Into the Deep (16 page)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Leaving the market, I’m unaware of the commotion and crowds I pass through. I want to rush in and ask Stavros or Galina about what Gerald told me. And if they knew, why didn’t they share it? But I have to get it straight in my head. I’m not even sure they will be aware of what he’s talking about. It sounds completely farfetched.

“Zoey.”

My name snaps me out of the haze and, for a brief second, I have to remember where I am. A warm hand lands tentatively on my arm and I glance up in surprise to meet Xander’s concerned face. I groan inwardly, not in the mood for him.

“Are you okay? I called your name more than once.”

Shaking out of my befuddled state, I say, “I’m fine, just overloaded with information.”

Xander draws me from the crowds. We enter a quiet nook and I sag against the wall. He puts a finger to my chin, lifting it so he can inspect me better.

“What happened?”

Even though I don’t know him and have mixed impressions, my brain is too preoccupied to worry if he’s trustworthy or not. Given how close our fathers are, I take a chance and share the outrageous claims Gerald made about my conception, including bits of the conversation I had with Galina. I conveniently leave off the parts about him and Nerio, of course.

“I’ve heard rumors of mer who have the forces of nature behind them. They say Calandra is one. It’s how she manipulates the weather and sea so easily. It’s not as crazy as you may be thinking.” He says this in awe and, again, his pompous mask is gone, his emotion genuine.

I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t appreciate being compared to her, but it gives me an idea of what to expect and what I might be capable of. One of the keys to destroying her, or at least stopping her, is to understand where her power originates from.”

“I’m not saying you’ll turn into a psychopath, but you can never be certain.” He flashes a wicked smirk, then sobers. “Maybe this is the break we’ve been waiting for.”

Surprisingly, his quip distracts me. “So, how do I find out if I have normal mer powers or the super kind?”

His brows furrow together and I’m impressed with how different he is than the first time I met him. I just hope I can trust him. It was a big risk, but considering his family is second to mine as far as importance, he may have information.

“There is someone we can talk to. Give me a day or two to contact her. She’s a bit eccentric and sort of a historian. Also, she’s human. Her island isn’t far, an easy trip. Let me see if she is willing to have a visitor.”

“And she’ll talk to you?”

Blushing, he says, “I visit her occasionally. I enjoy hearing our history and myths.” He leans closer. “There’s more to this gorgeous exterior than you may have guessed.”

I study him. “That’s true. My initial impression of you may have been a little skewed.”

He droops with mock horror. “I hope you mean its better now.”

“You appeared more concerned with who saw you being nice to me at the dinner, but you didn’t treat me like a sideshow. It was perplexing. You were two unique personalities.”

“People have a certain image of me and, often, I play into it. I want them to underestimate me. Then they can’t use me in their games. Our royal court is fairly similar to ones on land—intrigue, drama, secrets. Mostly it’s not serious, but I’d still rather be left out of it.”

“So you play dumb?”

“It sounds awful when you say it that way.” He laughs.

“Does anyone know who the real Xander is?” I ask.

“My father does, and yours. You forget who I grew up with. Eustacia believes she’s the most brilliant person in the universe. I learned to fly below her radar and it stuck.” He scratches at his jaw. “It’s not the best excuse and I act like a rockfish most times, but I am a good person.”

“I’m beginning to realize that. Thank you for offering, Xander. I really want to figure this out on my own, before telling the king.”

“Your secret is safe.” His good humor relaxes me. He and Nerio are complete opposites. He’s quiet and calm to Nerio’s stormy and irresistible.

After promising to get back to me as soon as possible, he departs. With nothing else to do, I return to my room and lie on the bed. I’m tempted to find Nerio, except the urge to brood alone wins out over the desire to see him…narrowly.

The consequences of having strength similar to Calandra’s are sinking in. She needs to be stopped, and if it can’t be done by conventional means, the responsibility may fall to me. And that scares me to death. The significance of having so many people relying on me is daunting.

I don’t even know if I’m that brave. I haven’t been tested in that manner. Calming myself, I decide not to overreact until I learn the truth. It’s quite possible I won’t be able to do anything more than what I did with Stavros.

Sitting up, I concentrate on the flow of water around me. It pulses, constantly moving, and I sense other mer nearby. Pushing past the walls of the palace and beyond, suddenly I not only can track the mer, but I identify schools of fish farther out.

Same as with Stavros, the fluid sensation envelopes me. The knowledge of how massive the ocean is outside these walls should caution me. It doesn’t. I’ve melted or fused with the water, giving me a notion of how interconnected it is.

