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That was only my excuse. Again, these feelings were overwhelming. Kaga sighed while he stood up, gathering his pack. He offered me his hand, and I only hesitated for a second before taking it.
Sure, I’d held hands with a boy before. When I was eight.
I watched the ground move underneath my feet as my thoughts swirled. Whenever I saw other merpeople drifting in the sea, holding hands, I had rolled my eyes. Hand-holding was for children. Right now, I apologized for the prank the universe played on me. Kaga’s strong hand gripped mine, a steady reminder that he had me, was protecting me. Not that I needed protecting. But it was a nice gesture, and I liked the way his rough skin pressed against mine. It sent a strange lightness into my heart that I couldn’t get enough of.
The jungle was beautiful, in a wild and untamed way, even though I couldn’t recognize half the animals or plants we passed. With its unknown dangers, the jungle was less intimidating with Kaga next to me.
My shirt clung to me, drenched in sweat and humidity. I shook my head, wondering how humans could stand living in this. I couldn’t wait to wear cool clothing. Or my simple breast covering, rather than clothes at all.
Squiggles clung to his jar, and every now and then, would bravely sneak a tentacle out to touch a plant. I smiled at his curiosity, grateful for his familiar presence on this adventure. I especially was glad he was trying something new. Squiggles was not known for his bravery. “Would you like to come out?” I asked him as the day wore on. “You’ve been in there for a day now.”
He simply squeaked in reply and shook a tentacle at me. I laughed, overwhelmed by a sense of freedom and adventure.
Kaga looked back at me and grinned. He reached his hand forward, twirling it in the air. A small bubble formed, and he plopped it into Squiggle’s jar. I smiled, thanking him.
Kaga led the way through the jungle, confident now that we were on land, in his element. I was grown up enough to admit to myself that I wasn’t entirely unhappy about watching him take charge. I eyed Kaga’s backside as he thrashed through the foliage in our way. Besides, following had its advantages.
I’ve been to visit the moonflower before, he said. Once, a long time ago. It’s said if you make a wish when it blooms, it will come true.
“What did you wish for?” I asked.
An adventure beyond my wildest dreams, of course.
I snorted. “And now look what happened. Your voice was stolen by a sea witch and you’re hiking through a dangerous jungle with a mermaid princess.”
Definitely an adventure. He flashed me a grin, and I smiled back.
Hundreds of tiny bright lights flew toward our faces. I jumped back and screamed. “Kaga, watch out!”
Chapter 24
My pulse raced as I watched the lights bombard Kaga. Frantically, I tugged on his hand, trying to draw him away from the attacking lights toward the stream. Surely they couldn’t follow us into the water.
Kaga shook his head and laughed. He squeezed my hand, then dropped it. He held his palms out flat in front of him.
My heart continued to pound as I watched as two of the lights landed, one on each palm, while the rest went to the surrounding trees and bushes. I gasped when the figures became clearer. Each figure looked like a miniature human with golden skin. Their wings were a translucent gold that seemed to glitter whenever they moved. One creature curtsied to Kaga. “You’re back!” it said in a high voice.
My jaw hung loose as I stared at them. They could talk. Kaga opened his mouth, his face falling, when no sound came out. Oh right, the curse. I stepped forward until I stood next to Kaga. “Hi,” I said with a wave. “Kaga’s voice was taken by the evil sea witch. He can speak to me, thanks to the sea witch’s sister, but only to me.”
One of the creatures, wearing a skirt made of an upside down flower, glowered at me. She crossed her arms. “Who are you even?”
Oops. I’d forgotten that part. “I’m Princess Allura. And you are?”
“Elysia.”
The man standing next to her nudged her with his elbow. “Princess,” she added on.
I rolled my eyes and angled toward Kaga. “Now that introductions over with, can we keep moving?”
These are the Luminae. They’re the only ones who can take us to the moonflower.
I dropped my head back and groaned. “What?” said Elysia, her wings fluttering. “What did he say?”
“He said you’re the only ones who can take us to the moonflower.”
The man stepped forward and gave a short bow. “He is right, princess. I am Caleb. Are you in search of the flower?”
“Yes. We need it to break his curse,” I said, gesturing to Kaga.
