by Janelle Peel
Laughter broke out in tandem with cheers and whistles.
Rowe guffawed. “Oh my God! That was so awesome!”
Mason sighed. “My day just got a lot more difficult.”
Riva paled. “Apologies, Mason. My power only reacted to her threat.”
I smirked. “It’s fine. Syn doesn’t like change and hates not being the center of attention. She’ll get over it.” Glancing back at the mat, I pitched my voice louder. “Jonas! You’d better go talk to your kitty.”
Shoulders hunched, Jonas grumbled, “Yeah, yeah.”
Watching Jonas exit, Riva leaned against my shoulder. “Did I pass?”
If I had any doubts about her going to the market, she’d put them all to rest. She could definitely take care of herself. I snorted. “Yes.”
Gideon
Nearing Atlantean waters his thoughts rolled with King Titus’s orders.
Pacing around his throne the night before, Titus tugged at his blond hair. “Speed is key, Gideon. Riva must be found at all costs.”
Kneeling on the packed sand, Gideon nodded. “It will be done. Hopefully our Seer will be able to locate the Princess.”
Titus sighed. “Yes.”
Getting to his feet, he stepped onto the dais. “Relax, Titus. The last time you were so tightly wound you nearly botched your coronation. I can still recall the look on your father’s face.”
Titus barked a quick laugh. “I don’t know how anyone could memorize that oath. It was four pages long!”
Gideon chuckled. “This is true, but one should know their ancestors’ names. Calling your great-grandfather asshole instead of Azoo was the highlight of the evening. People still speak of it to this day.”
Titus groaned. “Don’t remind me.” He turned on his heel, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “There’s something else, Gideon.”
A feeling of foreboding settled inside his gut. “What is it?”
Moving closer, Titus cupped his hands and spoke directly into Gideon’s ear.
Gideon sucked in a sharp breath. “I cannot! She is royalty!”
Titus hissed, “You must! If Riva refuses, imagine how many will die. Our Kingdoms will fall. Does Chessa’s life mean nothing to you?”
The mention of his daughter’s name sent a spear of pain into his heart. He growled, “Tread carefully, my King.”
Throwing up his arms, Titus motioned for calm. “It is not a threat, Gideon. Chessa’s life hangs in the balance. I need you to understand this.”
Bile pooled in the back of Gideon’s throat. “I understand, Titus.”
Jerking out of the recollection, images of Chessa’s cheeks flitted through Gideon’s mind. She wasn’t his own, but he’d raised her as such after his sister died during childbirth. At twelve years old she was his entire world.
Titus’s words invaded the memory.
“You must take Riva’s life if she falls into another’s hands or refuses to come home.”
Chapter 8
Riva
My neck ached from staring up at the monstrosities blotting out the sun. Taller than the spires from my home, I wondered how the humans had managed to build them.
Bex quipped, “They’re skyscrapers, Riva. Relax and pay attention. The market is just ahead.”
I voiced a portion of my thoughts. “They’re huge, Bex. Are there more in this land?”
“Not really. The only reason we have these is because Sora’s magic saved them when the Demons invaded.” Grunting, she changed the subject. “Damn, Riva. You’re killing me. We should have taken the car.”
Nope. I wouldn’t get in that metal contraption for all the chocolate in the world. Her bribery fell flat the moment she switched it on.
Snickering at her complaints, I focused on the path beneath my feet. It appeared to be stone, but the surface was much too smooth. The texture was rough like hardened sand.
“Now you’re looking down. It’s a sidewalk for fuck’s sake.”
“Why does it cover the earth?”
Bex sighed. “So people can walk on it.”
“It hurts my heels.”
Sarcasm laced her reply. “I told you to wear shoes.”
My nose scrunched. “They felt weird. I don’t know how you can stand them.”
The soft rumble of a large crowd halted our bickering as we turned a corner.
I froze. Never had I seen such mayhem.
Tables lined either side of the road, with colorful pieces of fabric crisscrossing above them. Packed between them like a school of fish was a multitude of people. The shades of their skin intrigued me as the dull roar turned into excited shouts.
