Divine Scales

by Jennifer Blackstream

  Emiliana led Marcela farther past the house, down the path where it disappeared into some trees. She followed the woman to a small cottage set a few meters inside the edge of the woods. As soon as Emiliana set foot on the trail that branched off the path and led to the front door of the small dwelling, the door to the cottage swung open and a man appeared.

  He was thin. Not in an underfed way, but rather in a leanly muscled fashion. His clothes were all black, from the strange circular hat on his head to the straight coat and trousers. Even his boots were black. He didn’t look anything like the few wizards Marcela had had a chance to meet, usually when they came to the shore to ask for some bit of nonsense or another like a shell in the shape of a star or a tooth from the third row of a shark’s mouth.

  Even sharks have more colors than this man. Marcela did her best not to stare, offering the man a polite nod.

  “Lady Emiliana.” The man took no notice of Marcela as he called out, his eyes brightening into a glassy-eyed stare and his voice holding the lilting edge that only lovers could manage. “How wonderful to see you.”

  Marcela paused as Emiliana halted, holding a hand up to the man. He flinched at her stony countenance, but the expression was quickly smoothed away into polite curiosity.

  “This is the woman you were told about, Cesar. I trust you’ve prepared the potion?”

  Cesar looked away, not meeting Emiliana’s or Marcela’s eyes. “I did as you asked. If my lady is sure…?”

  “Positive,” Emiliana answered without hesitation. “I assured the prince himself that I would help this young lady, and I intend to do exactly that. Please fetch the potion.”

  Marcela swayed on her feet. Something about the tone of Emiliana’s voice…echoed. Vibrated. Something, she wasn’t sure what. All she could say was that there was more force to the words than there should have been, more… Oh, the sharks take it, she couldn’t think of the word.

  The hesitation melted from Cesar’s face and he swiftly dipped a hand into the pocket of his dark jacket. When he withdrew his hand, he was holding a small blue vial that looked to be encrusted with sea shells. A viscous fluid of some kind rolled inside the glass, barely visible between the cracks of the shells. He held it out to Emiliana who snatched it like a seagull seizing a flying fish. A wide smile split her face as she turned to Marcela.

  “Come with me, mermaid, and we’ll have you back swimming with your family in no time.”

  Marcela stared at the potion. The ghost of a memory slid over her body, reminding her of what it had been like to be in Patricio’s arms. She tilted her head, certain she could hear the echo of their laughter as he’d carried her out over the waves, trying to give her a taste of what she’d lost. In those moments, she’d seen another side to the avenging angel, a side that cared about someone other than himself. If she left now—

  “Marcela!”

  Emiliana’s voice cracked over Marcela like a whip and she jerked back, peering at the noblewoman without really seeing her. Emiliana was horrible, a social climbing harpy who had no business trying to force her way into Patricio’s life.

  He’s a big boy, Marcela, he doesn’t need you to save him.

  “Are you ready to go back to the sea?” A sliver of suspicion frosted her words. “You are not as…enthusiastic as I’d hoped. Surely you’re not having second thoughts? Not after our little chat?” She lifted a shoulder and toyed with the potion in her hand, rolling the delicate neck between her fingers. “Not that Patricio and I wouldn’t love to have you at our wedding. I was under the impression that you wanted to get back to your loved ones. Continue your duties as princess, second in line to the throne.”

  Marcela forced her lips into a tight smile. Despite Emiliana’s threats, she knew the noblewoman’s hold on Patricio was not so sure. The way he’d kissed Marcela had proved that. She could go back, fight for him.

  Fight for him? Listen to yourself! You’ve known him less than two days, and you’re going to leave your world for him? Take the chance that somehow his blasted curse will steal your mind again and leave you as befuddled as you are unwanted by the very angel who cursed you?

  Tension crushed Marcela’s spine in a vise, nearly bending her over with the pressure of making what had started out as such a simple decision. This was her chance to go home. Who knew if she’d be able to find another magic-wielder who could return her to the sea? Was she really willing to risk everything on the chance that Patricio…

  One day of fun did not erase a lifetime of derision. She’d seen Patricio’s true nature when she’d first come to the palace. Was she really going to allow herself to be convinced he’d changed all because of one day?

  “Of course I want to return home.” Marcela voiced her decision before the memory of Patricio’s laugh could change her mind. “Please, lead the way.”

  Emiliana beamed, a true smile this time. She turned and continued down the modest path that had led to the cottage, this time progressing all the way to where a line of trees hid the edge of the cliff.

  Marcela halted at the edge, her breath catching at the gorgeous panorama in front of her. The ocean was a startling, vibrant blue to shame any sky and the frothing white crests of the waves filled the air with rolling laughter. Never in her life had the water looked so perfect, so welcoming. She breathed in, relishing the saltiness of the breeze and the crisp cool air swirling in off the ocean. The scent invigorated her body, eased the tension from her muscles, and lifted her sore spirits. The call of her home returned with a rush, cementing her decision.

  “You’re nearly home, Marcela,” Emiliana whispered, her voice sliding over Marcela like a trail of silk. She held out the potion. “Drink this and then leap into the waves. After your body touches the water, you will be a mermaid again,” she promised, her voice still that same, soft, hypnotic tone.

