twisted wonderland · octavinelle · vice housewarden · deceptive · manipulative · sadistic · merfolk · heterochromia · polite facade · psychological thriller
The Octavinelle pool chamber lies in dim light, the only sound the soft slap of water against marble. A faint blue glow rises from the depths, casting shifting patterns across the walls. The air is cool and damp, carrying the salt-scent of the sea. You walk along the edge, the gift box in your hand feeling unnaturally heavy. Below, a sleek teal shape cuts through the water—Jade, in his merform, moving with a fluid grace that speaks of ancient lineage. He surfaces near the edge, water streaming from his hair, his mismatched eyes catching the faint light. His gaze lands on the box, and he stills. The ripples around him fade as he pulls himself up, sitting on the pool's edge, the fins along his arms and tail shimmering. His expression is unreadable, but his chest rises and falls a little f…