The Aquarium

by Emily Shore

  Savage innocence. That’s a new one.

  “I wish I could say she will be here in the studio to sign autographs, but today’s show was just as spontaneous as her personality, so she will be joining us from the Aquarium’s own technologically advanced studio. And today…” Jewell raises a finger, taps the side of her head again, and continues, “We will be the first in the world to hear her real name.”

  One thing I have learned from watching talk shows—there is a fine line between talking and the clapping…and it’s crossed too much.

  “Are you ready?” Jewell lowers her voice to a whisper just as the lights dim.

  Wylder told me to be prepared for the unexpected, but I didn’t expect this. The wings raise me from the chair, propelling my body into the air through some force whether via magnetism or some special technology embedded within them. The studio lights turn darker until everything is pitch black. I hear the hushed breath of the audience, anticipating. And then, a melody trills in the studio, enchanting my ears right before a spotlight cocoons me. Every eye tracks me, but no one says a word as I float through the air at the mercy of the wings, which are programmed to circulate the room, flying above their heads. Since this is still a talk show, the wings don’t allow me any spontaneous movements like twirls or somersaults. When the wings navigate me back toward the studio stage, I catch a glimpse of Wylder, who fixates on me as I float to the studio chair across from Jewell.

  Only once I land does the audience roar again while Jewell covers her mouth with her hands, shaking her head in awe.

  “What an entrance,” she yells above the crowd, calming the audience, who finally takes their seats.

  I can’t help but smile, my body instinctively leaning toward Jewell, whose energy radiates from her like a fountain.

  “Who would have thought the infamous Swan would be sitting in my studio? I am floored. Now, would you like to share your real name with us first or would you like to up the suspense and wait until the end of the show?”

  Remembering Haven’s directive, I turn to the crowd, grinning. “A little bird told me to wait until the end.”

  The audience chuckles at my inside joke.

  Jewell also laughs, then touches the blousy jumpsuit she wears infused with gold lace and ruby accents. “All right, do you prefer Swan or Yang until then?”

  I wish I’d had more time to consider the options, but I decide to go with, “Swan, please.”

  Jewell winks at the audience before studying me. “Now, Swan, I believe everyone here and my viewers out there would like to know what made you come out of retirement after two years?”

  Retirement…hmm. Oh, if I could only tell her the truth. Considering her reputation as a journalist who unveils the unvarnished truth, I doubt Jewell would be too thrilled along with the remainder of the crowd. But as tempting as it would be to publicly ruin Haven, I can’t expose the truth. Not until my family is safe.

  I stay as close to the truth as possible. “I lost someone close to me in the Temple fire. I needed some time before I could come back from that. If anyone ever can after losing a loved one.”

  The audience quiets, but judging by Wylder’s lifted brows, I answered well. It’s enabled viewers to sympathize with me more.

  “If I could, I’d reach out and give you a hug right now.” Jewell smiles. I’d let her. “Speaking of life after the Temple, many of my viewers want to know more about your life with Skylar. Your wedding was the wedding of the century. Now, it’s been years. Is the honeymoon phase over?”

  I purse my lips, blushing a little from the question. Beaming, Jewell makes a joke at the audience about how ironic it is for the Swan to be so reclusive.

  I play it up. “Skylar has his faults…I can’t rightly tell you what they are at the moment, but I can tell you that when it comes to him, I’m not sure if the honeymoon phase will ever be over.”

  The audience’s applause intermingles with its laughter. Jewell raises a hand, cracking another joke, and I latch onto hers and the crowd’s laughter, which reminds me of champagne bubbles. Celebratory due to this…my long-lost reunion with the world.

  “Now, why did you choose the Aquarium over the Temple, given you have family connections to the Temple as well as a reputation?”

  I tap my fingers on the armchair rest, noting the way Wylder’s eyes narrow in warning. “Perhaps that is why. The Temple belonged to my father, Force. In some ways, I believe it always will since he made it famous. The Aquarium is my chance to finally make my own name. On my own terms,” I lie right through my teeth, though something deep inside me wonders if it’s true. This will be far different from anything I’ve done in the past. The oceanic world alone will tempt me beyond anything I could ever dream.