“Fresh apples!”
“Paper! I have paper here!”
A woman drew my gaze. Her soft whisper carried to my ears. “Please, sir. It’s all I have. The trade is fair.”
Clutching the hem of the female’s tattered skirt was a child. Dirt marked the ridge of her brow, and the hollows of her cheeks shone in stark relief beneath her wide brown eyes.
They were starving. Before I realized it, I was moving toward them.
The bald male opposite them shook his head. “I have enough trinkets. Gold isn’t what it used to be. Go on now, off with you both.”
The woman hunched her shoulders in defeat. Taking the girl’s hand, she lowered to one knee. “Come on, little one. We’ll figure something out.”
“I’m hungry, Mama. The bread smells so good. Please?”
My chest pinched in sympathy. Nearing their side, I smiled. “Hey there. What seems to be the problem?”
The female startled. After a brief hesitation, she mumbled, “Nothing, miss.”
Sticking out her lip, the child pouted. “I want some bread. This man,” she waved her small hand in his direction, “says we can’t pay.”
Bex watched our interaction with a critical eye. She tipped her chin, and her irises hardened to shards of ice. “Is that so?”
The man paled. “My apologies. I didn’t realize a representative of the Clutch would be here today.”
A low growl rumbled from Bex’s chest. “Tell me, where do you get the grain to make your bread?”
He stammered, “F-from y-you.”
“Correct. All are welcome here except those who take advantage of others. This is the second time I’ve caught you doing just that. Your invitation is hereby rescinded. Give me your medallion.”
With a shaking hand he reached into his pocket. “Please. I’ve nowhere else to go.”
Bex shook her head. “Neither do they.”
Brazenly, the girl spoke up. “I have an idea.”
All eyes swung to her.
She blushed but didn’t cower. “Allow him to stay on one condition. Make him let my mom and I work in his bakery. We need a place to stay anyway.”
Shocked, the woman hissed, “Jill!”
The man nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes. Please?”
Lifting a brow, Bex looked to me expectantly.
It seemed the decision was mine. “Only if it is okay with her mother.”
Hope lit the female’s weathered face. “We’ve been searching for work. I agree.”
As they hashed out the details, Bex pulled me away. Quietly, she whispered, “That was interesting.”
I frowned. “Are all the people here like that?”
“Not all, no. That child was brilliant though.”
Weaving through the crowd, I chuckled. “She sure was. What’s the deal with the medallion?”
“The medallion grants each seller certain rights within the city. The majority of food comes from us. Well, from Nat. She’s the Earth Fae. Until the people are able to sustain their own food sources, we help them.”
I’d never had to deal with such things. Then again, our way of life had always remained the same. It was nearly impossible to imagine how difficult it would be to rebuild if we lost everything.
Lost in thought, I bumped into someone. Backpedaling, I went to apologize but couldn’t. My mouth simply refused
to obey my command.
Bex snorted. “Put those away, Skye. You’re drawing too much attention.”
Rolling his shoulders, the downy arches shadowing his broad shoulders disappeared in a blink. “Come on, Bex. It’s fun. You should try it sometime.” He paused, and his mismatched gaze met mine. “Who is this gorgeous creature?”
Nudging me in the ribs, Bex replied, “This is Riva. Riva, meet Skye. He’s become rather cocky over the last year, but he’s still a big softy.”
Unable to process the image of his wings, I blurted, “What are you?”
His answering laugh caused butterflies to dance inside my stomach. My cheeks heated. Shoving aside the traitorous response, I focused on his cerulean hair. The short length showcased the point of one ear.
Clearing his throat, he confirmed what I already deduced. “I’m half Angel, half Air Elemental.”
Bex’s brow furrowed. “When did you get back?”
He shrugged. “Today, actually. You?”
“Same. Kai and I brought Riva back to speak with Sora. We found her in the Atlantic near the UK.”
One blue and the other white, Skye’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That water is freezing! Were you shipwrecked?”
