Twilight was always the best time to walk along the beach of Marina Bay. It was quiet except for the rhythmic pounding of the waves against the shore and the long pier beyond. The sunlight cast marvelous shimmers over the small waves and ripples of the ocean water, and the horizon burned with the final flames of sunset.

The couple, enjoying a peaceful night alone after a crazy week, walked closely hand-in-hand, talking and laughing softly together, their gazes filled with love and hope for the future. Between an upcoming wedding and a new baby on the way, there was plenty to be excited for.

They were so lost in each other, they didn’t notice the object in their path until she almost fell over it.

He grabbed her arms, holding her to him tightly.

“What in the hell?” he said, his eyes going wide at the sight that greeted them. She gasped, her hand going to her mouth.

“Cameron, what is that?!” she exclaimed, clutching fervently to his shirt as she pointed at the prone body at their feet. His skin shimmered slightly, the blood under him dark and coagulated.

Cameron knelt down beside the body, examining it carefully. He could see faint scales lining the back of the boy’s arms, even the slight traces of ear fins that were still fading into his blue hair, matted with blood and sand. His eyes were closed, his skin pale. Two braids, one slightly longer than the other, lay under his face, the beads catching the fading light. The man couldn’t tell if he was breathing, but if the amount of blood was any indication, he’d be surprised if he was alive at all. Slowly he extended his hand to the boy’s neck, hoping against all hope there was still some life to be found. He didn’t get within a hair’s width before the boy’s finger twitched, the sound of a watery gasp and a small moan coming from his pale lips. Cameron pulled his hand back with a gasp and he bolted to his feet, his suspicions confirmed. 

“Shit,” he muttered. “Call the hospital, Bonnie. This is a fucking merman.”

“What about them?” Bonnie pointed at the other bodies littering the once pristine beach. Cameron went pale, his jaw going slack. After a moment, he gulped.

“Call Able,” he said, his voice hoarse. “This is a crime scene.”

**