A school of blue fish dart by and I join with them. My vision morphs into what they’re seeing, experiencing, gliding through the sea in their point of view. I taste the water. My vision narrows, catching movements, and I can feel my tiny heart pattering quickly. It’s breathtaking and, too soon, they move on.

Suddenly, the presence of a shark lurks into the field. It’s slow, stealthy pace gives the impression it’s either searching for someone or gathering information. A shiver ripples down my spine. And there, behind its gill, is the blackened brand of a starfish. This animal, one of nature’s perfect killing machines, ignores the hundreds of fish congregating near the palace. It turns and I swear it peers directly at me.

Impossibly, its consciousness brushes against mine, or I assume it’s the shark. The sensation is so foreign and, somehow, I am positive that’s what is happening. I’m assaulted with a quick flicker of thoughts. It’s confusing but I catch the impression of being trapped and forced into submission, of not being in control of its actions.

I snap my eyes open. Simply knowing the shark is out there, watching, immobilizes me with fear, but the sensation of imprisonment bewilders me. Was it a threat? Or, though I hate to consider it, a cry for help?

Either way I need to understand what I can do to tip the tides in our favor. Tomorrow, out with Nerio, I’ll have freedom. I’ll have a chance to comprehend exactly what strange gifts I possess.

It’s time to test it out.

Desma enters with a tray of food. “I brought your dinner. King Stavros has been detained so he won’t be able to dine with you.”

She sets it on the vanity and I swim over, concerned. “Is everything okay?”

“Same as usual lately. So much is happening and it keeps him occupied.” She bows to leave, but I don’t want to be alone. Maybe it’s the residual connection with the shark or the fact that I could very well be a savior.

“Wait, would you like to stay? There’s more than enough food.”

A hesitant smile blooms on her pretty face. “I’d love to.”

She perches on the edge of my bed and takes a scallop I offer. I vow to keep the conversation clear of her brother. It would spoil the mood.

“I’m worried about my father. He has so many responsibilities.” I glance at her shyly. “I feel guilty being here, that I’m monopolizing his precious time and distracting him.”

“You shouldn’t think that. He’s happier since you arrived. His actions are not as stiff. You’ve helped him.”

“Thanks. That eases some of my worry. I heard the same from a couple mer in the market earlier.” I decide to open up to her, at least about the less volatile subjects. “In a lot of ways I’m lost here. It’s a challenge to figure out where I belong, what is expected of me, and if I’m a burden.”

Desma pats the bed next to her and I scoot over to sit. “I don’t blame you and have tried putting myself in your position. To be in a strange place, surrounded by strangers, it’s not something a lot of people could do—human or mer. It must be lonely.”

I blink, erasing tears that won’t form, not here, not in this body, and swallow thickly. “Sometimes it is. I miss my mom desperately. And my best friend. They’re my life back home. I love Galina and Stavros, but I don’t know them that well yet.” I meet her stare dead on. “The only person I’ve felt comfortable with is your brother.”

Annoyance skirts her expression, won over by pity. “Yes, I’m sure he’s been very helpful. Taking a friend from you is not my intention. I’m the big sister. I’ve always been protective.”

I trust my gut and fix her with a sincere look. “I want us to be friends too. I’m afraid of what’s coming and what will be expected of me.”

“I’d like that, Zoey. I can be open-minded if you promise to be careful. Nerio takes precedence in my heart.”

Our conversation is going too well for me to echo her statement and really let her see what he means to me. I simply say, “I promise.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The next day Nerio guides me north and I’m pulsing with excitement. Not only do I get to hang out with him, I can’t wait to test my powers. After a restless night I’m more determined than ever to do what I have to in order to protect the people I care about. We travel longer than anticipated, which is encouraging. The farther we are from the palace, the safer I’ll feel to experiment.

The terrain of the sea floor is the polar opposite to what I saw yesterday. We sail over towering mountain ranges, canyons so deep the water turns inky black, and vast plains dotted with clumps of debris. It stretches out in an endless infinity.

There’s more traffic in this area of the Pacific, both from fish and boats. Nerio swims deeper to avoid a shipping barge, but the shiny red hull passing over mesmerizes me. Vaguely, I wonder if we show up on radar as a big blip.

An enormous school of fish halts my movements. There are thousands of them, maybe tens of thousands. They move in harmony, reflecting the sun filtering down from above, swimming so tightly together they form a solid wall. When the fish change directions, they are one creature, silver bodies flashing as the light hits them at a certain angle.