  Marcela’s eyelids shot up and it was only then that she realized she’d closed them. “Drink this and then leap into the waves.” She glanced from the potion to the sea. The cliff wasn’t terribly high—nothing like the point where the castle overlooked the sea—but still, it wasn’t exactly a small jump. And of course there was that other little problem…

  “How can I be sure the potion will work?” She shook off the fuzziness that seemed to be invading her head with every breeze. She searched Emiliana’s porcelain doll visage for any signs of deception. “I can’t swim with this body.”

  Emiliana uncorked the potion. She held it up for Marcela. “Smell the potion.”

  Doubtful, Marcela accepted the small vial. She sniffed the contents and immediately closed her eyes. Images of Atlantia filled her mind, bombarding her with pictures of red gorgonian coral, Poseidon grass, and the towering pearl-encrusted turrets of her father’s home. She took another breath and sucked in a gasp as the image wavered and she saw her sisters waving at her from the sea.

  Tears burned her eyes. They were so close. Oh, she missed them so terribly. How could she have left them, her friends and confidantes, all for a handsome, arrogant prince who hadn’t even known her name?

  Without another thought, she tilted the vial back, sending the chilly liquid sliding down her throat. Her flesh tingled, her feet throbbing slightly. She’d been expecting pain, something in line with the agony she’d experienced during the sea witch’s spell, but other than some slight discomfort and fuzziness, she felt very little. She swayed as the corners of her mouth tugged upwards. It was actually a pleasant feeling…

  “Now,” Emiliana said softly, “jump.”

  Marcela leapt. She threw her body off the cliff, angling toward the welcoming arms of the sea and the blue haven that awaited her. She could see her sisters’ smiling faces, hear their cries of joy as she returned to them. She split the surface like the smooth blade of a knife, cutting through the water until she was held in the arms of the ocean like a child being welcomed back into her parents’ arms.

  She opened her eyes and winced as the saltwater burned, filling her eye sockets with fire. Sh
e tried to push her way to the surface, closing her eyes against further pain from the salt, confused about why the water should bother her. Her body thrust back and forth in the midst of her attempts to rise through the water and she realized with horror that she had no tail, only the same human legs she’d had before. With that realization came the burning need for air. Her lungs prickled with the need to breathe, sending panic searing across her nerves as she thrashed about in the water, trying to get closer to the surface. Inch by agonizing inch, she fought upward. The light mocked her, the surface so impossibly far away. Just when she was certain she couldn’t make it, her movements growing sluggish and more clumsy, her face broke the surface.

  She choked in a gasp, flailing around to try and stay above water. Desperate, she looked up at the cliff and saw Emiliana standing there.

  “Emiliana!” she cried out. “The potion didn’t work! Help me!”

  Emiliana was too far away for Marcela to see her face. Horror blossomed inside her as Emiliana lifted a hand in a princess wave.

  “Farewell, Marcela!” she called out in a sing-song voice. “I’m so glad I could help. Enjoy the sea!”

  Dread curled up like a giant serpent in Marcela’s belly as the woman stood there for a moment, still waving as if saying goodbye to a dear friend. Panic seized Marcela’s limbs and she screamed as she started sinking, despite her desperate attempts to stay afloat. She held her breath as she fell under the waves again.

  The more she struggled, the more she sank. Panic was her enemy and it grew stronger with every passing second. Instead of one powerful tail beneath her sweeping from side to side to propel her, she had two hinged limbs that went in opposite directions no matter how hard she tried to coordinate them. Tears leaked from her eyes to mingle with the saltwater as she peered up at the vanishing light. Despair closed around her heart as she sank.

  Suddenly something grabbed her hand. Marcela jerked, her heart nearly exploding with terror as she imagined some great shark summoned by her bleeding feet and her desperate struggles. She screamed, struggling to see through the haze of the burning saltwater. A flash of color caught her eye as she realized she was being hauled to the surface. Her scream had let out all of her air and for one dark moment she thought she wouldn’t make it.

  As soon as her head broke the surface, Marcela coughed and spluttered, choking on water as she fought to draw in a breath. For what seemed like ages, she hovered there, held up by someone else’s hands. When she could finally draw a breath without coughing up seawater, she craned her neck to face her rescuer.

  “Adelina?”

  Her sister’s eyes were wide, her lips parted as she stared down at the water. Heat rushed to fill Marcela’s cheeks and shame washed over her in a nauseating wave as her sister stared down at the human legs extending from her body, hanging like the useless lumps of flesh they were, wrapped in the wet tangle of her dress. She started to sink again and Adelina snapped out of her shock enough to pull her higher in the water.

  “Let’s get you to shore,” she said grimly.

  Too exhausted, shocked, and grateful to form any words, Marcela let Adelina turn her onto her back and slide one hand under her arms. Cradled against her sister’s body, she relaxed as she was towed to shore. They crashed through the surf together, Marcela floundering around like a fish on land and her sister doggedly trying to keep Marcela’s face above water. Throughout their ordeal, Adelina’s face remained set with grim determination, the tension in her jaw the only sign of her distress. When they finally reached the sand, Marcela collapsed, never so grateful to be out of the water in her life. Her tears soothed her burning eyes and she rested her forehead on her arm.

