The Red Tide : Monarch of the Abyss
Ten years ago
Narrator (author)
Centuries ago... the Great Abyss was nothing but a silent, chaotic graveyard.
Narrator (author)
The Merpeople had no crown. No North Star to guide their path.
Narrator (author)
They were a race of gods living like cattle... and the humans? They smelled the blood in the water from the surface of the burning sands.
Flash of a bronze harpoon piercing the water. A net made of human hair and jagged iron drags a screaming mermaid toward the sunlight
Narrator (author)
The "Land-Walkers" of Khem-Joseon took everything. They turned our scales into jewelry and our songs into laments. We were drowning in our own home... because the throne was empty.
Narrator (author)
But the Heavens do not sleep forever. Legends spoke of a bloodline marked by the gods themselves. Souls born with the Sign of the Eternal Flame etched into their scales. The Red Tails.
A massive, ancient Red-Tailed mermaid rises, her eyes glowing violet, her presence forcing the entire ocean to go still. The humans on their boats drop their weapons, paralyzed by the sheer, crushing weight of her Alpha pheromones
Narrator (author)
They were not just rulers. They were judges. One flip of a Red Tail could summon a tsunami to swallow a city. One word from their throat could turn a king into a slave.
We see the rare birth of a new Red-Tailed pup—Prince Rian
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Narrator (author)
May the gods protect him
The Shore of Khem-Joseon. Midnight. The moon is a jagged white blade hanging over the horizon. The desert heat hasn't faded; it clings to the sand like a fever. The sound of the Black Sea hitting the rocks is heavy and rhythmic
Kael
First week on patrol and I get the graveyard shift. Just me, the sand, and the smell of dead fish. Fucking brilliant
Kael
(Drawing his bronze short-sword, his heart hammering)
Kael
This is royal territory
Kael
Where the fuck is my flashlight
Kael
I said show yourself (shine the light on the water)
tail—not gray, not silver, but a violent, pulsating CRIMSON. The scales are like rubies under the torchlight, bleeding light into the dark water
The mermaid stops thrashing and looks up.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Keep that light off my face !
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You pathetic land walker
Kael
You are the prince !
Kael
What are you doing on the surface
Kael
Are you trying to get yourself killed
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Do I look like I want to die
Rian (king of the mermaids)
I’m stuck
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You can go call your men or help me out of this net
He shears through the ropes with his blade, the heavy iron weights thudding into the sand.
Kael
Let me help you*touch*
Rian (king of the mermaids)
(Hiss) don’t touch me you idiot
Kael
Ugh you don’t have manners
Kael
I’m trying to save you
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*Flap his tail*
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You're a strange one
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Most humans would have sold me for a mountain of gold. Why did you let me go?
Kael
Because a cage is not right for a prince
Kael
You should go before the sergeant see you
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*swim*
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Wait
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Here
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Rian (king of the mermaids)
A gift for saving me
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*swim*
Narrator (author)
Hey gang
Narrator (author)
I felt like I should try writing about bl mermaid this time enjoy
The banquet
The Palace Gates of Khem-Joseon
Thousands of citizens are held back by the outer guard, their voices a dull roar behind the heavy silence of the inner courtyard
The Royal Pool in the center of the court churns with a sudden, violent force. The water doesn't just splash—it erupts. Three figures rise from the foam, their scales shimmering with a lethal, iridescent light before the "Shift" takes hold
Standing on the marble edge is PRINCE RIAN
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Behind him steps Zane -SU, his assistant
Mika (concubine)
*Wiping a droplet of water from his cheek,*
Mika (concubine)
My prince ….the light here is so blinding
Makes my skin crawl
Rian (king of the mermaids)
We’d leave soon my beloved
Rian (king of the mermaids)
I don’t want to be here too
Rian walks with a slow, bored gait, his feet clicking against the polished stone
Kael stands in the third rank of the Royal Guard. He is a wall of bronze and muscle, his hand steady on the shaft of his spear. His eyes are fixed straight ahead, locked on the distant horizon. Not a single muscle in his face twitches
Kael
(Same bratty loyal prik)
Rian passes directly in front of kael For a split second, they are inches apart. The scent of the deep ocean hits Kaels nose, and the scent of rain and hot iron hits Rian’s
Rian continues walking toward the throne, his silk robes brushing against Kael boots as he passes.
