I know, Treygan said.
Less than a week ago we were at each other’s throats and doing physical harm to one another. Treygan was noble, but it was still hard for me to believe that he and Yara were risking their souls, and the rest of their happy lives together, to help me find Vienna. He had to have some kind of ulterior motive. Why are you doing this?
Doing what?
Helping me rescue Vienna. Risking your life and your future with Yara.
You’re my brother.
Half-brother.
His eyes had a faraway look, much farther than the ocean stretched. He finally refocused on me and said, Trivialities.
What’s that supposed to mean?
It means we share blood. You’re my family. I’d do anything to protect my family.
Last week you wanted to kill me.
Last week you were an arrogant bastard who needed some sense beaten into him.
I couldn’t argue with that.
And, truth be told, he continued, you’re probably going to be an arrogant bastard when we get to Harte. Your emotions will lead instead of your head. You’ll make risky moves and life-threatening decisions, so if I need to beat sense into you while we’re there, I will.
I tried not to crack a smile, but I couldn’t help it. Treygan had my back. Just like when we were kids. Fine. But fair warning: don’t come between me and Vienna. If you do, my claws will come out.
He cracked a smile too. You’re forgetting that no one and nothing could ever come between you and Vienna.
I glanced around, wanting to apologize to Yara for overreacting. Maybe even tell her she landed herself one hell of a guy, but she was gone. Where’d Yara go?
I don’t know. But this is the perfect opportunity for us to try shadowing her again.
I thought you said that was impossible.
Isn’t this whole mission supposedly impossible?
~
We couldn’t find Yara through shadowing, but we did spot her after only a few minutes of regular searching. Her white hair and tail were bright beacons we could’ve spotted from miles away. She had found the two manatees from earlier. They had joined three more manatees, and Yara was petting and hugging all of them like they were old friends.
Should we join her? I asked Treygan.
No, she looks happy and relaxed. Let her have some alone time with them. She’s under a lot of pressure.
I watched her grab one of the manatees by the sides of his face and kiss his snout. He nuzzled her and she giggled. Yeah, she does look happy.
As we swam away, Treygan asked, How’s your arm?
Seems to be back to normal.
Ah, as weak as usual, then?
I punched him in the shoulder. Shut up.
I missed this. I missed getting along with my brother. We had been closer than ever before the gate closed—almost inseparable. I finally asked the question I had been wondering for years. Did you know something awful was going to happen?
What?
Ever since my wedding, you were different. So cautious about everything. You kept a much closer watch over Vienna and me. I kind of suspected you knew something and were afraid to tell me.
He looked away, staring at the ocean in front of us. I clutched his shoulder and forced him to stop swimming. Tell me, Treygan. I won’t be mad.
I can’t.
What do you mean you can’t? We’re about to enter hell together. There can’t be any secrets between us.
He hesitated, but then, At your wedding, when you and Vienna did your future reading with the High Priestess, she told you she didn’t see anything … but that wasn’t true.
I tensed, remembering how flustered the High Priestess had seemed during our reading. She had told Vienna she couldn’t make a connection because of the energy from the Northern Lights, that we were too far from our realm, that nothing she saw was clear. What did she tell you?
She said a time would come when I’d have to decide how far I’d go to protect you.
What?
Treygan shrugged. She emphasized the words ‘far’ and ‘protect.’ For years I wondered what she meant. Even when the gate closed, it didn’t make sense because we were together, and there wasn’t much to protect you from—except your own stupidity.
Seriously, don’t make me hurt you before our trip.
Treygan almost smiled, but then seriousness reclaimed him. The day our father told us you were going to Harte to try to find Vienna, I knew this was it. This is what the High Priestess warned me about.
That’s why you’re going? Because of one conversation with some old lady you hardly knew?
I had no idea what she meant that day. You can’t imagine the horrible scenarios that ran through my head. But I always knew I’d do whatever it took. I didn’t care how far I’d have to go.
I didn’t want to get all sappy, but I was touched. Would I have done the same for him? I wasn’t sure. Treygan had always been the noble one. Did she say how it would turn out?
No. I just know you’re going to need me.
Don’t be so cocky.
It’s not me being cocky. This was written in the waters long ago. I have to go with you.
I didn’t know if that High Priestess was still alive, but I either owed her a thank you for preparing my brother for this mission, or I needed to curse her for making him feel obligated to go with me.
Of course, Yara had to bring Sage to the sprites’ party. Heaven forbid she should do anything without her favorite pet. I flew beside them, unsettled by Sage occasionally glancing at me with her glowing eyes. “I’m surprised you didn’t insist on bringing Treygan and Rownan too.”
“I already witnessed them almost kill each other,” Yara said. “I didn’t feel like hanging around to watch them break each other’s bones again. We’re supposed to start a suicide mission tomorrow, and they’re already fighting.”
My wings ruffled. “Don’t call it a suicide mission.”
“Sorry.”
The three of them had been inseparable since they started their “training.” As if any preparation could prepare them for Harte. I despised Rownan for dragging Yara into his mess. “I’d like to break a few of Rownan’s bones.”
