Blood On The Altar

Chapter 18

When the sun streamed through the windows the next morning, I'd been awake for hours. As I'd laid awake last night, too afraid to risk nightmares, a plan (however crazy it turned out to be) had started to take shape in my mind. Aunt Meri's message had given me an idea. "'You need to keep an eye on Jay's parents. I don't think Ronan is done with them yet. He may have another plan up his sleeve, one none of you can anticipate.'"

Well, I would have an equally shocking plan up my own sleeve. But I would need my grandparents' and my aunt and uncle's help to do it. I left Kai sleeping soundly in our room as I grabbed a cloak and swam out of the palace. The water was still, the current calm. Thanks to the early hour, not many mermaids or mermen were out and about yet. Which was exactly what I needed. I arrived in Pelathas just before noon, the sun shining high above the water.

I'd barely l approached the palace before a mermaid swam outside, clothed in black and red. "Izzy? What's going on?" Aunt Bella's voice was filled with concern as she looked at me. I opened my mouth to explain, but I didn't get a chance. Uncle David was beside her a heartbeat later, concern on his face.

My heart hurt as I stared at them, eyes filled with concern and love. I took another deep breath, then dove in. "Ronan is now plotting to kill me to get revenge for the death of his sister. Apparently he wants my parents to suffer the same way his parents did. By..." I swallowed hard, trailing off. "Killing me and taking away their child."

The expressions on Aunt Bella and Uncle David's faces were nothing short of terrified. "But," I added quickly, anticipating their reactions, "I have an idea of how to trick him. I'm going to need your help."

I exhaled heavily as I waited for their responses. Both of them grabbed my hands, squeezing gently. "Whatever you need." Uncle David's voice was unwavering, his gaze steady as he stared at me.

I took a steadying breath and blew it out, taking a moment to calm my racing heart. "You remember two years ago, when I destroyed the Lost Soul Pendant by releasing it into the sun?" My voice wavered at the end, but I swallowed the tears down.

I could see recognition slowly dawn on their faces as they nodded. Uncle David's face darkened at the memory.

The tears came hot and fast, spilling down my cheeks. "I'm going to destroy the Loyalty Pendant by doing that exact same thing. But..." I trailed off, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I have to make Ronan believe it killed me." I saw the exact moment the truth dawned on both their faces.

"Izzy, no. It's too dangerous." Uncle David's voice was firm as he spoke, his grey eyes hard.

I shook my head. "I have to do this. It's the only way to get him to leave us alone for good. There is one more thing, however."

Their expressions never wavered as I looked down at their hands clasped in my own. "I can't let Kai know about this. If he knew, he'd do everything he could to stop me. Promise me you won't tell him. Or Mom and Dad. None of them. Can you do that?"

They hesitated, glancing at each other. I knew they hated to keep anything from Dad, but I also knew they would do anything to help. "What do you need us to do?" My grandmother asked, her eyes fixed on my face.

"Get as many people to the Whispering Reef as you can. I have a feeling we're going to need a crowd for this." My voice never broke, even as my heart shattered into pieces.

In turn, they hugged me tightly, neither letting go for a few moments. I wished I could stay in their embraces forever. But I knew I couldn't. My hands shook as I left their suite, my grandparents on my tail. When we finally emerged into the open water, they locked eyes with me one last time, their faces filled with desperation. My own was filled with resolution, my dark green eyes solemn. "I'll see you at the Whispering Reef."