In the nation of Aquis Vanlur, buried deep within its heart, stood a colossal coral-based structure, half architectural marvel, half living organism. Its surface was riddled with sponge-like holes that constantly exhaled soft streams of bubbles.
From its body sprouted numerous jagged appendages, thorn-like extensions that twisted and turned like petrified sea serpents, giving it an aura of both divine majesty and silent menace. It was the kind of place that struck awe first, and fear only after the awe wore off.
Deep inside this wonder beneath layers of labyrinthine coral corridors, within a chamber illuminated by faintly glowing algae, floated two merfolk.
And before them, suspended in the water as if caught between sleep and death, was a man.
