Chapter 139
Anticipation is thick in the air the next morning as we all convene on the ship’s deck.
The salty breeze tangles my hair, and the rhythmic sound of waves against the hull fills the air. Around me, crew members dart between tasks, carrying equipment and securing gear. The tang of the ocean mingles with the faint metallic scent of the ship, grounding me in the present moment even as my nerves threaten to take hold.
The Euclideans gather near the railing, their movements fluid and precise, a stark reminder of their otherworldly nature. Wake stands close to me, his solid presence a small comfort in the chaos. His expression is unreadable, but his sharp eyes miss nothing.
As I glance across the deck, my gaze locks onto Tyler. He’s hauling gear with his usual casual ease, chatting with a couple of the crew. I can’t resist making my way over. He notices me approaching and breaks into an easy grin.
“Well, look who’s becoming a real Nereid,” he says, his tone teasing. Then, as if catching himself, he falters. “I mean, you kind of are, aren’t you? You know, with the fins and everything.”
I laugh despite myself. “Careful, Tyler. Your shock might be showing.”
He chuckles, leaning against a crate. “Hey, I didn’t expect my summer gig to involve mermaids. But at this point, I guess nothing should surprise me.”
I cross my arms, smirking. “I’m almost ready to forgive you for sending us to the Airbnb from hell.”
Tyler snorts, shaking his head. “Hey, it was a perfectly nice bungalow until someone decided to play lightning god.”
We both laugh, and for a moment, the tension lifts. It feels good to share a light moment, even if it’s fleeting.
“What’s the plan while we’re gone?” I ask, nodding toward the bustling crew.
He shrugs, brushing his hands off on his shorts. “There’s about two tons of squid that aren’t going to clean themselves. We’ll prep it and deliver half to the mainland before dropping the rest off with the Euclideans. Don’t worry—we’ll see each other soon enough.”
Cora’s voice cuts through the noise, calling my name. I glance over and see her waiting near the railing. “Guess it’s time,” I say, turning back to Tyler. “See you soon.”
“Good luck out there,” he replies, giving me a mock salute. His grin fades slightly as I jog back toward the group, and I wonder if he knows more than he’s letting on.
When I reach the others, Khale steps forward, his tall frame towering over us. His posture is rigid, his dark hair slicked back, and his green eyes sharp. “Listen carefully,” he says, his voice cutting through the hum of activity. “The Euclidean village is not like your clans or human cities. There are rules. Protocol. Respect is paramount. Follow my lead, stay close, and do not speak unless addressed directly.”
I glance at Wake, who stands beside me, arms crossed and jaw set. There’s a flicker of defiance in his eyes, but he wisely keeps quiet.
“Ready yourselves,” Khale commands.
With that, the group dives over the railing in unison, the splash swallowed by the vast expanse of the ocean. I hesitate for a split second before following, the cold water enveloping me instantly. The transformation is immediate and familiar, the rush of energy flooding my veins as my legs meld into a shimmering tail. Around me, the Euclideans transform as well, their forms shifting in ways that take my breath away.
Khale’s tail resembles a thresher shark, sleek and deadly with a whip-like extension that slices through the water. Silo’s lower half is a mass of octopus tentacles, each one moving with mesmerizing precision. Arista’s tail shifts colors like a cuttlefish, a kaleidoscope of hues blending seamlessly as she glides through the water.
“It’s amazing,” I whisper, my voice carried by the water.
Wake swims beside me, his movements powerful and fluid. Together, we follow the group as they descend deeper and deeper into the ocean. The light fades, the vibrant blues giving way to darker, murkier tones. The vastness of the sea presses in on us, an endless void stretching in every direction.
Ahead, Khale vanishes into the rocky face of an underwater cliff. Wake’s hand shoots out, stopping me in my tracks. His eyes narrow as he studies the dark opening.
“Cora,” he calls, his voice steady but tinged with caution.
She swims back to us, her expression calm. “Don’t worry,” she says, gesturing toward the entrance. “They’re dormant lava tubes. Stay close—it’s easy to lose your way.”
We follow her into the narrow tunnels, the jagged black walls closing in around us. The space is tight, forcing us to move single file, and the sharp turns leave me disoriented. My pulse quickens as I struggle to keep Cora in sight, the oppressive darkness making the walls feel closer than they are.
Finally, the tunnel opens up, and we emerge into a dazzling underwater world. My breath catches as I take in the Euclidean village.
Structures carved from stone rise from the lagoon floor, their surfaces adorned with mother-of-pearl, sea glass, and coral. Spires twist upward, catching the faint light that filters down from above. The designs are intricate, delicate, a stunning contrast to the rugged volcanic walls surrounding us. Above, a faint shaft of sunlight breaks through the water’s surface, casting dappled patterns across the village.
“Welcome to Hale,” Cora says, her voice filled with quiet pride. “The Euclidean home. We’re at the bottom of an extinct volcano, flooded centuries ago. Part of the village extends above water, and the Euclideans are accustomed to trading their tails for legs regularly.”
“It’s incredible,” I breathe, unable to tear my eyes away.
Our awe is short-lived. Khale comes to an abrupt stop, his body tense. A booming voice echoes through the water, reverberating in my chest.
“HALT! Reveal yourselves!”
A royal war party emerges from the shadows, their weapons gleaming and their postures rigid. Their leader steps forward, his piercing gaze locking onto Khale.
Khale raises his arm, his voice steady. “We come in peace, bearing guests under my protection.”
The tension is palpable, the water around us heavy with unspoken threat. Wake shifts closer to me, his presence a silent reassurance.
Cora swims forward, her head held high. “They are with me,” she says, her tone commanding.
The leader studies her for a long, tense moment before nodding. “Proceed.”
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