumbling rocks, and as I sniffed, it scented like rock splashed with rain.

"What’s this?" I asked, and Thyrian took a seat beside me.

"It’s a type of candy we eat in my hometown. It’s rare to find the ingredients, so it’s really precious. I went into the ocean earlier for a swim and gathered them," he said.

"Oh, no wonder you were late," I said, and he nodded. "Is it edible?" I asked, and he chuckled.

"I just called it candy, Raven. I wouldn’t hurt you."

"I know," I added, and took the clay-like candy, putting it in my mouth and softly chewing.

I froze as the taste hit me.

It tasted really good, it had a strawberry-like taste, but had the texture of grained and refined sand...

"What did you use to make it?" I asked, and his lips parted.

"Edible rocks."

What? Rocks are edible?

He spotted my shocked expression and gently patted my back. "That’s totally normal, Raven," he said, and my eyes beamed.

"I really love mermaids. I usually stay up nights reading facts about them. I would even watch movies about them!" I blurted out, but paused as I realized my mistake.

"You have a wild imagination," he said and gently pinched my cheeks. He stood up but paused and snapped his head to me.

"Raven, do you want to visit my hometown?" he asked, and my breath hitched.

"Aren’t you an orphan?" I asked, but regretted saying it out loud. But Thyrian took no offense.

"I have parents," he said, and my lips parted.

Wow... really? I didn’t really know much about my beast-men. I have to change that!

"What are your parents like? Tell me," I said, hoping his eyes would brighten, but they only seemed to darken and grow shallow.

"They aren’t my parents. They never cared for anyone besides my brother!" He paused and gazed at me in the eye. "They abandoned me. They sold me away, saying I was weak, not suited for the throne even though I was the eldest... I was born weak with fewer powers. Plus, I didn’t mind being sold. I just hoped I was taken to a good master," he said, but I felt that last part was incomplete...

He deserved happiness, yet he got stuck with the original villainess, and she tortured this poor soul almost to death.... and even now, he suffers from his own hardships.

Thyrian among the trio turned into something else from the original plot. Since I’m here now, I’ll surely change that.

"We don’t have to go if you don’t want to," I said softly, and he chuckled.

"I do. I want to boast that I have a beautiful, caring master by my side. Besides, I really want to see my kingdom once more," he added.

"Okay then, let’s go tomorrow. I’ll prepare a suitable gift."

He nodded, made a step, but then froze. His legs suddenly shriveled up, and he began to struggle for air.

"Thyrian, are you okay?" I dragged my heavy body down from the bed. He tried to make a step and collapsed to his knees. I rushed towards him and held him by the hand.

He managed to raise his finger as he could voice nothing out. I trailed his point...

And the pool shimmered.