Kai pushed himself up on the edge of his grotto as far as he could get from her and still be in the water, water streaming down his torso and tail, his scales glittering dark green and gold under the light. His eyes fell on her hands gripping the rock like it would save her, then moved up to her tense face.

"Considering the timing of your visit here, I wonder. But someone is definitely chasing you. I take it you did not want to be chased? You're the first female to come in here seeking safety not pleasure in the years since I've lived here."