Page 55 of Welcome to Seaman’s Cove: Part Two

I press as hard as I can on the throttle, racing through the water. The sunlight fades, unable to reach us at these depths. The lights from our scooters shine only a short distance into the darkness. Schools of fish scatter when we approach, but I pay them no mind. If we weren’t on a life or death mission to save my mate, maybe I would be tempted to explore the wonders around us. There are likely species here that have never been seen by humankind before. But that is the furthest thing from my mind.

We attached the i’xal to the top of my scooter so we could use it for guidance. When the illuminated sigil changes, I turn, trusting my men to follow. I wish I could communicate with them down here. They all have microphones in their helmets so they can talk to each other in their suits, but since I’m using the breather, I’m cut off from whatever they may or may not be saying and forced to rely on hand gestures.

Ahead, a pod of whales blocks our path, and I swoop deeper to avoid them. Sebastian was adamant that we don’t descend too quickly, but Caspian’s anxious feelings are driving me to distraction. We need to get there. Now.

I dip lower, spotting a reef in the distance that glows with that same effervescent quality that’s become so familiar to me. Beyond the coral reef, a glowing wall ascends through the water. Tythas. We found it!

Hunter pulls up beside me and tries to get me to slow down, but I shake my head. He’s saying something, but I can’t make it out. My wetsuit chafes, and I already regret letting the guys talk me into wearing it. It’s much hotter down here than it was last time.

Sebastian and Phoenix both swerve in front of me so fast I have to dip below them to keep from crashing. What the fuck?

I slow and Hunter comes up beside me, grabbing my arm. “Slow,” he mouths at me through his helmet.

I look around and see all their worried faces. Shit, yeah, we’re supposed to be sneaking in, not charging like the cavalry.

With a wince and a touch on his arm, I try to communicate an apology, sending my acquiescence down the bond. I’m just so worried about Caspian. It’s hard to focus. And it’s so damn hot down here.

Loud noises that don’t sound like sea life come from just over the ridge of the reef, and we all share a look. It’s almost like shouting, though we can’t make out the words. That doesn’t sound good. Without any need for discussion, we race toward the noise, no longer concerned with going slow or being stealthy. We’re all of the same mind. Get in, get Caspian, get out.

When we crest the coral, the sight before me arrests my heart. A crowd of merfolk stretches from here to the city wall, all of them facing us. Well, facing the small group right in front of us. Queen Namora has a knife to Amalie’s throat.

Caspian and another blue-haired merman float just to the left of them, horror written on their faces. There’s a third merman with them, dressed in some kind of ceremonial attire. They haven’t noticed us yet.

Someone from the crowd yells, pointing in our direction.

Well, here goes nothing. I dip the nose of my scooter down and dive straight for my merman mate.

37

My heart races as my eyes meet my sister’s. Panicked fear clouds her young features as she silently implores me to save her. How did we get here? I knew our mother was unstable, but this is too far. Would she really hurt Amalie? Her manic eyes and firm grasp on the knife suggest she would.

Just as I’m trying to formulate a plan, a whirring sound reaches my ears, growing louder as if something is approaching. Several merfolk point to the east of the reef. My gaze follows their line of sight, and I nearly break.

Four figures approach using some kind of swimming device. It’s impossible to tell who the three in the back are, but I would recognize the one leading the group anywhere. Madison. My starfish. My mate.

Ripples of disbelief and anger flow through the gathered crowd. But all of it is overshadowed by awe-filled gasps as Madi gets close enough for them to see her split legs, kicking the water behind whatever the device is that’s propelling her forward. She stops when she sees the queen and Amalie.

“What is that?” Someone yells, pointing.

“An abomination!”

“No, it’s a human! The myths are true,” a male in the front corrects.

“Don’t get any closer,” my mother yells in Madi’s language. The knife glints in the dim light from the reef. The queen’s use of the foreign tongue causes more exclamations from my people. It’s further proof she had knowledge of humans and was keeping it from them.

The rest of my pack reaches Madi and stops beside her. My mate’s brows furrow, and I sense her fear and concern through our bond. Her care for my sister shines in her bright eyes.

“I will do it, do not doubt me,” the queen says, this time addressing the merfolk of Tythas. Amalie whimpers, a heartbreaking, fear-filled sound, and a tiny drop of blood lifts in the water.

Voices of dissent yell that Queen Namora has gone too far.

“We need this treaty. The world is changing. Can’t you see? Caspian must marry Farrasea. He must!” She screams the words, too manic to speak reasonably. “Your former king wanted this. I demand this. I am your queen. My word is law.”

Wild with her rampage, she doesn’t notice Nero and Farra have drifted behind her during the chaos. My brother locks eyes with me, and I know I need to keep the queen distracted.

“Mother, please,” I beseech her in my most capitulating tone. “Do not do this. Amalie is innocent. Your children are not your enemies. This alliance can happen without my marriage. It doesn’t have to be me.”

“Of course it does! It can’t be Nero. He’s destined for great things. Tythas needs a strong queen.” She snarls, head turning to the spot where Farrasea was before and finding her gone.