Their days were a blend of small joys—teaching Kael to navigate the currents, gathering glowing sea pearls to light their home, and sharing meals with the Merclan community.
One afternoon, as they picnicked on a sunlit reef, Kael looked up at his parents with wide, curious eyes. "Mom, Dad, why don't we live on land like the people in the stories?"
Sia exchanged a glance with Anthony, her heart skipping a beat. "Because this is our home, Kael. The ocean is where we belong."
"But you were on land once, weren't you?" he pressed.
Anthony chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "We were. And maybe someday, you'll visit too. But for now, there's plenty to explore right here."
Kael nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting to the horizon.