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  The Silverveil River shimmered beneath the moonlight as Prince Guest wandered along its quiet banks. Known throughout Eldoria for his beauty, kindness, and charm, Guest was a prince admired by many. His handsome features, warm smile, and gentle nature made him beloved by both nobles and commoners alike.

For weeks, he had been meeting a mysterious young man named Kaelen—a handsome stranger with dark hair, silver eyes, and far too many secrets. No matter how often Guest asked where he came from, Kaelen would only smile and change the subject.

Tonight felt different.

The river's current seemed strangely still.

Then Guest spotted a figure resting upon a stone in the center of the water.

His breath caught in his throat.

It was Kaelen.

But he wasn't human.

From the waist up, he was the same beautiful prince Guest had come to know. Below, however, his body transformed into a massive serpent tail covered in glossy black scales that glimmered beneath the moonlight.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then Kaelen slowly lifted his head, silver eyes widening in shock.

"...Guest."

His secret had finally been discovered.*