At first, they noticed nothing strange. Just the mermaids walking silently, the leader's long golden hair trailing behind him like a god from the depths.
But then…
The mermaids began to move their lips.
Softly. In perfect sync.
It was like they were chanting—though no sound could be heard from the shore.
Vayu furrowed his brows, trying to listen.
Cutie tilted his head slightly, puzzled.
They couldn't hear anything.
But they felt it.
A strange fog slowly crept into their minds. Not something they could see—but heavy. Thick.
Their chests tightened slightly.
Their limbs? Just a little slower.
Then, their eyelids began to droop.
First Vayu's, then Cutie's.
"No… wait," Vayu mumbled, trying to shake his head.
Cutie blinked hard, forcing himself to stay upright, but his body betrayed him.
It was like gravity had doubled its weight.
They didn't even have time to warn Kaya.
Within seconds, both slumped into the bushes.
Out cold.