Zane su
(Whispering as they pass the guards)
Zane su
The land-walkers seem more disciplined than the last time we visited, My Prince.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
They’re still just dogs in bronze, Zane su
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Some are just better at sitting still than others
Rian (king of the mermaids)
The air is so bad here
Rian (king of the mermaids)
It’s making my skin crawl
The Great Banquet Hall of Khem-Joseon
The architecture is a fever dream of gold leaf and sandstone. Low tables are overflowing with pomegranate, roast meats, and wine that smells like honey and spice. Heavy incense smoke curls through the air, trying—and failing—to mask the heavy, salt-stained Alpha pheromones radiating from the Mer-royalty
RIAN is seated at the guest of honor’s table. He’s changed into formal Khem-Joseon silk—a deep crimson robe that hangs open at his chest, revealing gold chains and a jagged scar across his collarbone. He looks bored out of his fucking mind, swirling a chalice of dark wine🍷
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*MIKA is pressed against Rian’s side on the cushions, his delicate fingers peeling a grape*
Mika (concubine)
(Softly, pleading) Rian... you haven't touched your food. The King's chefs worked so hard... and you haven't even looked at me once since we sat down.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
I didn't come here to eat sand-covered fruit, Beloved
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You're suffocating me
Mika (concubine)
*flinch pulling back*
Mika (concubine)
I... I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable...
Kael is stationed exactly six feet behind Rian’s table
The King of Khem-Joseon laughs loudly at a joke, raising his glass. Rian doesn't even crack a smile. He sets his chalice down with a sharp clack that silences the nearby ministers
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*Bluntly, cutting through the King's laughter*
Rian (king of the mermaids)
The wine is too sweet. It tastes like rot.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Zane get me something that doesn’t taste like the land walkers desperate attempt to impress me
ZANE-SU bows slightly, but he’s looking at a scroll. He gestures toward the nearest guard without looking up
Zane su
Guard. The Prince’s palate is irritated.
Zane su
Fetch something that could satisfy him
Kael
(Me ?) *bow* At once, Your Highness.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
This one is unusually large. Do you Land-Walkers breed your guards for size or just for their ability to stand still like statues?
Kael
Not quite
We are bred for loyalty, Your Highness. I will return with your wine
Kael turns and walks away, his heavy boots echoing on the marble. Rian watches him go, his eyes narrowing just a fraction—the only sign that something about the guard is irritating his instincts.
Mika (concubine)
(Why his he staring at him)
Mika (concubine)
My prince
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Beloved
Mika (concubine)
Do you know that guard?
Rian (king of the mermaids)
No I do not
Mika (concubine)
Oh …okay then
Rian leans back, his fingers tapping a rhythmic, impatient beat on the gold table. He doesn't know why, but the air in the hall suddenly feels a lot more interesting... and a lot more dangerous.
Rainy scent
The Deep Cellars of the Khem-Joseon Palace. It’s a goddamn labyrinth of limestone and shadow. The air here is cooler, smelling of damp stone, fermented grapes, and ancient dust. The muffled roar of the banquet above is just a ghost of a sound
Kael is standing by a massive oak rack, his torch flickering against the wall. He’s found the dry vintage, a heavy clay jar sealed with black wax. He leans his forehead against the cold stone for a second, closing his eyes.
Kael
I can’t believe that fucker
Kael
Sending me down here
Kael
Acting like he doesn’t recognize me
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*stand up*
Mika (concubine)
Where to ?
Rian (king of the mermaids)
I will be back
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Zane watch my beloved
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*follows the way Kael took*
The sound of silk dragging against stone. Kael snaps his eyes open and pulls his torch back, spinning around to face the entrance of the cellar aisle
RIAN is leaning against the archway.