Crossing my arms, I answered, “No, and it’s not that cold. Flying on Bex’s back was much worse.”
Bex snickered. “Riva was looking for the Rune Gate.”
Skye’s face lit with confusion. “Wasn’t it lost in the ocean?”
Leaning closer, Bex whispered, “Yes, and Riva is a Mermaid.”
Our trip to the market was abruptly cut short.
Walking behind Skye, I watched the dark material encasing his thighs bunch and release with each step. He wasn’t as big as Blaze, but he was close. The muscles beneath his white tee rippled as his strong arms swung with his forward motion. How his wings were able to appear through the fabric without a trace was beyond me.
A soft breeze ruffled through my hair, and a voice spoke directly into my ear. “Hurry up, Riva.”
Goosebumps pricked the back of my neck. Who said that?
It came again. “You’re falling behind.”
Skye glanced back at me. “It’s just me. Keep up or I’ll carry you.”
Bex stopped midstep. “What an excellent idea.” Tossing me a cheeky wink, she shifted in a bright shimmer. Her fur rippled with gorgeous iridescent sparkles as she leapt from the ground. Fanning her wings, she rocketed toward the mansion.
Glowering, I reached Skye’s side.
Offering his hand, he cajoled, “Come on. It’s not that bad.”
Placing my palm in his, I glared. “I hate flying.”
Squeezing my fingers, he smiled. “I’ll be gentle. Close your eyes if you like.”
Tipping my chin, I looked over his shoulder. “Don’t you have to, you know, get your wings out?”
“No.”
Before I could respond, the wind increased. My feet lifted from the ground inch by inch. I gasped.
His lips twitched. “Hush. It’ll be over soon.”
Closing my eyes, I refused to look down.
“What’s it like to be a Mermaid, Riva? Do you have a tail?”
Taking advantage of his distraction, I pitched my voice to be heard above the roar of air. “It’s amazing, and, yes, I have a tail. My fins match my hair.”
“Are your scales like the pink ones near your temples?”
“Uh-huh.”
He chuckled. “Look, Riva.”
Stubbornly, I shook my head.
His tone lowered to a soft whisper. “You’re safe. I won’t let go.”
Grinding my teeth, I decided to take a peek. My mouth dropped open in awe.
Roads flew by with dizzying speed. People milled about on patches of grass like specs of shrimp. This was nothing like riding on Bex. Instead of being cold I was pleasantly warm. As we rose higher, a vast field of blue entered my vision. Tears pricked my eyes as the surf lapped against the shoreline.
Skye’s expression lit with sympathy. “Do you want to go?”
Jerkily, I nodded. Nothing compared to the sweet, salty caress of the ocean.
“Okay. We cannot stay long though.”
My skin ached with longing. I’d never been away from the sea.
Two breaths later Skye touched down. The ease in which he navigated the breeze was astounding, but I couldn’t spare him even a moment of gratitude. Dropping his hand, I rushed to the gurgling waves.
Bliss exploded from my heels to my thighs as I waded deeper. Blessed peace at last.
Skye shouted, “Not too far, please! Bex will wonder where we’ve gone!”
Waving back at him I desperately struggled to shuck the pants I’d borrowed. I needed freedom! My foot slid out from under me and sent me sprawling. Instantly, gills sprouted on my ribs. Gripping the wet unyielding material wrapped around my hips, I foundered. Fuck!
Strong hands latched onto my shoulders. Skye’s face seemed blurred from my vantage beneath the water. After a moment his fingers shifted to the band of my leggings. Understanding his intent, I braced myself.
A horrible popping sounded as he split the fabric in two. My tail exploded in a bright light. Basking in the gentle lull, I broke the surface with a grin. “Thank you.”
Surprise flitted across his features before settling into a look of sheer terror. “No!”
Pain bowed my spine with a scream.
Bex
What was taking them so long? They should have been right behind me. Perhaps Riva was being stubborn. Shaking out my ruff, I decided to search for them.