“The most common name for these is bigeyed jacks, which means there will be sharks nearby. We better go under.”

On a whim, I reach out and graze the closest fish with my fingertip and send it a quick image. Nerio stares in awe as the fish move out from the center of the mass, creating a clear tunnel for us to pass through. His mouth gapes. Ignoring him, I swim into the hole.

From the inside, I realize I’d been estimating low. There may be a million fish here. Their energy charges the water, making it come alive on its own. It races along my skin, caressing it. I’m hesitant to linger, not quite trusting my trick will keep them at bay for a significant amount of time. I hate to break the contact I have with whatever is touching me, either fish or ocean or both, but I have to.

Once we’re through, Nerio stops me. Behind us, the mass of fish closes the opening and reverts to a swirling dervish once again.

“How did you do that?” he asks with disbelief.

“I pictured us swimming through and sent it to the fish. I only touched the one though, so I’m not sure how the others knew to follow.” The pulsing adrenaline turns me fidgety.

He stares at me intently. For some reason, I haven’t told him yet about my conversation with Gerald yesterday, or my growing belief that my powers are stronger than anyone initially imagined. It’s not that I don’t trust him, because I do, with my life. Maybe it’s because Xander is helping me and I don’t want to spoil my time with Nerio. He never fully admitted he was jealous of the kiss to my hand so I vow to play it safe. Plus, I’m worried he’ll tell Desma, who has a penchant for gossip.

Instead of answering, I twirl in front of him and race ahead, confident he’ll catch up. He’s in a better mood. We flirt and play the entire trip. My plan of practicing fades as I’m caught up in the thrill of swimming at full speed.

Nerio stops abruptly. “It’d be smart if we don’t go any farther. We’re too close to the fishing grounds and major trade routes.”

“Where is the palace?” I have no clue where we existed geographically in the Pacific.

“The palace lies on the northern edge of what humans call the Tiki Basin. The areas north of that are fairly dangerous because of the heavy ship traffic.”

It’s amazing how before, when I was human, I didn’t consider commercial fishing negative. But I flash back to the majestic school of fish we passed through and am slightly ashamed. How long can our growing numbers rob from the sea? Not to mention, I know these creatures feel. I’ll never view it the same again, considering I’m currently half-fish.

“The heavily fished places must be horrible to visit.”

“They have become barren wastelands.” His voice vibrates with anger. “Humans leave behind nothing but death, taking everything with no regard to the creatures left fighting for survival. When it’s an intelligent animal, such as a whale, being hunted, it’s different. It’s murder. We intervene when we can, but there are so few left. That is the legacy your people have left for us…extinction.”

His passion blankets me in guilt, because I
am
human. It continues to live in me. He’s got a point though. What we’ve done, what we continue to do, is disgusting. Nerio has legitimate reasons to hate the two-legged monsters. Taking note of his rapid breathing and clenched fists, I navigate to a topic less volatile.

“I’d love to see a whale up close.” I sigh.

Nerio grins, his mood slowly mellowing. “Follow me.” He darts off in another direction and, after awhile, turns to me. “Whales are the most treasured animals in the ocean, even above our kind. They are intelligent and caring. They carry an ancient knowledge and are rumored to be prophetic.”

“Whales can tell the future?” If it weren’t for his serious tone, I may have teased him.

“Not exact details, because the future is constantly changing. Instead they catch glimpses of events. I don’t know the specifics of how it works. I’ve never witnessed it.”

Before he’s done explaining, I hear them. Their singing carries through the water, beautiful to my mermaid ears. A lump lodges in my throat. It’s such a sad and lonely stirring of my soul. It brings thoughts of Mom to the forefront and I choke down tears.

A small pod of humpback whales move slowly and gracefully in the distance. My heart gallops into a thundering crescendo and a tingle races over my skin and tail. They’re so big! I feel tiny and insignificant in their presence.

As we draw closer, I’m able to distinguish more features. Three of the humpbacks are enormous while the other two are smaller, yet still the length of a bus. Barnacles cling to their bodies. The long fins soar at least five feet from each side. Their intelligent expressions flicker over everything. It’s breathtaking.

One of the larger whales breaks from the group and glides lazily toward us, maneuvering so I can peer directly into an immense eye.

“Welcome, princess.” The intonation is deep, yet soothing. It vibrates into me. Just like with Kona, I understand their haunting vocalizations.

I have absolutely no idea what to say to a whale, especially one who knows who I am.

“Do not fret, my child. We’ve been waiting for you.”

