Beached (book 3)

Chapter 21

Pearl's POV

"How did things go with you and Brian?" I asked.

Pale sighed. "I think it's best we're just separated."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Does that mean they're breaking up?

"We both just have too much to loose," Pale responded. "I'll just stay in the water and he'll just stay on land."

"Well what if you end up like your mom and dad?" I asked.

Pale bit her lip.

Maybe I went too far.

"I hope I don't," she answered.

Pale ran her fingers along the wooden railing of the doc.

"What are we doing here anyway?" I asked.

"We've barely spent any time together-"

"Pale, that's not it."

Pale turned to me, brown eyes wide. I could see the defeat inside of them. She sighed.

"I want to clear my head."

I nodded.

"Queen Paleren? Is that you?"

We halted. I could feel a million pounds crush against my chest. Queen Paleren? The only people who know...oh no.

I glanced down at the water. Oh no.

I turned to Pale. She was frozen in shock. "A-Arctic King. W-what are y-you doing here?"

I could barely feel my limbs. Just run away, I told myself. But I couldn't do anything.

The Arctic King floated in the water. His arms were crossed over his bare chest. His expression was a mixture of satisfaction and anger.

"I always knew there was something up with you-"

"It's not what it looks like!" Pale cried.

The Arctic King snorted. "I think I know exactly what it looks like."

"Wait stop-"

"I'm getting the rest of the kingdoms," the merman said. "It's time to put our plan into action-"

"No!" Pale yelled.

What plan is she talking about?

"It's too late, you've betrayed your own kind," the Arctic King scoffed as he dove into the waves.

"Pale what is he-"

I glanced down at Pale. She sat on her knees. The sound of her soft cries echoed through my ear. I could feel my lip tremble.

"P-pale," I whispered as I knelt down next to her. "It's going to-"

She looked up at me, eyes red from tears.

"We have to warn Brian."