A Mermaid's Curse

Chapter 22

I was up early the next morning, way before the sun had even risen over the water. A crazy idea had started to take form in my mind when I awoke, as if I'd somehow prompted it. I was going to go to all the towns surrounding Aegrem (not including Nepptheas), and see if I could convince them to join the fight. I wouldn't stop until my aunt and uncle's reign was no more, until Nepptheas had just and kind rulers.

I got dressed quickly, my hands surprisingly steady despite the adrenaline rushing through my veins. I left a note for Kai, telling him where I would be and to come find me when he woke. I sped through the various hallways, my heart beating wildly. My first stop was Aegrem, to inform Mom and Dad of my plan.

I appeared calm on the outside, but on the inside, I was a swirling mess of nerves and anxiety. When I got to the palace, I paused at the entrance, taking several deep breaths and calming my heart. There was no room for nerves today.

A few minutes later, my heartbeat finally slowed. Despite the early hour, servants were hard at work, getting ready for the day. A couple of them nodded or inclined their heads toward me, but the best I could do was a grim smile.

I allowed myself one more deep breath, steeling myself. My hand was steady as I knocked on the door. A few seconds later, it opened. Dad's eyes widened as he saw me. "Izzy? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine," I replied. I hope, I added silently. "Is Mom awake yet? I wanted to talk to you both about something." My voice was steady, no trace of the nerves racing through my body.

He nodded, holding up a finger and disappearing inside. While I waited, I attempted to get my thoughts together, figure out what I was going to say and how to say it. I didn't have long to wait, though. Not five minutes later, Dad reappeared, Mom beside him.

Exhaustion still weighed heavily on the latter, but her eyes were clear as she scanned me. What's going on, Isadora? Is Kai okay? Her hands were steady when she signed, her eyes never leaving mine.

My hands began to shake at my sides, every thread of my façade slowly unraveling. "I think I figured out a way to stop Aunt Naia and Uncle Brandon. I'm going to need your help. We know that Aunt Bella and Uncle David will help us, no question. Same for Beltmare. But I'm not sure about Aquireth. Can one of you make a trip over there, ask around? We'll need all the help we can get, especially now that we don't know how many people are under their control."

Dad had been relaying my words to Mom as I'd spoken, gaze darting between the latter and me. After he finished, she nodded, turning to me. We'll help however we can. Please, please be careful, Izzy. You and Kai both. Her eyes were locked on my own, wide and fearful.

I nodded. I had just turned from the door, preparing to swim back home when another merman swam up to us. He had a messenger bag slung over across his body, hands gripping the strap. His clothes were covered in silt, eyes weary as he scanned us. "I heard about Naia and Brandon. I'm here to help in—"

He didn't get a chance to finish. Dad threw his arms around his twin, hugging him tightly. I didn't have words to express how thankful and happy I was that Uncle Noah had come back to help us. When Dad released him, it was my turn to throw my arms around him. "I'm so glad you're here," I whispered.

"Me too," he whispered back. When we broke apart, he turned back to Dad. "What can I do to help?" He asked. His eyes were clear, mouth set in a firm line.

Dad set about explaining the plan to him while I kissed Mom on the cheek, squeezing her hand before beginning the swim back to Beltmare. I didn't voice the thoughts swirling around in my head, how I doubted we would be able to pull this off. How Aunt Naia's expression haunted me day and night, sometimes pulling me from sleep and playing over and over in my mind during the day.

I had barely left the palace before a merman swam in front of me, eyes filled with concern and apology. "I'm so sorry I couldn't get here sooner. After I saw your note, I got pulled into a meeting with the guards. They wanted to go over the best points of defense should there be another attack." Kai was rambling, guilt fueling his words.

I shook my head, squeezing his hand. "It's fine. We were just going over the plan ourselves. We know that Aunt Naia and Uncle Brandon have the might of all of Nepptheas' citizens, that the palace itself is basically untouchable. But, I had an idea. If we can get as many of the surrounding towns to come over to our side, eventually our army will dwarf Nepptheas'." Even as I spoke, doubt bloomed in my core.

We had no idea what to expect from Nepptheas. We were basically swimming into uncharted waters. The mere thought of facing Aunt Naia again prompted a headache to begin pulsing at my temples. I closed my eyes, putting a hand to my head. I didn't know if I could face her.

Kai took my hand, meeting my gaze, fierce determination in his eyes. "You know I'm with you. Now and forever." He kissed my forehead, the gesture causing fresh tears to form in my eyes.

I opened my mouth to echo the sentiment, but froze as I heard a clamor from inside the palace. Kai's eyes met mine, fear in his gaze. We rushed back inside, only to find chaos. Shouting could be heard seemingly from everywhere at once. I heard one voice above all others, though, one that made me halt, gripping Kai's hand to stay upright. That voice... It couldn't be.

"Isadora? Where are you?" The voice was low, emotionless. I bit back a sob, resisting the urge to swim into the fray.

It was a voice I'd never expected to hear again, someone I thought I'd lost forever. Someone who'd been like a sister to me, whose death I mourned every day. Nadia.

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