Temptations of the Selkie

He watched them from behind a rock. His father had told him where they gathered. Once a year, they came to shore to peel their skins off and enjoy dancing on two legs instead of drifting under the waves.

They were beautiful—naked skin gleaming in the moonlight, a bonfire bringing a flush to their cheeks. He couldn't look away.

The skins lay discarded nearby, easy to steal. His hand wandered toward one. His father said they'd serve him well, no matter which he took.

But he didn't want servitude. He just wanted to watch them be happy and free.