The ground passed by in a blur as I retraced my path. Nothing of note stood out.
Where could they be?
An anguished scream pierced my sensitive ears.
My thoughts spiraled. Goddess, Riva!
Kicking my paws, I followed the pained sound for a beat before it cut off.
I panned the horizon, and relief flitted through me as I spotted Skye’s familiar shape heading toward the mansion. Riva’s head lolled against the crook of his elbow.
A snarl ripped from my chest before I could catch it. What had he done?
Picking up my pace, I touched down on the lawn seconds after Skye did.
Gripping Riva’s jaw, Skye pleaded, “Look at me! Riva! Please, open your eyes!”
Anxiety coursed through me, rushing my shift. Blood splattered on the blades of grass as I choked out a strangled cough on all fours. Healing heat rippled across my chest.
Skye shook her again. “Bex! I need you!”
Rushing to his side, I pulled Riva from his grasp. “What did you do to my sister!”
Opening and closing his empty hands, he whispered, “I took her to the ocean. She had a problem with her pants. I… helped her.” Closing his eyes, he added, “She… thanked me.”
Gideon
Pacing the hallway, he threw the guard another glare. Respecting the privacy of their Seer was paramount, but this was quickly becoming ridiculous. He had important news to share. Why couldn’t they see that?
The handle turned, and the guard snapped to attention.
Eyes downcast, a timid maid stepped through the gap. “She will see you now, Gideon.”
Finally. Straightening the bolt of green fabric wrapped about his hips, he strode to the door.
A gilded trident barred his entry.
Heaving a sigh, Gideon plucked the volcanic glass knife from its sheath. Flipping it once, he offered the butt end to the guard.
Taking the blade, the guard moved aside with a satisfied expression.
Clenching his fists, Gideon crossed the threshold. The door closed behind him with a soft thump.
He’d never been inside the inner sanctum of their Seer and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Suspended in a bubble near the ceiling, a single jellyfish lit the room in a warm glow. Its skirt rippled through the water like seaweed twisting in a smooth current.
Continuing his inspection, he frowned. The walls held no adornment
s, nor windows. In fact, the only furnishing available was a single stone chair with its legs partially buried beneath the sand.
A voice rasped from everywhere and nowhere at once. “Sit.”
Left with nothing else to do, Gideon sat.
“Why have you come?”
He tried to pinpoint her location but failed. Indecision filtered through him. He needed to know about Riva, but what exactly did she already know? Drumming his fingertips on his thighs, he decided on a partial truth. “I seek the heart of the ocean.”
The light above him dimmed to a pinprick. After a moment, it winked out entirely. Chills skittered down his spine. She was there… watching him… judging his worth.
“The heart is not here.”
Squinting his eyes, he tried again to see. The fruitless venture left him more irritated than before. He ground out, “Show yourself.”
“Such insolence. You come before me in need of help, yet you bark orders like a seal pup. Pity, Gideon. I had hoped the guardian of my successor would be more competent.”
Fear tightened his chest. Chessa. No!
“When I leave the sea, she alone will inherit my sight. Her life hangs in the balance. Do not make me ask again.”
Bowing his head, he tempered his tone. “She’s but a child, Seer. Please, I beg of you. Choose another.”
Empty silence met his ears.
Panicked, he shouted, “Wait! Poseidon is awakening because Riva walks on land. She holds the heart. King Titus has ordered her death if I can’t bring her back. This is all I know!”
A bright light flashed, stinging his dilated pupils with its intensity. Blinking back tears, he froze at the scene before him.
The large chamber had transformed. Twisting in his seat, he struggled to process the scene before him.
What had begun as one jellyfish became hundreds. Shells decorated the walls in every color imaginable. Secured between them, coral shelves showcased a vast array of aged scrolls. Gurgling merrily near the window beside him was a large pool. Tightly woven cords held a large hammock tucked away in one corner. Lounging inside its cozy embrace, the Seer appeared.
Though wrinkles lined her face, he recognized her instantly. He gasped. “Great Gran?”
