Mermaids on Fire – 1/6

In the heart of Shimmering Coral Cove, everything pulsed as if the ocean itself had taken a shot of courage. It was the night of the Festival of Hot Currents, when mermaids and mermen let any shyness drift away and threw themselves into dances, laughter, and glances full of promises. Colorful jellyfish floated as lanterns, bathing the crowd in shades of pink, blue, and gold. The sound of singing shells mingled with giggles and whispers, and tails glimmered brighter than ever.

In the center of the reef, a mother-of-pearl stage drew all eyes. Soon, the queen of the festival would be chosen there, a tradition that always sparked mischievous bets and spicy challenges among the showiest mermen. And in the middle of the commotion, Serena tried to hide her nervousness.

Serena was one of those mermaids with discreet beauty: sea-green hair falling to her shoulders, dreamy eyes, and a bluish tail that sparkled effortlessly. She was never one to draw attention, but tonight she felt something different. Maybe it was the hot tide's fault, or maybe it was just the urge to finally face Orion, the most desired merman at the festival. He swam nearby surrounded by fans, with an easy smile, a strong body, and a golden tail that caught everyone's eyes, and Serena couldn't take her eyes off him.

Every time Orion swam close, Serena felt little sparks popping in the water. He threw provocative glances at everyone, but for a moment, his eyes met Serena's. She froze. Suddenly, her hands felt like jelly, her heart raced like a startled fish, and her friends didn't let it slide.

"Are you going to stare the whole festival, Serena?" Marla whispered, nudging her friend with her fin. "If you don't try today, you'll regret it until the next full moon!"

Serena tried to smile but could only mumble something, looking away. Around her, the other mermaids exchanged secrets about stolen kisses, secret encounters in caves, and competitions over who could get the most pearl necklaces—each one given by a different merman. The water boiled with desire and anticipation, with games growing ever bolder.

A bit further on, Orion danced with two mermaids, his firm hands holding their waists as they spun among the bubbles. His touch made both smile, but every now and then his eyes returned to Serena. That alone was enough to make her even more restless, feeling an unusual heat run through her body.

The festival went on, and the provocations became ever more daring. Mermen bet on who could steal a kiss from one of the judges; mermaids invented dance challenges; some showed off with sensual acrobatics among the corals and starfish. Laughter, muffled moans, and bold compliments mixed with the sound of the water.

"If I were you, I wouldn't waste time, Serena," whispered Lira, another friend, peeking out from behind a fan of seaweed. "The night is hot, and the festival only happens once a year. And between us… Orion looked at you, you know?"

"You really think so?" Serena murmured, biting her lower lip, feeling her tail curl with nervousness.

"Of course! He keeps looking for you, just pretends he isn't to keep his cool," Marla answered, laughing loudly. "Just get closer, act mysterious, let him come."

Serena took a deep breath, trying to find courage deep inside herself. She decided to blend into the group, swimming closer to Orion, but without daring to get too close. The scent of sea flowers and sweet algae filled the place, making everything more intoxicating. The lanterns' lights drew sensual shapes on the curves of the tails, while the singing shells swapped melodies that made even the most reserved sway their hips.

Suddenly, a challenge was announced: the traditional Whirlpool Dance. Whoever entered the circle of light would have to dance until kissed, or else invent an even bolder provocation. It was the perfect chance for any romance—or at least, good stories for the next day.

Orion was among the first to step into the circle, smiling as if he knew everyone was waiting for his next moves. Serena stayed on the edge, hoping not to be noticed, but to her surprise, Orion gestured discreetly toward her, a silent invitation.

Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. Her friends nudged her gently, and before she knew it, she was inside the circle, under the watchful eyes of the whole cove. The lights of the jellyfish reflected in Orion's eyes, and he came closer, their bodies almost touching.

"Are you scared of me, mermaid?" Orion teased, his voice low, almost a whisper that made Serena shiver from head to tail. She blushed, but this time she didn't flee. She just smiled, saying nothing, feeling the heat spread.

They started to dance, the movements slow but full of tension. Orion's hands settled on her back, the touch firm, warm, inviting. Serena followed the rhythm, trying not to trip over her own tail, feeling her skin tingle with desire at every brush, every closer breath.

Around them, everyone cheered, shouted, played. The voices and laughter seemed to come from far away, as if the waters muffled everything just so she could dive deeper into that sensation. The sound of shells vanished, the lanterns' glow blurred into the background, and nothing but Orion mattered. Serena's skin tingled, every inch of her body capturing the heat from his touch. Time seemed to stop. Orion smiled in a way that was just for her, as if he recognized every desire hidden inside her. Serena wanted to lose herself right there, in those arms, in that unexpected heat, in every curve of her own body responding to his silent invitation. Nothing else made sense—only the touch, the scent, the hungry gaze. The energy between them was so intense, it almost felt magical, ready to explode any second.

When the music stopped, Orion leaned in, his lips almost touching hers. Serena closed her eyes, ready to let the night take its course, without fear, without shame. And for the first time, she wished the festival would never end.