𝕳𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙 𝕺𝖋 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖊𝖆

♡ TIDES OF DISCOVERY ♡

Layla returned home, her mind reeling from Queen Clarissa's revelations. The underwater kingdom, the mermaid queen's words, and the shocking truth about her parents swirled in her thoughts. She couldn't shake the feeling that her entire life had been a lie.

That evening, Layla approached her parents in the living room, her heart pounding with anticipation. "Mom, Dad, we need to talk," Layla said, her voice firm but trembling slightly.

Her parents exchanged concerned glances, sensing something was amiss. "What's wrong, sweetie?" her mom asked, setting aside her book.

Layla took a deep breath, gathering courage. "I've been sneaking out to Avaloria Lake for weeks. I discovered an underwater kingdom ruled by Queen Clarissa, who claims I'm her granddaughter, and you're not my biological parents."

Her parents' expressions changed from concern to shock, their eyes widening. "Layla, where did you get this idea?" her dad asked, his voice trembling.

"Queen Clarissa told me I resemble her lost daughter, Marlia," Layla replied, her voice steady. "She showed me proof, and I want to know the truth."

Her mom hesitated before speaking, her voice laced with nervousness. "Layla, we adopted you as an infant from your biological father, Charles. He wanted you safe."

Layla's heart sank, her mind racing. "From what?"

Her dad sighed, rubbing his temples. "Your biological mother, Marlia, was a Siren who wanted to sacrifice you for her magic potion. Charles learned her true motives, ran away with you, and tried to kill her. But she escaped, vowing to return for you."

Layla's eyes widened, horror creeping in. "What kind of mother would do that?"

Her parents exchanged anxious glances. "We didn't want to burden you with this," her mom said. "We wanted to protect you."

Layla's determination grew. "I need to know more. Where is he?"

"Who?" her dad asked, confused.

"My biological father, Charles. Where can I find him?" Layla pressed, her voice firm.

Her mom hesitated, glancing at her dad. "We don't know, but Charles left an address of a trusted friend, Captain James Orion. If we ever needed him, we could contact him through Orion."

Layla's eyes locked onto her parents. "I need that address. Now."

Her parents exchanged worried glances. "Layla, it may not be safe," her dad cautioned. "Your mother's past is dangerous."

"I deserve the truth," Layla pressed, her voice unwavering.

Her mom sighed, retrieving a worn envelope from a hidden compartment. "This is the address Charles left. Be careful, Layla. Your mother's past is treacherous."

Layla took the envelope, her heart racing. The address read:

"Captain James Orion,
4567 Brooklyn Heights,
New York."

Perfect timing. Layla was heading to New York in two days for the Marine Biology exhibition.

"I'll find him," Layla declared, resolve in her voice. "And then, I'll find my father."

Her parents exchanged worried glances. "Layla, be cautious," her mom urged. "We don't know what dangers lie ahead."

Layla nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. In two days, she would embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past.

As she walked away, Layla felt a mix of emotions: fear, determination, and hope.

Later, Layla's mind swirled with thoughts of meeting her real father. Excitement and fear wrestled within her. "What if my father doesn't remember me anymore?" she wondered. "Did he remarry? Does he have other children?"

Pushing aside those concerns for now, Layla focused on a more pressing issue. She gazed at the two lockets lying on her dresser: the mermaid-transformation locket she found in the underwater cave and the locket given by Queen Clarissa, her grandmother.

"I can't wear two lockets at a time, but I need them both," Layla mused. "One helps me transform into a mermaid, and the other... I'm not sure what Queen Clarissa's locket does, but it feels special."

Layla's curiosity about Queen Clarissa's locket lingered, but she prioritized practicality. "Let's combine them into one chain."

She carefully opened the clasps and threaded both lockets onto a single chain. The metal clicked softly as the lockets settled together.

As she fastened the chain around her neck, Layla felt a strange tingling sensation. The two lockets seemed to hum, vibrating against her skin.

"Is this a sign?" Layla wondered, her eyes locked on the lockets.

Suddenly, the room filled with a soft, ethereal glow. Layla's heart skipped a beat.

"Queen Clarissa's locket?" she whispered, sensing its power stirring.

The glow intensified, enveloping Layla in a warm, comforting light. The two lockets began to glow brighter, their lights merging into a single, pulsating radiance.

Layla gasped as the lockets combined, forming a new, exquisite locket. The metal transformed into a mesmerizing mix of pink and red, shimmering with an inner light.

As she touched the new locket, Layla felt an explosive surge of energy course through her veins. Her heart pounded, and her senses heightened.

"What's happening?" Layla breathed, her voice barely audible.

The energy coursed through her, filling her with strength, courage, and determination. Layla's transformation into a mermaid became more effortless, her connection to the ocean deepening.

With renewed resolve, Layla tucked the locket beneath her shirt, feeling its combined energy pulsating through her.

In two days, she would embark on her journey to New York, ready to face whatever lay ahead.