The Broken Queen

Chapter 13

Brandon's broken expression haunted my nightmares that night. It wasn't just him, however. Others were there, too. All familiar faces, each wearing broken or haunted expressions. All ghosts of mine or my family's past.

I couldn't breathe as I stared at them, faces I'd never thought I'd see again. All of a sudden, a new scenario appeared, this one equally as heartbreaking. A grave, little water lilies resting in front of the headstone. Mermaids and mermen alike were gathered in front of it, each wearing dresses and suits of dark blue, the color of my eyes.

An elderly merman with graying hair, a black suit, and tie swam up, carrying a small booklet in his hands. This was Cedros, the Soul Keeper, I realized with a chill. I'd never seen him in person before; I'd only heard legends about him. He presided over the Afterworld, where every merperson went after they died; that is, of course, if your soul was pure. My heart broke anew as I looked around at the crowd of people, my eyes falling on familiar faces, huddled together crying.

Bella. David. Jay. Drew. Faye. The latter was clutching Bella's hand, her pale face splotchy with tears. Bella's face was buried in David's shoulder as she sobbed. David himself seemed to be holding back tears as his hand rested on Jay's shoulder, a comforting touch. Jay's hand held Drew's, the latter's eyes wide as he looked from Jay to the grave and back again.

As I looked at Jay, a chill went through me, as cold as the darkest reaches of the ocean. I recognized his expression all too well: the blank gaze, the cheeks stained with tears, the red-rimmed eyes. Confusion flowed through me as I looked at them, one question flowing through my head: Who died?

I wasn't in control of my body as I swam in front of the gravestone. A hand flew to my mouth as shock zoomed through my body like lightning. The words on the stone were clear and distinct, the name of the deceased like a punch to the gut. Here lies Nerissa Hope Singh, a wonderful queen, loving sister and wife. A light in the darkness and a soul whose life was taken from these waters too soon. May she feel no pain as her soul rests for eternity.

It was like an out-of-body experience. I just floated there, staring blankly at the words. When I got control over my body again, I swam toward the others, trying to decipher some of the conversation.

"Did you get any sleep last night?" That was Bella, directing the question toward Jay.

Exhaustion covered every inch of his face as he rubbed a hand over his jaw, stubble coating it. I wondered how long it'd been since he'd last shaved. Or slept.

When he looked at her, his gaze was blank as he opened his mouth. "No. Every time I close my eyes, I see her." Though I couldn't hear him, I knew his voice had broken on the last word.

David opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Cedros spoke. I clapped a hand over my mouth in an attempt to muffle the gut-wrenching sob that escaped before I realised no one could hear me. Through blurry vision, I stared at Cedros, dreading the words that would pour from his mouth.

We are gathered here on this very somber day to celebrate the life of Nerissa Hope Singh. Her loved ones described her as a light in the darkness, a ray of sunshine on the darkest of days. As queen, Nerissa could be described as thoughtful and kind. She was beloved by her subjects, whom she loved dearly. Though Nerissa struggled daily with her deafness, she did not let it stop or define her. She is survived by her husband Jay Daniel Singh, and their friends David James Solomon and his sister Isabella Marie Solomon.

I swiped at the tears, but they just kept coming. When the hand landed on my shoulder, I flinched so hard I startled myself. A mermaid floated in front of me, her blue eyes kind as they stared at me. Her brown hair was wavy, flowing around her shoulders. Recognition slammed into me with the force of a slap. This was Jay's mother. Queen Alicia. I immediately bowed, my eyes gleaming with tears.

She put a hand on my back, stopping me. I straightened, a chill running through me as our eyes met. You must be Nerissa. I've heard all about you.

I started to inquire as to who could've told her about me, but froze as another mermaid appeared beside her. Familiar brown eyes gleamed with tears, her red-gold hair flowing around her shoulders. Meri. A lump appeared in my throat, making it impossible for me to do anything but stare at my sister, whom I never thought I'd see again.

You don't belong here, Nerissa. Jay needs you. Your family needs you. Noah and Brandon are watching you. All of you. Be careful around them. Alicia's face was expressionless as she signed, her gaze deadly serious.

Before I could even begin to attempt to form a response, she disappeared. Meri was crying as she looked at me. I had no idea, Rissa, about Jay's parents. I didn't even know he had a brother.

My hands were moving completely on their own as I signed. I didn't either. I found out a few months after you died.

She suddenly looked over her shoulder, eyes widening in fear. When she turned back to face me, her skin was pale, her hands shaking as she signed. You need to go, Nerissa. Go back to your husband, who loves you more than anything. But heed Alicia's warning. Don't let Noah cost you everything.

Whatever I had expected our conversation to be like (not that I had ever expected this conversation to happen) that definitely was not on the list of topics. I wanted to know more, but her image started to blur and fade. She gave me one last sad smile before my vision blurred completely and I opened my eyes.

Concerned faces stared at me, all lined with worry. I squeezed Jay's hand, swallowing a sob as I thought of his mother. One question burned in my mind, a question I had not let myself dare contemplate, for fear of it possibly coming true: Was that my future?

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