  After a few moments, Adelina cleared her throat. “Marcela?”

  Marcela winced, keeping her gaze locked on the sand beneath her. Tiny brown crystals and little shards of shattered seashells, the scent of salt and fish underneath it all. “Yes?”

  For a moment, Adelina was silent. Moments ticked by with not even a sound to tell Marcela if Adelina was moving.

  Finally Adelina pursed her lips. “Really? You’re going to make me ask?”

  Marcela groaned. “Adelina…”

  To Marcela’s horror, her voice broke, a sob tearing from her throat as the emotion of the past twenty-four hours finally caught up to her. She brought up her other arm, hiding her entire face as she burst into soul-wrenching tears. She thought of Patricio and how she’d walked away from him, of Emiliana and how she’d trusted her despite her instincts warning her not to. So many stupid, foolish choices, all her own fault and all the reasons why she was lying half-drowned on a beach while her sister Adelina stroked her hair, not saying a word. What a pathetic excuse for a mermaid she was.

  Eventually her tears ran out, receding like the tide. Marcela pulled herself together, sniffling and struggling to sit up. Her dress was like an ice-cold band of iron around her body, but she ignored it. Untangling herself wasn’t worth having to look at her legs, to bare the full extent of her shame to her sister.

  “Oh, Addy. I’ve been such a fool.”

  “This is to do with the prince, isn’t it?”

  Marcela nodded, a fresh tear sliding down her cheek as she recalled the way she’d sung the prince’s praise while under the influence of his curse—praise for killing her own brother. Oh, that would be a shame she would never live down.

  “You did…this…for him?”

  Marcela nodded again.

  Adelina paused. “How?”

  Marcela looked away, not wanting to see Adelina’s reaction. “The sea witch.”

  “Oh, Marcela!”

  There was the sound of a palm hitting wet sand and Marcela turned to see Adelina leaning back with an arm thrown over her eyes.

  “Please don’t chastise me,” Marcela begged. “I know it was a thoughtless thing to do, really. I can’t bear a dressing down right now.”

  “Thoughtless?” Adelina dropped her arm from her face and sat up. She fixed Marcela with an incredulous stare. “Thoughtless, you say? Going to the most sadistic merperson ever to sour the seven seas is not ‘thoughtless,’ Marcela. It is insanity, pure, undiluted insanity. I don’t even want to know what the price was.”

  Marcela cleared her throat, for all the good that would do her. Might as well get it all out now. “My voice.”

  Adelina groaned. “You mean you don’t sound like that because you nearly drowned? That’s how you speak now?”

  Shame burned on Marcela’s cheeks and she looked away. For some reason, the sound of her voice had stopped bothering her while she was with Patricio. The angel had never appeared to mind, in any case. Now all of a sudden it was as if she was hearing it for the first time and the memory of what she’d lost bowed her shoulders and made it hard to breathe.

  “Oh, Marcela, I’m sorry,” Adeline sighed. “It’s all right. We’ll fix this somehow.”

  “No, we won’t,” Marcela said miserably. “I don’t know anyone powerful enough to reverse the sea witch’s magic.”

  “Then I’ll go to the sea witch.”

  “No!” Marcela grabbed Adelina’s hand and clasped it to her chest, knowing her sister must be able to feel the ferocious pounding of her heart. “No, Adelina, promise me you won’t go to the sea witch. She’ll only make things worse, you know she will.” Images of the dead mermaid in the weeds surrounding the sea witch’s home danced in her mind’s eye and for one horrible second, Adelina was the corpse clutched by those evil plants, held for eternity in their ribbon-like fingers. Fear rose in such a strong, bitter surge, Marcela nearly gagged.

  “I’ll promise no such thing,” Adeline answered curtly. “I am the eldest, and I’ll do what I please. And if I want to go to the sea witch to help my sister, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

  “Oh, Adelina, please.” Marcela could hardly breathe through her panic. Darkness tried to eat the edges of her vision, her chest tightened. She’d learned her lesson about the sea witch. Now she knew that her decisio
n had been largely influenced by Patricio’s curse and she couldn’t imagine ever going to the horrid merwoman again. If Adelina went to her and ended up…

  “Adelina, there is one more possibility. There’s a witch that the prince knows. I’m going to talk to her, beg her to help me. She might be able to undo the sea witch’s magic.”

  “And the chances of that working?” Adelina pressed. “If it were so easy, you would have done it already. What do you know about this witch?”

  I know she hates the prince. “Let me talk to her first. Please, Adelina, before you do anything so rash as talk to the sea witch, let me at least exhaust every other option first.”

  Adelina crossed her arms, driftwood colored eyes staring at Marcela for a long time as she flipped her fiery orange tail back and forth in the surf. Finally, she looked away. “Very well. You have twenty-four hours. If you’re not in Atlantia by then, I’m going to the sea witch.”