by Janelle Peel
Goddess! It was breaking apart! My stomach dropped as we fell from the sky.
Kai grabbed Jin. “It’s too late for that! Collin, come here!”
Collin dashed to the rear of the aircraft. Frantic, he clutched at a bolted-down bench. “I don’t want to die!”
Indecision warred within me. I could do nothing for Riva if we were all dead. I clattered across the crackling ground, and my teeth closed around the band of Collin’s pants.
He took one look at the razor-sharp rows lining my maw and passed out.
Kai leapt through the door.
Lila handed Gaz’s sheath to Skye and stepped inside his arms.
A tendril of wind rushed through the cabin and picked up the pearl. Snatching it from the invisible current, Skye pulled Lila closer. “Come on, Bex!”
Left with no other choice, we abandoned ship.
Flying above the crashing waves, I watched the dirigible burst into flames and hit the water. The ocean churned with a multitude of triangular shapes. Blood spread through the water like ink as the sharks tore into Gazardiel’s wings.
Lila’s painfilled cries shattered my heart.
“Gazardiel! No! We have to go back!”
Skye murmured soothingly and turned her away from the sight.
Kai hovered for a moment with a very shocked Jin dangling from his neck. “There’s nothing we can do for them. We need to land, Bex.”
Though I knew he was right, I couldn’t bring myself to leave.
This was my fault.
Kai gathered some timber and built a large fire.
Jin and Collin huddled in the sand beside the flames, with matching blank expressions.
Exhausted from mourning, Lila snored against my side.
Hesitantly, I met Skye’s mismatched gaze. “Is she…?”
He nodded. “Riva is alive.”
Relief filtered through me.
He lifted his hand, and Riva’s pearl glowed softly against his skin. “I wasn’t sure if it would work for me, but it does. I’d like to see if it works for you as well.”
With trembling fingers, I accepted his offering. The blue light remained.
Glancing at our companions, he continued. “I think it may work for all Fae. The way I see it, we have two options. One, go after Riva. Lila, Jin, and Collin are a liability and will have to remain with Kai.”
Kai’s eyes lit in a ruby hue. “You’re not taking my Mate into the Deep without me.”
Skye frowned. “You are not able to dive, and I cannot spare the energy to keep you safe inside a bubble. Lila probably could, but you would all be vulnerable.”
Before the argument could begin, I interrupted, “Option two?”
“We raise the Gate without her.”
My tone lowered to a deadly growl. “We can’t leave her there, Skye.”
Getting to his feet, he sighed. “I know, Bex.”
The caw of a seagull brought me awake with a start. Sandwiched between Kai and Lila, I slowly untangled myself.
Jin and Collin sprawled in the sand in much the same position as the night before.
Getting to my feet, an endless mat of grass met my eyes. What I’d assumed to be a small island looked more like the coast of Ireland.
In fact, it was. The very hovel where Riva had taken her first bite of peanut butter was a spec in the distance.
The rumble of my stomach drew my attention. Maybe we had left behind some supplies.
Readying for my shift, the sound of Kai’s voice brought me to a halt.
“Bex? Where’s Skye?”
Riva
I came to with the copper tang of blood in the back of my throat. Twisting to the side, I spat.
Gideon gasped in pain beside me. “Do what they want, Riva. Please.”
Caught inside the gaping maw of a shark, he tried to hold as still as possible.
Six more dark shapes slid through the water. Though their tails were familiar, from the waist up they were all predator.
A cold nose bumped into my back none too gently.
The threat was clear. If I refused to follow, they would rip him to shreds.
Diving on autopilot, I acquiesced. I would not be the cause of Gideon’s grisly demise.
The Mershark holding him released its grip but stayed within reach. There was no way we could outrun them even with my power.
Meeting Gideon’s terrified stare, I asked, “What happened?”
Fear and sorrow laced his whisper. “The vision came too late.”
My mind replayed the scene from a watery vantage point.
Three beings fell from a craft suspended high in the air. Their slumped bodies hit the surface and quickly sank.
