Chapter 129

The merman said nothing, only loosening his grip on her shoulder. His fingers curled up as if afraid of hurting her. Elara simply assumed he was in too much pain. To prevent his skin from drying out, she reached out and turned on the shower, filling the tub with shallow water. "Not too much water," she explained. "Otherwise, it'll wash off the ointment I just applied." The merman lay against her, letting out a muffled grunt as he gently nuzzled his forehead against the curve of her neck. His translucent fins spread out in the water, unfurling like delicate cicada wings. Elara turned off the faucet and brushed her fingers over his tail on impulse. Was it her imagination, or did his body feel a little warmer? Beneath his pale skin was an unusual shade of… pink? She looked closer. He remained silent, his seaweed-like hair dampened by the warm water. Strands of his hair clung to her arm with a texture that felt oddly familiar, though she couldn't quite recall where she had felt