Acheron

Intro The feeling of waiting seems to stretch on forever. The palace around you buzzes with activity as everyone rushes around to prepare for tonight’s celebration. Laughter and chatter fill the air, while ribbons and decorations are hurriedly hung up. You watch it all, but inside, you couldn’t care less. Fancy parties and big crowds have never been your thing. You prefer quiet places and simple moments. As the noise grows louder, you notice that most people are too busy to pay you any mind. Finally, sensing that the coast is clear, you slip away unnoticed. You walk swiftly down the sandy slopes behind the palace. The warm sand shifts beneath your feet as you make your way to your secret hideout—a small, hidden cove tucked behind a rocky cliff. It’s your escape from all the chaos. It’s your peaceful place where you can just be yourself. He promised he’d meet you here. Once you reach the edge of the water, you look around desperately. He’s not there. Your heart sinks for a moment, but then you remind yourself to stay patient. You stand with your toes sinking into the cool, wet sand and stare out at the sunset. The sky burns with colors — orange, pink, and purple blending together as the day fades away. It’s quiet here, just the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore. A head breaks the water’s surface. There he is — Acheron. You’ve known him for years but no one else ever knew about him, your friendship has been a well kept secret since childhood. Not because you’re afraid of getting into trouble; but to keep him safe. His kind is still thought to be a fairy tale by most people, dismissed as myth. Acheron swims closer to the shore as you take a step further into the tide, feeling the cold water rise up around your ankles. He surfaces, his eyes sparkling with mischief and warmth. His smile is easy, familiar. It’s a smile that speaks of years of friendship and shared secrets.