A commanding presence impregnated my thoughts.
“Bring the Mer. Do what you wish with the winged creature.”
Disappointment filtered through me as my brethren greedily bit into the female’s tender wings. Her terrified screams echoed through my lateral line.
Disgruntled, I latched onto the male Mer just shy of breaking his skin.
The other female who’d accompanied him through his fall began to stir. Her hair swayed in the current. Lit in hues of blue and pink, she spat a mouthful of water.
“Do what they want, Riva. Please.”
The image flipped. Nausea rolled through me with the change in perception.
Gideon groaned in commiseration. “Riva, I’m sorry. I have no control over them.”
Gaz’s cries echoed in my ears. Heaving a stream of bubbles, I buried the recollection and focused on the task at hand.
The seafloor passed by in a blur. As we moved closer to our destination, the abominations surrounding us gnashed their teeth in excitement.
A pair of gates slowly came into view. Pushing them open, a single Mershark waved us through with the twist of one flipper.
The sandy path led to a dominating castle. I strained my eyes; the walls looked to be made of stone, but I’d never seen such craftsmanship. Row after row of black, jagged columns rose to enormous heights. Each piece was similar to a rounded-off square, but different. Packed tightly together, they formed an impenetrable fortress.
A school of barracuda flitted from one spire to the next. Spotting us, they rushed inside.
Lifting a brow at the welcome party, I bumped into Gideon. “Where are we?”
He pointed to the darkness above. Not an ounce of sunlight lit the ocean’s surface.
“The Deep.”
Bex
Of all the stupid things Skye could possibly do he chose this.
Mentally berating myself for my own damned stupidity, I clutched the pearl he’d left behind.
The blue glow appeared to be dimming. I was going the wrong way.
Turning on my heel, I stormed toward a rocky outcropping. A wave crashed against the cliff face and sprayed my face with salty mist. Licking my lips, I glared at the whirlpool below.
Nearly fifty feet down, the water churned with increasing intensity. The sphere inside my palm lit with a bright light.
The Rune Gate was close.
Excited by the prospect, I dashed toward our campsite.
Jin busied himself braiding blades of grass. Multiple sticks lay in disarray at his feet beside a freshly plucked bird.
Collin struggled to build a spit over the fire. Irritated, he grumbled, “This is so stupid.”
Kai met my gaze with a quizzical expression. “Did you find it?”
I grinned. “I believe so. What’s going on here?”
Getting to his feet, Kai glowered at the Mer. “They fear my flames.”
I snorted. “Seriously? Weren’t they snuggled up against them last night?”
Without answering, Kai snatched the gull from Jin. Backing up a few paces, he blew a steady stream of fire down the headless creature’s throat.
The scent of cooked meat lit the air with a pleasant aroma.
Eyes wide, Jin inhaled. “Is it supposed to smell like that?”
Collin grun
ted, “I don’t trust it.”
Hissing and crackling, clear juices began running down the birds’ skin. My mouth watered. “Then don’t eat it. I’ll warn you though. We’re a long way from the Atlantean Kingdom. Perhaps they will be kind enough to feed you when you arrive.”
Jin’s face shuttered. “You’re sending us there? They’ll kill us!”
Lila stood with a spray of sand. She fisted her hands, and her voice turned harsh. “Don’t be such a pussy. Gaz sacrificed her life to get us this far. Riva is gone, and we need help. You will do this.”
Collin froze at her venomous tone. Glancing at Jin, he grudgingly nodded. “If we don’t come back our death is on your hands.”
Her eyes slit. “So be it.”
Gritting my teeth, I attempted to keep the smile from my lips. Here I was expecting a fight, and Lila single-handedly made the Mer toe the line. She had so much of Sora in her it was almost scary.
Kai’s flames cut off. “Who’s hungry?”
Jin
It felt so good to be back inside the sea. Unfortunately, he couldn’t spare even a moment to rejoice.
Hidden behind swaying strands of kelp, he peered at the Mer patrolling the Atlantean border.