“Please don’t. The Violets just finished repairing your first demolition job.”
“He had it coming.”
As we entered Echo Bayou, I zigzagged and weaved around the weeping willows. Yara followed, matching my every move. I slowed as we approached the village of water lilies. Everyone was bustling around. The celebration had already begun.
We landed on top of the water. Yara’s eyes widened at the scene in front of us. “There’s so many of them! And so many different colors. The flower petals and leaves look like they’re really attached to them.”
I paused, realizing Yara wasn’t used to seeing creatures naturally adorned with foliage. “They are attached to them.”
“They aren’t dressed up for the party?”
I snickered. “No, those accessories are part of them. They naturally develop that way.”
“I don’t remember the sprite I saw in Treygan’s memory having any leaves or petals.”
“Did the sprite’s skin look fluid? His or her predominant trait might have been water.”
She stared to the side of me as if replaying the memory. “You’re right. She did have watery skin. That’s so cool.”
I touched my own forearm, missing the way my skin used to resemble the leaves of Calliandra plants. Hundreds of water sprites shouted my name, and then the chatter began about Yara. The buzz of excitement grew louder as more sprites flew over to greet us. They swarmed Yara, so I backed away and walked to the riverbank.
After meeting everyone and answering a hundred and one questions, Yara excused herself and joined me by the log of tiny desserts. “They’re so adorable and friendly, and there are so many of them.”
“Yes, Medusa cried a lot when she was first banished to this world.”
Yara turned
to face me. “What does crying have to do with the sprites?”
“Each sprite was formed from one of Medusa’s tears.”
She glanced at all my flitting brothers and sisters then gaped at me. “You’re kidding.”
“Why would I kid about my own former species?” I grabbed a berry tart then flew up to a branch.
Yara followed me, perching on a neighboring tree limb. “Tell me more.”
I sighed. History was my least favorite subject, so I summarized. “Medusa was lonely and missed all the colors of Earth’s realm. This was long before she started creating the world you see now. Poseidon vowed she’d never cry lonely tears again, so every tear she cried from that point on blossomed to life as a water sprite. Until she died. Now her tears are just shooting stars.”
Yara’s eyes were practically sparkling. “That’s amazing.”
I popped the barely bite-sized tart into my mouth. “You think everything Medusa and Poseidon created is amazing.”
Jenna flew over and landed on Yara’s shoulder, pointing at Sage. “Oh, my goodness, you have a snake attached to your head!”
Sage bent down and sniffed her. Sage’s head was almost as big as Jenna’s entire body, but Jenna showed no fear.
“Hello, silver snake!” She kissed Sage’s nose, and Sage’s tongue darted out and grazed her forehead. “Ahhh!” Jenna wiped her face, giggling. “Snake breath is stinky.”
“You are too cute for words,” Yara said to Jenna.
“Why, thank you.” Jenna blushed. “We’ve been anxiously waiting to meet you.”
Keeley flew over with a grin so big her lips took up half of her azure face. “Such a pleasure to meet you, Yara. Nixie has told us stories about you, and we’ve heard all about your wings, claws, snake, how you can control lightning, and … and look how pretty your hair and wings are! They truly are like diamonds because when the light hits you a certain way I see all the colors of the rainbow and—”
“Keeley, give someone else a chance to speak!” Jenna brushed her leafy bangs out of her eyes and shrugged at Yara. “Her favorite hobby is talking.”
I held back a laugh. Yara seemed to do the same.
“I’m sorry,” Keeley said, darting in front of Yara. “I’m just in awe of you and have so many questions.”
“My goodness,” Yara said. “So much energy and personality for such little creatures.”
I winked at my sisters. “The best things come in small packages.”
Jenna and Keeley both nodded happily.
Yara moved from her branch and sat beside me. “I’ve never seen you smile so much.”
“Me?” I hadn’t noticed the permanent grin on my face until Yara mentioned it. I tried to wipe it away and maintain a neutral expression.
“You’re different around the sprites—softer or something.”
I stared out at the bayou, watching water lilies float along and bump into each other while my brothers and sisters celebrated. They lived a playful and joyful existence—so different from a siren’s. I couldn’t imagine a sprite drinking blood or stealing human memories. They didn’t have a mean bone in their bodies. “You never forget where you came from. At least, I don’t. The sprites remind me of a different time in my life.”
“Nixie, were you happier as a sprite?” Yara spoke quietly. “Do you regret becoming a siren?”
I turned to look her in the eyes. “We all have regrets. Anyone who says they have none is a liar, and anyone who thinks they’ll live without acquiring some is a fool.”
Yara’s brows wrinkled together and her lips parted, but whatever she wanted to say was cut off by the giddy chatter of sprites. A few of the older sprites pulled Yara away. Keeley and Jenna hovered on either side of my head.
“I like her very much,” Keeley said.
“Me too.” Jenna landed on my shoulder. “She has vine markings on her. Nature must be fond of her.”
“She needs some foliage sprouting out of her head to go with that snake.” Keeley combed her fingers through her hair of blue leaves.
