Waveborn | The Oceane Series

Thirty

The news we received the morning of the baby shower overwhelmed me. Thankfully, it wasn't bad news when I forced Delmare to get out of bed and run with me to the medical wing where Claire had spent the last three days. When we arrived, Claire was upright in bed, flowers sitting on her bedside table, and her husband and son standing beside her.

"Hi, dear."

I couldn't control myself as I ran toward her, pulling her into a tight hug as I cried. "I'm so happy you're alright!"

She laughed, pulling away from me before handing me a box of tissues, which I gladly took. "I'm better than alright." She paused. "Don't you have a baby shower this afternoon?"

"Yes." I nodded, taking a seat in the armchair near her bed, as I wiped the tears from my eyes and looking over at her expectantly. "What did the doctor say?"

"Well, they have to run a few tests, but I should be cleared to go home." She smiled. "I may not make it to your baby shower, but I would like to visit sometime soon."

"Of course." I grinned, looking back at Delmare who smiled. "We'd love to have you and your family come visit."

"Great." Claire smiled before grabbing Adam's hand. "Now, run along before you miss your party!"

With a nod, I stood, grabbing Delmare's hand as we made our way out of the castle doors and toward our home in Arcania.

***

By the time we arrived home, I was exhausted; it had taken us nearly three hours to get there. As soon as we entered the castle, we were overwhelmed with pink, blue, and purple balloons and streamers lining the castle's walls. I let go of Delmare's arm and made my way through the halls and toward our room, hoping I could get some sleep before the guests arrived.

Shutting our bedroom door behind me, I kicked my shoes off, practically ripping my clothes off before I crawled into bed. Just as I was about to close my eyes to fall asleep, our door opened again as Delmare walked into the room, before he crawled in beside me. Rolling onto my back, I couldn't help but run my fingers through his hair, smiling to myself as he fell swiftly asleep. Once he did, the exhaustion overtook me, pulling me into my dreamscape.

The sound of the waves crashing onto the shore pulled me along as I walked barefoot across the white powdery sand of the beach. The world seemed so real to me, as if I wasn't dreaming at all. I continued towards the approaching waves, breathing in the salty air, enjoying the lull of the sea as I walked. When my toes finally touched the water, the world around me seemed to slow as someone rose from the water before me. I stared in disbelief as the blue-skinned woman rose above the water, the waves brushing against her toes while her midnight blue hair floated around her as if she was still underwater. Her eyes shone a bright silver when she smiled at me, the waves clinging to her skin, barely covering her naked body. I looked away, a blush creeping across my skin, and I heard the mysterious woman laugh. She seemed so familiar, as if I had seen her before.

"There is no need to be embarrassed, Anna," she said, her voice sounding so beautiful I couldn't help but gasp. I turned to look at her, wondering if I was imagining things. "My, I see what my great-grandson sees in you."

"How do you—" I paused, taking a step toward her before thinking better of it, and jumping back. "You're Keilani, Delmare's great-grandmother, right? Why am I here? Where am I?"