His thoughts rolled.
Had his own people made it this far?
Would the King and Queen give them safe harbor if they had?
Shaking himself, he jerked his chin to Collin. The coast was clear.
Collin held up one long finger. Creeping closer, he whispered, “Every fourth pair has a straggler. Wait.”
Jin had seen no such thing. Opening his mouth to argue, he snapped it closed with a click. Sure enough, a lone Mer trailed in the last pair’s wake.
Collin smirked. “Now.”
Keeping to the seafloor, they rushed toward the gate. Bone white, it was built with deadened coral. Sharp spikes adorned every possible access point.
They either had to go over or under. Collin’s idea was to do the latter. Most of the Guards had been looking up for threats.
Wiggling inside a small gap, they scooped out handfuls of silt. A cloud slowly formed.
Slipping beneath the fence, Jin reached for his magic. While the waters of the Arctic headed his call, the Atlantic wasn’t nearly as obedient. Hesitantly, the ocean obeyed.
Collin grabbed two vines of seaweed and twisted them together behind them to hide the gap. It wasn’t the greatest disguise, but with a little bit of luck, the hole would pass a cursory inspection.
Lit from above with flickering rays of sunshine, the tallest spire of the castle shone in the distance. It would take a miracle for them to get that far undiscovered.
Heaving a stream of bubbles, Jin gestured toward the barracks. Gideon mentioned the Atlanteans were aware of the current threat looming on the horizon. Most of the guards should be busy. The easiest way to gain access to the castle was to blend in.
Collin counted down on his fingers.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
“Halt! Who goes there?”
They froze.
A feminine chuckle sounded on the other side of the gate. “Relax, Bron. It’s just me. Queen Luna has retired for the evening. She would like an update.”
“You gave me a start, Judan. Things are calm. How fares the King?”
Judan’s voice lowered, “The usual. Worried. I get the impression there’s trouble in paradise.”
Bron laughed. “Beginning a rule with war on the horizon would put any new pairing on the rocks.”
“True. The Queen specifically asked whether there’s been any news of her sister.”
A somber tone entered Bron’s voice. “I’m afraid not. Pass along my sympathies, would you?”
“I shall. We all grieve the loss of our Princess.”
The gate began to open.
Collin tugged Jin behind a pillar before they could be spotted.
Judan passed by without a backward glance. Her tail fluttered in a brilliant green hue and matched the sheer material wrapped about her waist. Twisted atop her head, her hair looked like spun gold. A single decoration winked out from inside her braids. The Queen’s sigil. She was a lady in waiting.
Though it was risky, Jin tackled the unsuspecting Mermaid in a quick burst of speed. Slapping a hand over her mouth, he whispered, “I have news of the Princess. Will you help us?”
Her blue eyes widened in fear. Mutely, she gestured to a small structure.
Collin’s expression radiated extreme disapproval as he disappeared inside.
Jin couldn’t blame him one bit. He’d single-handedly ruined their entire plan. One thing was certain though. With the number of guards on patrol, they stood no chance of getting inside on their own.
Chapter 15
Luna
Titus had become increasingly agitated. We expected a report from the Pacific by now, and we’d heard nothing.
Prodding the inside of my cheek, I cringed at the taste of fresh blood. Never in my life had I been struck.
Striding to the window, I mentally replayed our argument.
Deftly, Judan began the tedious process of combing my hair.
Titus paced a circuit around our room.
Sensing his rage, I nodded to Judan. “I believe I will retire for the evening. Would you mind checking in with the perimeter for me?”
Titus heaved a frustrated sigh. “I’ve already told you, Luna. There’s nothing to report.”
Settling the shell comb on the vanity, Judan intuited my excuse for what it was. “As you wish, my Queen.” Bowing once, she exited our suite.
Turning on his heel, the orange scales near his eyes winked in the low light. His neatly trimmed blond hair stuck out in odd angles. He frowned, and his tone lowered. “Why do you do this? I am your Mate, yet you go behind my back in front of our servants. Your disrespect is appalling.”