Unconsciously, I touched the top of my own head, but my sprite features were long gone. Emptiness tugged at me, but then Jenna appeared in front of my face and batted her long, golden eyelashes. “We made you a crown. I arranged the flowers myself. Come on!”
That put the smile back on my face. She grabbed hold of my pinky and together we flew up into the trees where my beautiful crown hung from a branch. It didn’t matter that I had become a siren. My family of sprites made sure that the bayou would always be my home.
~
Later, we all danced under the weeping willows.
“Hold out your hand,” I told Yara. She did, but it was limp. “No, keep your palm and fingers flat.”
Jenna landed in the center of Yara’s hand and twirled. “See, and now we dance.”
Yara laughed. “It tickles.”
“You’ll get used to it,” I assured her, opening my own hands in front of me. Sprites landed on each of my palms, already dancing. Their joy was contagious. I had never seen anyone resist their charm. Even Sage swayed and bounced.
The musically inclined sprites played upbeat songs for hours. Yara chatted with them about how they used water reeds, cattails, shells, and tree bark as instruments.
“How’d she do it?” Yara asked me.
“How did who do what?”
“Medusa. She created this world full of magic, beauty, and so many amazing and gifted creatures. Then she just handed over the reins to a nobody like me and expects me to know what to do. I have no clue how to manage a world. Especially a world like this.”
I wanted to tell her she didn’t need to worry about it. That she would go to Harte and never come back. But I was tired of being the one to preach the ugly truth. Tonight, I’d keep my mouth shut so she could enjoy her last night in Rathe. “Don’t worry about it,” I told her. “Everything will be fine.”
The words felt like venom on my lips because I knew it was a lie.
“Do you think you’re ready for Harte?” I asked her.
“Ready as we’ll ever be.” Yara sat on the muddy riverbank and dipped her feet in the water. “I wish I could empower all three of us with the same abilities.”
I sat beside her. “What do you mean?”
“I wish Rownan and Treygan could fly like me. I wish I could shadow the guys. I wish Rownan had the ability to relive memories of Vienna the way merfolk can.”
“Why don’t you talk to Stheno and Euryale? Ask them if you can grant all those abilities.”
Her wings spread a tad, bumping into mine. “Stheno and Euryale can’t just give us new powers. Can they?”
I brushed some glowing pollen off her shoulder. “Medusa used to create new rules all the time. She gifted everyone with the abilities they now have. You’re taking her place. Seems logical that you’d be able to do the same things she did.”
Yara’s eyes were wide with possibilities. She grabbed my head and kissed me on the cheek. “Nixie, you’re a genius!”
Genius. I liked the sound of that.
Trips to the grotto to visit Stheno and Euryale were about as pleasurable as getting cavities filled. The sisters did not like me. I had no faith they’d want to help me, but my request could save the lives of two true sea creatures—both of whom were part gorgon. Surely, Stheno and Euryale would want to help Rownan and Treygan.
I flew to the grotto, shape-shifting into heron form. I flew around the massive cliffs then dove into the water and through the small entrance. I darted inside, navigating through the dark, murky tunnels, then exploded into the main chamber and transformed back into my regular self.
The grotto, as always, smelled like mildew and saltwater. The eternal torches burned at average strength, which meant Stheno and Euryale were awake. At least I wouldn’t have to disturb their sleep.
I walked toward the sound of their tails slithering along the damp floor of the cave. Then the all-too-familiar sound of Mariza vomiting stopped me in my track
s.
I gagged a little too loudly, and Euryale slithered around the corner.
She looked disappointed to see me. As if it could have been anyone else visiting this awful place. “What do you want? It is not our scheduled meeting day.”
“I wanted to talk with you and Stheno, if you have a few minutes.”
“I’m feeding on the memories Mariza brought me.”
“By all means, go ahead. I’ll wait in the den.”
~
Several minutes later, the torches in the grotto burned weaker. It meant my gorgon sisters were relaxed and well fed. Stheno and Euryale slithered into the room.
“What do you want?” Stheno hissed.
I hesitated, second-guessing my plan to ask them for help, but for Treygan and Rownan’s sake, I had to try. “How did it work when Medusa wanted to … change something, or create something new?”
“Be specific, child.” Stheno sounded exasperated. She usually napped after feeding, so if I drew out the conversation too long she would get even crankier.
“Say I wanted to gift Rownan with an ability that merfolk have. Do you two need to approve it?”
Euryale cackled sinisterly, her mustard-colored fangs still had blood on the tips.
Stheno smirked. “We would never approve such a thing. You cannot alter what Medusa created.”
“It’s not a big change, just, like, a present to one of her children.”
“No,” Stheno snapped.
“Why not?”
“This is her world!” Stheno’s bottom fangs extended as she snarled. “Our world. Not yours.”
Euryale slithered closer to me, the end of her tail ticking like a rattlesnake. “We do not like that she sent you here. We did not agree and we do not approve of her decision. If you think we are going to let you redesign what we spent centuries creating, then you are gravely mistaken.”
Dangerous Depths (The Sea Monster Memoirs) Page 10
