Talk to a Mermaid

"Mang XueYa."

XueYa grimaced as dark sapphire eyes bore into him.

The voice that called his name rang deep in the man's sculpted chest, as if echoing from the darkest depths of the ocean. Hair as white as snow cascaded over his milky back, clinging to the merman's broad shoulders. Chest bare, with droplets of water trailing down his body, reflecting the hovering flames like fiery gems.

"Sea rat," XueYa offered and almost tumbled over the railing if he hadn't caught the edge of the ship in time.

Strong waves rose and crashed into the side of the ship under the mermaids' command, sending the ship sliding sideways, the edge tipping towards the water.

"Still as easily offended, I see."

"Captain! Stop offending the mermaids!" Tao screeched as he hugged the railing, eyes wide as he looked down into the foaming sea.

The water rippled like the ocean itself quivered with anger.