Scared New World

Chapter 15

My eyes felt puffy and swollen as I opened them the following day. For a blissful, glorious moment, I could almost pretend I was back in the house I grew up in, with two doting parents and two wonderful younger sisters. I could hear Meri and Naia talking and giggling and see Mom and Dad watching over us, smiling. But that was before everything changed. Before I lost my hearing. Before the murders. Before Tiger Shark.

As I sat up, a hand holding bubble tea appeared in front of my face. David. I took the tea with a trembling hand, nodding gratefully as I took a few sips. I hadn't realized it until now, but my throat was raw.

How are you feeling? He wrote with the notepad in his free hand.

I considered my answer. Numb. Angry. Hurt. Scared. My hand trembled as I wrote.

He nodded, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. It was only then that I remembered my shoulder. As I glanced at it, I was surprised to see the bandage off and a thin line of stitches across the wound. It pulled a little when I moved, but I barely felt it. I glanced at David, questions in my eyes.

An apologetic look appeared on his face. We were worried it would get infected or reopen, so I used the spare medical supplies to stitch you up. I couldn't repair all of the damage without proper medical equipment. There'll always be some discomfort, especially after strenuous activity, but you can handle it.

My eyes filled with tears as he explained. I squeezed his hand, looking up at him as I did. I can't thank you enough. For everything. And Jay, too. Where is he? I hadn't noticed it until now, but we were alone.

A sly grin appeared on his face. We've got a few surprises for you. He swam to the door, unlocked it, then gestured for whoever was outside to come inside. Jay and Meri swam in, the former's body visibly relaxing as he saw me. He swam to me, taking my hand.

When he looked at me, I felt safer and happier than I had in a long time. A heartbeat later, all the breath disappeared from my body as he slipped two rings on my finger. One was an engagement ring, a plain rose gold band. The next was a wedding ring with a massive sapphire in the middle—the same color as my eyes.

One look at his expression, and I could tell we were thinking the same thing: Let's skip the festivities. I nodded, kissing him.

But the surprises weren't over yet. Just when I thought today couldn't improve, Mom swam into the room. Her entire face lit up when she saw me. She rushed into my arms, her body shaking as she sobbed. Naia and Meri rushed into the room, gasping as they saw Mom. I hadn't realized how long it'd been since they'd last seen each other.

We collapsed on the floor in a hug. When we finally separated, I noticed David by the door, murmuring to another merman. As I saw his expression, my stomach dropped. All the color drained from my face. I swam over to him, my hands trembling, in time to see the merman hand him a letter. David thanked him, then shut the door behind him.

What's going on? Is everything okay? My hands shook as I signed, and it took me several tries to form the words. I could tell he was rattled even though he tried to act calm for my sake.

He took my arm and swam out of the room, wordlessly handing me the letter. I could tell who wrote it, even though no one had signed it. I have to say, Rissa, I'm impressed. You handled things very well. If only you'd killed me. Anyway, let's get down to business. I have been banned from Nepttheas and all surrounding villages. But that's not the purpose of this letter. The king and queen of Aegrem have issued a royal pardon and reward for the safe return of their son. I believe he is traveling with you. Jay Conway?

I froze, almost dropping the letter, and swallowed hard as I looked at Jay. Before he could catch my eye, I turned away, focusing on the rest of the letter. Since you didn't give me what I wanted, you left me no other choice. You have two weeks to deliver Jay safely to Aegrem. Your family's lives depend on it.

I knew one thing with all my heart, even with the massive bomb that had just been dropped on me: I loved Jay—more than I'd ever loved anyone. I lowered the letter and clutched it, gasping as I sobbed. I felt like my heart was going to break in two. As I looked over at my sisters, mother, and two new friends, resolve gripped me.

This would be the hardest thing I'd ever had to do. I steeled myself and swam back to them, mustering a thin smile. There was no way I was going to let Jay die. I'd face Tiger Shark or die trying. Little did I know it would be more than just my life hanging in the balance.

Final chapter! Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed and favorited!