Skye's Lure

Chapter 10: Discovered

I AWOKE IN A DAZE, HEAD POUNDING.

Where was I? What happened?

As my sight came into focus, I became aware of the light. Last I remembered, it was nearly dark. The light I saw, however, came from the seabed, not above, darkness encroaching along the outer edges of the space.

I could see walls too. They were a warm brown color with a sandy, uneven texture. I traced their never-ending form and I realized that I was in a cave.

Gasping, I sat up, eyes darting as I recalled the octopus. I wasn't alone, but my companion wasn't a foe.

It was the Sea King.

"It's true," I whispered, eyes growing wide.

The King wore kelp, which floated around him like a halo. His hair was as brown as the seaweed that was woven into the thick braids covering his scalp and chin. A crown of starfish adorned his head, barnacles clinging to his garments like jewels. A dolphin and a shark swam nearby. Natural enemies, I had never seen the two together.

"Ah, she's awake," the Sea King's voice boomed, a smile on his face.

I shook my head, scrambling to get upright. Bowing, I flipped my tail in front like a fan, spreading hands to my sides. Bobbing, I tried to hold steady.

The Sea King's laughter filled the cave. "Don't hurt yourself."

I bit my lip, heat creeping up my face as I eased into a casual position. I couldn't believe it. I had found the Sea King, or rather, he had found me. Hope rose like a bubble. Now I just needed to convince him.

"I have made a grave mistake," I said, not meeting his gaze.

"Many, from what I hear."

My head shot up. "So, you've heard of me?"

"I hear many things. Why do you think I have come?" The King pet his shark as it swam by. It was unnerving the way his creatures circled him, ready to attack at a moment's notice.

"Then you must know why I'm here."

"Perhaps, but I want to hear it from you."

The Sea King's eyes bored into me, and I gulped. "My first mistake was saving a drowning man," I began, my hand sliding down my arm into a half hug, "But I couldn't just let him die."

"Foolish, but noble." There was no condescension is his tone. Surprised, I met his gaze. Blue eyes twinkled, though he wore no smile, his features soft and open.

Emboldened, I continued. "My second mistake was trusting him. He kidnapped me and took me to land, though he kept me hidden. Some other humans discovered I was there, and word has spread. It won't be long before all humans know that mermaids exist, if they don't already."

"Then it would seem there is nothing that I can do."

"But you're the Sea King. You can fix this."

"I'm the master of the oceans, not of time. I cannot undo what you have done." He stared at me, waiting for something, but what?

When I spoke, my voice was soft, my words hesitant. "There is one thing that you could do to save my people."

A single eyebrow arched as he waited for me to continue.

I bit my lip and glanced at the shark. The jagged teeth reminded me of the danger I had just escaped. I shuddered. Somehow, this felt even more perilous.

Was my request too bold? The throbbing in my head beat ominously. This was my only chance to make things right. I had to convince the King to help us.

The words rushed out. "I want you to lift the curse on the Mer so we can once again be human." My hands clamped over my mouth.

The Sea King laughed. "That is your solution, eh? How would the Mer fare on land?"

I dropped my hands, pressing forward. "I don't know, but it's our only chance. You can lift the curse, can't you?"

"I am afraid your people are as much a part of the sea now as any creature of the deep. The land has enough humans. No need to add helpless Mer to the mix."

"Then my people are doomed, and it's all my fault."

"You are hardly the downfall of the Mer, small fry."

"But you said—"

"I know what I said," the Sea King thundered, the cave growing dark. I shivered "Your people have been twisting my words for centuries, bending them to their own will. Your elders have manipulated you once again."

He stopped and took a big gulp, the gills on his neck flaring. The cave brightened again, but that didn't slow the beating in my chest. "The seas are fraught with danger. My warnings were for your protection against the dangers of the sea, not man, though man has caused his fair share of trouble. Your elders have learned nothing. I have half a mind to disband your pod myself."

"You would destroy all of us?" I squeaked.

"Do you really think you're the only ones?"

"I— I've never seen another Mer. I just assumed we were the only pod."

"Your elders are careful to shield you from the truth. Do you think that you are the first to object to their rules?" The Sea King paused, then shook his head. "No, child. Many have left your tribe over the years, though they usually leave in pairs."

"I'm not exactly alone," I mumbled.

"No, you aren't alone, are you." The Sea King eyed me, and my hand flew to my neck. "Regardless, there are Mer pods all over the seas. Many are quite resourceful and benevolent. Perhaps you should join one of them."

"Where can I find one?"

"The seas are vast. Pick a direction. Eventually you will find a pod." The King stared, lips puckered. His eyes narrowed and head cocked. I backed up. Why was he being so cryptic?

Abruptly, he nodded. "Well, it appears my work here is done."

The Sea King clicked his tongue, and the dolphin and shark darted to his side. He turned to leave.

"No. Wait!"

He stopped. "Yes?"

"I would still like to protect my people from the humans. If I came to them on my own two legs, I might be able to convince them that I'm not a Mer."

"What's done is done, child. As I already said, the humans will not be able to destroy your people." He took another step forward.

"Please. I think I'm meant to be human. My name is Skye. I've always adored feet. If I can do some good by being human, isn't that for the best? It would only be me, and I would have Vince to help me."

He stopped and turned to face me again, lips curled into a half smile. "Aaah! There it is. We have reached the heart of the matter. Is it the human?"

Heat raced through me. "What? No! I don't want to be a human because of Vince. It's not like that."

"Mmmmm hmmm."

"No. I'm serious. I don't even like him."

"Yet you keep him around."

"It's only for safety. Like you said, most leave the pod in pairs. I don't have another Mer to travel with me."

The Sea King stroked his beard, humming. "And you are certain that you want legs."

My heart fluttered. "Yes. More than anything."

"Very well. Your fate is tied with that of the human. When you meet with him again, tail and legs will be exchanged. You have three days to experience life on the other side. At sunset on the third day, you must choose your fate as one: land or water. If you cannot agree, I will choose for you. Now, I must go. There are urgent matters that require my attention." With a deft kick and some clicks, the Sea King took off, clutching the fins of the dolphin and shark.

I floated there, silent. What had just happened?