  “What can we expect? Can you give us any teasers?” Jewell asks, leaning forward in anticipation.

  I face the audience and grin, squeezing my shoulders together. “This little bird can’t say a word.” When everyone begins to bemoan my words, I raise a finger, almost bewitched by my power when they all quiet from the action. “But I will say I’m trading in my wings. And I look forward to swimming with an old friend soon.”

  Another round of applause. It looks like my Undine meets Sharky exhibit had a long-standing impression. What I said was the truth. I look forward to swimming with him…by myself…apart from an exhibit.

  “We’re running out of time and we still have a final Aquarium teaser to share, but would you like to make the announcement?”

  I turn to the crowd and deadpan, proclaiming my real name to the world. “Serenity Storm.”

  Applause booms louder than ever. Jewell fans herself in the wake of my name. Then, she extends a hand as if she’s forgotten I’m not truly in the studio. “You eluded to it before—Serenity Storm, one viewer wants to know if the Temple demise affected you?” She raises an eyebrow, her crimson-tinted eyelashes almost sweeping me up in one blink.

  I pause. How do I answer that? Of course it affected me. I lost my twin, my only sister, and her lover, who became my friend, barely escaped with my life, and ended up becoming a mother to my niece and nephew.

  All I can think to say is, “It forever changed my life. I’ll never be the same.”

  Jewell nods, allowing the audience to soak in my answer as I stare at the floor, remembering when my sister barricaded herself behind the Temple roof door because she knew there weren’t enough parachutes, sacrificing herself so our mother could get out. My sister always made the sacrifices. Even when we were inside the womb.

  “Now…my personal question…” Jewell places a hand on her chest. “I did an in-depth expose on the Temple before its demise. What do you think of the new construction? Will you be reprising your role as Face of the Temple once it re-opens?”

  I answer as rationally as possible. “I have a two-year contract with The Aquarium. Unless something changes, I will be remaining here for the duration.”

  “Leading on from that…” Jewell gestures to Wylder. “Can you please share more about the Aquarium, Mr. Graves? Some have accused the Aquarium of invading the natural oceanic habitat, of causing environmental damage. Can you speak to that?”

  As professional and stiff as a hedge fund, Wylder props his elbow up on his knee and educates Jewell. “Contrary to gossip rags and anti-Museum protesters, The Aquarium is highly invested in conservation,” Wylder announces, taking the reins this time. “We’ve rebooted the population of hundreds of fish species and aquatic creatures, including extinct ones through gene coding, and we grew our own coral reef to sustain those populations. We have some of the world’s top scientists working to do more and the best marine biologists working in ocean rescue and exploration. No longer will three quarters of our earth’s surface go unknown.

  “Moreover…” He releases his hands, addressing the crowd and revealing a blueprint view of the Aquarium and its four underwater towers, “We’ve created a sea-scraper that is self-sustaining and self-sufficient. The tentacle action at the base of
each scraper is a source of energy transference that works with the natural oceanic currents and not against. Those are just the environmental factors. Compared to a majority of Museums, we’ve created a far different environment inside. But why take my word for it? Let’s see for ourselves, shall we?”

  “This is our teaser, folks!” Jewell claps her hands.

  When Wylder sweeps his hand to the wall behind us, it transforms into a humongous sprite light the size of a theater screen to show the latest marketing ad for the Aquarium. It highlights the family friendly aspect and all the amenities that can be enjoyed from the water parks with tubes that run through shark tanks to dolphin swimming and the wave pool and the mini Seascape Museum that features fish species of all types, including a petting zoo of miniature dolphins and whales children can hold. These are but a few of the highlights as well as the resorts and couple-type activities.

  “Our world-class waterfall was recently listed as one of the most romantic places in the world,” a feminine voice broadcasts as the camera pans to a view of a couple kissing before the waterfall with a sunset backdrop behind them.