I peek at Nerio and he appears as confused as me so I’m forced to ask, “What do you mean?”

“King Stavros fathered a very special child and we knew you would return home.”

“How am I special? Because of the month I was conceived?” Yesterday the story was filled with fantasy I doubted, but hearing it from this majestic creature cements it somehow, a truth I finally believe.

“You have learned a lot already. That is encouraging. You are a child born of two worlds. While others perceive it as a curse, it is in fact a gift. Your unique manner of viewing life and circumstances, from the perspective of both sides, can be of great benefit. But remember your roots. The power you can conjure will tempt you more than you can imagine. Nature chose you as one of its warriors, but it does not come free.”

They talk in riddles. Of course, a magical talking animal never really tells you exactly what it means. At least, that’s how it is in books and movies.

“Hard and scary times are coming for you, princess,” the whale continues. “Many tough decisions will have to be made about life and love and your position among the mer. You must be brave and fierce. Above all, remain true to who you are. Our kind must travel far from what we are familiar with, seeking cooler waters, but we’ll be waiting for you to call on us, when the need arises.”

It performs a slight bow and swims off, leaving me stunned and speechless. When I need them? What does that mean? Maybe I should prepare for what is coming instead of being lost in the present. I’m moved by their apparent faith. A huge chunk of this struggle happens to be falling on my shoulders. I have to take it seriously from here on out.

Neither Nerio nor I speak as we watch the pod fade farther away. I let the current cradle me. Idly I swish my tail, pondering how in the world I go about using my power for good. I hope Xander can get information from the woman he went to see. It hangs on that.

Finally, Nerio breaks the silence. “What was that about your conception and special powers?” I fill him in and his eyes widen in shock. “Do you realize how important this is if we have to battle Calandra? Every single guard is leery about going up against her, aware we have nothing to match what she is capable of. I guarantee they will follow you, if what you suspect is true. They are hungry for someone to give them hope. You could be that person.”

It’s flattering, but it adds more pressure. Follow me where? Into battle? Can I do that? “Yeah, well, it’s becoming a reality very fast. The only problem is I have no idea what I can actually do. Xander went to talk to someone who might be able to help, but until then I’m floundering and praying that I’m brave enough for this.”

“You are brave. I’ve seen it.” He says it as if it’s glaringly obvious. “What does the king say?”

I shift my gaze. “I haven’t told him yet.” He balks at that so I rush on before he can interrupt. “I figure it’s better to wait until I have something definitive to report. Yesterday it was a story some old merman told me. After hearing what the whale said, it’s real. And it would raise his hopes. What if I can’t do it, or the signs have been misread? I figured I’d test it.”

He spreads his arms out, indicating the relatively empty ocean. “What are you waiting for? Try it.”

My heart trips at his fierce expression. “Like what? Shall I brew up a huge storm?” I ask impatiently. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

His grin annoys me. “Zoey, have more faith in yourself. You’re not her. You won’t abuse it. She’s warming the temperature of the waters, right? That sounds simple. Just keep it contained to this area.”

“Simple? You’re funny when you want to be. Who knew?”

He raises his brows at my sarcasm.

“Fine.” I reach out and close my eyes, tapping into the energy of the sea. Soon I’ve attained that wonderful liquid connection. Unsure how I’d warm the water, I picture the shallow depths we were in a couple days ago, how the sun heated it and how comforting it was. I imagine the same thing happening here, in the immediate vicinity.

The corners of my mouth lift as the temperature increases, reminiscent of the tropical locations I’ve been lately and limiting it to that.

Nerio barks out a shocked laugh. “Holy Poseidon, I wasn’t sure you could do it!”

His disbelief causes my eyes to snap open. I release the connection with the ocean and run my fingers through my hair. It’s a start, considering it was similar to what I did with Stavros creating that whirlpool. Already the temperature is returning to normal.

I blush, very aware of his gaze on me. I shyly peek at him and say, “It worked faster than I thought it would, but it wasn’t big enough. We should put our heads together and come up with an appropriate experiment. I guess I could create a storm, or a large wave. That’s what she does. But I’m afraid of letting it get away from me, of losing control.”

He touches my chin and says, “We’ll put our heads together, maybe on the trip back home. Who knows, it’s possible that blowfish Xander will make himself useful and bring back information.” Our gazes lock. In his is a storm of emotions he doesn’t attempt to hide. I realize he sees me in a new light and I can’t change that. But I also glimpse what’s in my own heart—his feelings are growing. “Let’s get out of here. There’s a settlement near here I want to show you.”