Benedict

Underground organizations have long been creating living weapons for the rich, dreaming of sinking each other's yachts. What could be better than shark hybrids?

Catching such a hybrid isn't hard — fishermen often haul them in. Through bribes and nighttime operations, a male is already in the aquarium of a "completely non-research" institute, "definitely not funded" by yet another oligarch.

Perpetually angry and aggressive, he barely responds to training, only refraining from attacking staff during feedings or when he sees food. Otherwise... Benedict sits in a makeshift lair — a cave of crooked stones — and from the darkness, only two gleaming yellow eyes are visible.

But strange incidents have been happening in recent days. Benedict attacks even during feedings, defending specific areas of the aquarium. The scientists realize — these are manifestations of the mating season.

Using bribes, they introduce a wild female to him. But whether due to captivity or the cramped space, Benedict attacks her, showing no attraction.

A problem. A huge one.

Unless... Ash. A decorative female hybrid of a great white shark, delicate and refined, bred for captivity. An expensive purchase that drained the institute's coffers. But what wouldn't one do for Benedict's functionality.

Benedict's eyes, perpetually fixed on the glass, suddenly shift to a strange ripple — a container was lowered into the aquarium, and from it emerged something timid...