  “And for our older audience, please descend to our underworld for a raw and seductive experience like no other, featuring our exotic and beauteous mermaids, water nymphs, and sirens.” After showing multiple views of each, the camera ends with one sprite light of a girl dressed as a siren with a come-hither wagging-finger gesture and expression.

  “For VIP members, you will enjoy the pleasure of a one-of-a-kind show introducing the world-famous former Face of the Temple and Swan, unveiled in her new role at the Aquarium.”

  The voice pauses as the sprite light pans to a variety of facial shots set to waves and rippling water…and ending with bolts of lightning. In the same moments, the floor begins to open from beyond the studio chairs, revealing a tank built into the floor. And there is Sharky. This is my moment. The last surprise Wylder referenced. I stand just as the wings detach from the latex on my back.

  “Come see her as you’ve never seen her before—Serenity Storm, the Aquarium’s brand-new Sea Star!”

  The announcement concludes.

  And I dive.

  * * *

  Underwater, the booming applause of the audience above me begins to dull. Sharky’s monumental gray shape skims past me, churning through the water and creating miniature riptides. I follow him, careful not to get too close since it’s been some time since we last interacted. I have no idea if Haven implanted him with the same failsafe as my father had. Regardless, I reach out to my old friend, but he pays me no mind. From somewhere above me, I can hear Jewell’s voice, but I can’t make out what she says. No doubt wondering if Sharky and I will come together as we had when I played Undine.

  No matter how much I want to, I don’t try as hard. Refusing to invade his territory and granting him respect, I face him but start to back away, treading water, waiting, waiting, waiting. Again, he whips through the water, thrusting my body back a little more, but he’s moved closer. Another length down the tank. Closer still. I remain where I am as Sharky sails toward me, picking up the pace as if he’s launching into attack mode. I still don’t move.

  I hold my breath and close my eyes, almost expecting his massive body to barrel into me. But nothing comes except for more small waves lashing against me. I open my eyes. There he is…hovering right before me, which I know is intentional because he has to use the ram-ventilation technique. Just for a few moments. If I blinked a few times, I’d miss it because he begins swimming again, one of his fins brushing up against the side of my body.

  I missed you too, buddy.

  Skimming my legs together with the long train of the costume trailing behind me like a ribbon, I ease my way toward Sharky, reaching out for him. Today, I won’t try riding him, and he seems to understand that. Responding, he inclines the side of his head toward me. Unafraid of his teeth, I move in closer and extend my hand for just one touch. And there’s my long-lost shark kiss.

  I smile.

  The applause stabs through the watery barrier just before the lights go black.

  Too many bubbles leave my nose. It’s time to rise.

  “That was…adequate.”

  I whirl around in the water to see Wylder to the side of the tank.

  I frown. “I nailed that.”

  “Interesting choice of words.” His eyes coast along my curves.

  Squatting by the side of the tank, Wylder reaches out a hand, offering to help me, but when I feel another small wave, I glance back at Sharky.

  “I’m going to stay here with him for a while.”

  “Just remember, princess…save yourself for the shows.”

  * * *

  When I return to our suite room, I’m cold and shivering. The twins are already asleep in their chambers, but Sky is waiting up for me. As soon as he sees me, he stands. I open my mouth to apologize for being so late, for staying after with Sharky, but I don’t get the chance. He seals his mouth on mine, opening it while his hands cup my cheeks. More possessive than ever. Even beyond our first night as husband and wife, this is something new. It’s our last night together before our shows and interactions. His need is palpable. My want is unquenchable.

  It doesn’t take long for our clothes to unite on the floor. Leftover cold from the tank clinging to my naked skin, I shiver, but Sky wraps me up in his arms and covers us with a blanket. We form our own cocoon of body heat and stay awake into the wee hours of the morning before our energy runs dry.

  His warmth shoots into me like a deep-sea chimney, spewing hot air.