Kael
(Stiffening, dropping into a deep, formal bow)
Kael
Your Highness. This area is restricted. If you were dissatisfied with the service, I was just—
Rian (king of the mermaids)
There’s no need for the formalities
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Guard
Rian (king of the mermaids)
I needed a drink that didn't taste like a Land-Walker’s desperation.
Rian walks forward, his movements slow and predatory. He doesn't stop until he’s inches away, forcing kael to back up against the wine rack. The space is tiny. The Alpha pheromones coming off Rian are suffocating—heavy, salt-crusted, and demanding
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*Looking up at kael with those sharp, violet eyes*
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You’re a big, sturdy bastard, aren't you?
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Tell me... do all the guards here look like they were carved out of the mountain, or are you just a freak of nature?
Kael
(Voice low, jaw clenched tight) I am merely a soldier of the King, Your Highness. I am here to serve
Rian (king of the mermaids)
(Letting out a sharp, dry laugh) Serve? You look like you’d rather snap my neck than pour my wine
Rian reaches out, his cold fingers snatching the wine jar from Kael’s hand. As he takes it, his knuckles intentionally brush against kael chest, right over where his heart is hammering like a trapped bird
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Your heart is moving fast for a 'loyal soldier.' Why is that? Am I making you nervous, mountain?
Kael
It is... the heat, Highness. The cellars are poorly ventilated.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
I see
Rian takes a step even closer, his face inches from kael ’s neck. He inhales deeply, his nostrils flaring as he catches the scent of rain and wet iron beneath the guard's sweat.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
There’s a scent on you. It’s irritating. Like a memory I can't quite get my fucking hands on
Rian pulls back, his expression returning to that blunt, nonchalant mask of arrogance. He breaks the wax seal on the wine jar with his thumb and takes a long, slow swig, never taking his eyes off Kael
Rian (king of the mermaids)
The wine is better down here. Bring the rest of the jar to my private chambers after the banquet. Alone.
Rian turns and walks away, the silk of his tunic swaying
Kael sags against the wine rack, his knees finally shaking. He gasps for air, the Alpha pressure finally lifting, leaving him feeling raw and exposed.
Kael
(Please tell me it’s not almost time for my heat cycle or did his scent trigger me)
The Prince’s Private Chambers.
Mika (concubine)
Can I come in
Zane su
The prince as a visitor
Mika (concubine)
What who?
Zane su
I can’t reveal that
Zane su
He said you should sleep in your chamber tonight
Mika (concubine)
Can’t I just tell him goodnight?
Zane su
I shall escort you to your chamber
Mika (concubine)
*look at the door*
Rian (king of the mermaids)
(Bluntly) The wine. Give it to me
Kael bows stiffly, holding out the jar. Rian doesn't take the jar. Instead, he grabs kael’s wrist. His grip is like a vice—cold, wet, and punishingly strong
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You’re still wearing that pathetic armor. It’s an eyesore. Strip. Now
Kael
Your Highness... I am on duty. It is against the code of the Royal Guard to—
Rian (king of the mermaids)
didn't ask for a lecture, mountain. I told you to get out of that bronze cage
Kael
I will not disobey the code to please you
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You think I don't smell it?
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You are an omega
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Are omegas supposed to be guards or mates
Rian (king of the mermaids)
Unless you lied and hid it
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*Pull*
He tries to pull his wrist back, but Rian yanks him forward, forcing kael to stumble, his chest hitting Rian’s wet, cold skin
Rian’s free hand moves to the buckle of kael chestpiece. He rips it open with a violent jerk, the bronze clattering to the floor. He begins to unlace the linen tunic beneath, his fingers blunt and impatient.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
You think I’d forget about 10 years just like that
Kael
Let go off me your highness
Rian (king of the mermaids)
*lean and bite his neck*
Kael gasps, his knees finally buckling as his Omega instincts start to override his brain. Rian catches him, his arms like iron, a cruel, beautiful smirk on his face.
Rian (king of the mermaids)
There it is …..your rainy scent
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play
