Beyond The Depths

Chapter 26

The tension was thick in the water as we silently made our way to Pelathas. I flinched at every sound, convinced enemies were lying in wait to ambush us. I clutched Kai's hand hard, but he only gripped mine harder. When I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, the cool, composed mask had fallen away—replaced by stark, raw fear. His normally tan skin was pale and clammy.

I tore my gaze from him, focusing on the water ahead of us. Aside from the occasional sea creature that crossed our path, we were uninterrupted until we reached Pelathas' entrance. Our small party—me, Mom, Dad, and Kai—came to a stop in front of the gates.

A merman dressed in a black-and-red suit coat met us there, regarding us with a blank expression. He never spoke, just looked at each of us.

I kept my chin high as I met his gaze, fighting the urge to shudder. "We're here," I said, forcing my hands to stay steady. "What now?"

I had to admit, the water was quiet—eerily so. No sea creatures swam in our path; no mermaids or mermen were out for a swim. Instead of responding, he swept out a hand, gesturing behind him.

I heard Mom gasp behind me. Rows and rows of mermaids and mermen floated in straight lines, each holding two daggers or a crossbow. Upon closer inspection, I realized that they were wearing the royal colors of Nepptheas.

I was struck by a wave of crippling fear. Tyler glanced at me, his face solemn. "Expecting someone else?"

Dad let out a tense breath, which I quickly echoed. Was he working with Aunt Naia? Did he know about the Lost Soul Pendant? For all our sakes, I prayed he didn't.

Instead of answering, I repeated my question. "What now? I assume you didn't summon us just to hear yourself talk." My voice was sharp, my words biting. I was in no mood to hear Tyler talk in circles.

He nodded, a small smile creeping across his face. "You're right, Isadora. And now that everyone's here, we can finally begin."

Everyone? Confused, I looked around, eyes widening. The water was suddenly full of citizens from Pelathas, Nepptheas, and Aegrem. My heart broke as I glimpsed little mermaids and merboys clutching their parents' hands, fearful looks in their eyes.

He swam on top of a large rock, clasping his hands together behind his back. "Thank you all for joining me today." His voice rang out in the water, bouncing off the various rocks surrounding us. "For too long, we have been subjected to countless attacks on our communities, endangering not only people, but our homes as well. For too long, many of us who have never seen the battlefield have been forced to fight—at the expense of our loved ones."

Tyler was uncharacteristically solemn, eyes sweeping over the crowd. "It brings me great shame to admit that I was responsible for most—if not all—of the attacks that have taken place here and in other communities. Even going so far as kidnapping my own children." As these words left his mouth, gasps rippled through the crowd. Aunt Bella and Uncle David swam up behind him, resplendent in matching red-and-black attire.

I locked eyes with Aunt Bella, my heart breaking at the pain in her eyes. Uncle David's face was solemn as he stared straight ahead, not even acknowledging his father. Tyler looked at both of his children in turn, pain flashing across his face at his son's dismissal.

He looked back at the crowd, his face smoothing over as he spoke again. "I admit that my actions were purely vengeful. Years ago, my wife was killed in an attack on our home. I was supposed to have died in that attack as well, but I escaped. Ever since, I've blamed myself, turning to violence in an attempt to ward off the guilt and shame that had taken root inside me. I sincerely regret the pain and misery I have caused, both here and in surrounding communities. I know my words cannot possibly make up for my actions, but I hope, that in time, you'll begin to forgive me."