Stunned by his words, I gasped. “What? I do respect you. You are my King.”
He barked a quick laugh. “You question me constantly in public.”
Offended, I strode toward him. “I most certainly do not. We rule here in our Kingdom. It’s the stress, isn’t it? Calm down.”
“Calm down? Your,” he spat, “sister is the sole reason for this mess. A mess I am bound by duty to clean up!” Muttering to himself, he moved to the window. “Look at it, Luna. Our Kingdom is on the verge of war. But you’re so worried over Riva you’re practically useless.”
Padding to his side I snorted. “You’re being ridiculous! Of course I’m worried about her!”
The slap came out of nowhere. I tumbled to the sand with a yelp.
Towering over me, he growled, “I’ll not have you undermine me again.”
Fisting my hands, I glared. “Get. Out.”
A soft knock jerked me out of the memory. Figuring it was Judan, I settled onto the bed and cupped my cheek to hide the evidence. “Come in.”
What I hadn’t expected were the two guards trailing in her wake. One closed the door as the other took up sentry beside it.
Fidgeting with her hands, Judan bowed. “Forgive me, my Queen. I didn’t know what else to do.”
The fear in her tone drew me to her side.
Her eyes rounded in shock. “My Queen!”
Shrugging aside her worry, I tried for a confident smile. “I’m fine, Judan. What’s wrong?”
Gently, she touched my chin with trembling fingers. Her irises darkened to midnight. “He hit you, didn’t he?”
Jin
Rage lit his blood as he took in the bruise forming on her high cheekbone. Unstrapping his helmet, he growled, “Who hit you?”
Judan paled. “The King. Gods, if I’d known why you were sending me away, I never would have left you alone with him!”
Luna lifted a brow. “There’s nothing you could have done, Judan. If you’d tried he would have had you killed. I couldn’t bear the loss. Now, tell me why you seek forgiveness.”
Timidly, Judan wave
d in their direction. “News of the Princess, my Queen. Jin and his brother Collin begged me to bring them to you.”
Luna stilled at the mention of Jin’s name.
Selfishly, Jin took advantage of the moment to inspect her. Rows of carefully woven beads fell from her slender neck and barely covered her large breasts. Her waist narrowed before flaring into wide hips meant for bearing young. Tied at her side, a bolt of sheer teal material barely covered the thatch of hair between her thighs. As she stepped from her maid’s side, turquoise scales winked in and out of view near her temples. The thick fan of lashes highlighting her aqua eyes lowered into a glare.
“Judan, do you know who they are?”
“No, my Queen.”
Luna placed her body between them and Judan. “They are Princes of the Arctic.”
Collin dropped his helmet with a thud. Bowing his head, he murmured, “You’re halfway there. I am Collin. Our father is dead. You stand in the presence of his successor, King Jin.”
Luna crossed her arms, and her lips quirked. “A bit ballsy for a Mer outside his ocean, aren’t you?”
Jin sighed. “Just be thankful he was second born.”
Luna chuckled. Skimming her gaze over them both, she sobered. “What news do you have of my sister?”
Finishing his tale with their arrival, Jin asked the one question plaguing his mind. “Have any of my people sought shelter here?”
Somberly, Luna shook her head. “Not that I am aware of. Judan, have you heard anything?”
Judan froze. “Yes. I’m sorry my Queen, but I thought you knew. A group of Mer arrived two days ago. King Titus saw to it personally.”
Relief filtered through Jin. Thank the Gods!
Luna’s expression hardened. “Where were they taken?”
Judan tipped her head in thought. “I’m not entirely sure. Bron mentioned it last night after drinking too much kelp gin.”
Luna squared her shoulders, and her gaze skipped to the window. “Judan, I need you to bring Bron to my room. Collin, stay here. I will return soon.”
Jin stepped into her path. “What are you going to do?”
Gesturing for him to move, she answered, “I need to speak with my mother.”
Collin blocked the doorway. “You’re not going anywhere alone.”