  9

  P r e P a R a t I o n

  * * *

  Early in the morning, I wake to a solar alarm. Both sound and a sprite-light sunbeams. Even though our shows don’t begin until midway, Haven prefers an early morning wake-up call to ensure we are prepared for our first day. I groan, not wanting to move. A deep sleeper, Sky doesn’t wake to the alarm. The solar beam diffuses all over his back, bronzing the soft gold of his skin. Sneaking the blanket lower, I steal one last bit of pre-exhibit Sky and sit astride his waist, pressing my chest to his back.

  “Mmm…” he murmurs, appreciative. “Worse ways to wake up.” Voice muffled, it clears when he shifts his body so he’s on his back with me straddling him. “Make that a lot of worse ways.”

  “Hopefully, I’m not on the average list of ways?” I tease, my fingers inching across his belly, traveling up his chest.

  Suddenly, he grabs my hand and kisses my palm, stubble scraping the inner skin. “You’re at the top, Ser. Always will be.”

  Sky slowly parts my curls, sweeping a section away from my chest. The way he stares like he’s downloading a sprite light for long-term memory is sweet, but he holds it longer than I expect. His eyes longer on my curves, tracing down my lines, back up to seize my gaze. What does he think will happen from all this? We’ll always be Sky and Ser.

  Lowering myself, I coil my arms around his shoulders as best I can, snickering when I feel a familiar pulse below his pelvis. Strong, always able to bear my madness, his arms come around me, the color of his skin overwhelming mine like golden sunlight shedding across white foam. Pressing my lips to the base of his neck, I breathe in the familiar scent of Sky. Of hearty sweat and musk and a hint of woodsy from last night’s cologne. I must still reek of salt from Sharky’s tank, but Sky doesn’t care. Him sinking deeper into me is proof. One last time, I want to hold this moment of him inside me. Of his hand cradling the nape of my neck and his mouth tiptoeing up to capture mine in an insistent kiss that shakes my heart like underwater seismic activity.

  “At least we’re the same now,” I point out, breathing heavily against his collarbone.

  “Because of the Immortal treatment!”

  I nod.

  He squeezes my back, fingers imprinting deeper there. “Yeah. Guess there’s that.”

  He never asks if it bothers me. Not since a year ago when I told him not to bring it up again. Sixteen on the outside, twenty
on the inside. Yet, Sky has now been paused at twenty-four. It’s normal for us—functioning on levels of extreme.

  “What does it feel like?” I ask, wondering if it’s the same for him as it is for me.

  While tracing patterns on the back of my shoulders, Sky murmurs, “Intense. Like everything becomes new each day. Like I flip some switch. I don’t get tired anymore.”

  “You will after the exhibit,” I remind him.

  “Won’t stick.”

  Well, that’s true. It’s always been emotional fatigue more than physical.

  “Anything else?” I slide my fingers along the length of his arm until they fold into his hand.

  “Ser…” he scolds, shy grin betraying his impulses. Anyone would know what I’m getting at. “Fine, yes…it’s different. More intense. Doesn’t mean it’s any better than it was before.”

  But when he touches me again, I don’t believe him. And I have to wonder if this is our last time being real with each other. After the exhibit—after the interaction—will we have to try harder?

  After dressing and spending breakfast with the twins, we receive a sprite-light clip from Haven with instructions of where we are to go for preparation even though Sky knows the way. He’s only done one rehearsal, but thanks to his keen sense of direction, he remembers the level and floor plan to get us to the preparation room. This will be my first planned performance since everything up to this point has been spontaneous improvisation. I imagine that will be the case for the interactions. At least I don’t have to memorize any lines. A transmitter in my ear will direct me where to go, how to move.

  Before the show, I decide to grab some air, collect my nerves. Besides, Neil and Lindy are on their way down, and I need to meet them at the elevator to escort them to the twins’ playroom. Naturally, we scanned all the nanny and nurse profiles, but we insisted on Verity and Kerrie’s uncle and aunt.