The sea is hiding something. And it has been watching.

On the remote island of Avelora, the luxurious Veyra Resort is preparing for its biggest expansion yet—straight toward the ancient Nareth Reef. For marine biologist Elias Vale, the assignment seems straightforward: assess the reef, document the damage, and determine whether construction can go ahead.

But something about Nareth doesn't make sense.

Strange markings appear beneath the coral. Objects turn up in places no diver could have reached. Locals whisper about disappearances and figures seen beyond the breakers. And lately, Elias has the unsettling feeling that something is following him beneath the water.

He doesn't know that the reef is home to a civilization humanity was never meant to find.

Kael, its guarded and powerful leader, will do anything to keep his people hidden. Aren, one of the colony's guardians, has been ordered to stay away from humans—but Elias is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. And Rian, a reckless hunter with a taste for danger, has already decided what Elias is.

Prey.

With autumn storms closing in and construction creeping closer to the reef, Elias finds himself drawn deeper into a world that should not exist.

A world of secrets. A world of danger. And a fascination that could cost him everything.

The reef has secrets. The merfolk have rules. And Elias is getting dangerously close to breaking both.

#oc2026