Page 5 of The Dark, Dead, Deep

Instead, we took the path around the castle’s side, where the Abyss’s edge loomed. The dark and deep water was enough to make my stomach twist. It wasn’t the height or the threat of a fall—we were undine and lived in the water. No, the fear of the darkness that formed a moat around the castle overlooking Cruinn was the ominous feeling that something monstrous lived in that darkness. Something sleeping that might just open its eyes if an unsuspecting fae were to cross the Abyss on fin, instead of by the enchanted bridge.

Liam was suitably annoyed when Moira and I finally made it to the stables. His arms crossed over his chest as he stared up pointedly.

I thought of a dozen excuses I could make, but I didn’t owe Liam one. He was not my keeper.

The water rippled with magic the closer we got to the wooden stable doors, the creatures inside cooing and neighing.

Something stopped me in my tracks, and my breath wheezed through my gills as I was pulled short. My hand fluttered to my chest.

“That’s not an enchantment,” I whispered, unable to control my thumping heart.

Moira cocked her head to the side in confusion, but a flash of annoyance crossed Liam’s face.

“It was meant to be a surprise,” he grumbled as he opened the doors to the stables and ushered us inside.

Many steeds lined the stable; some were made of bubbles, reeds, or mud. Built and enchanted for whatever purpose their rider needed them for. Speed, stamina, or competition.

I recognized the magical signature of all the stalls, save for the one on the end. The new mare.

Liam waved at the stable hand, who opened their mouth to protest before they caught my eye and decided against it. Liam might have been the ’king’s stepson, but I was the mad queen’s daughter.

A screech pierced the water and traveled out when Liam placed his hand on the stall door.

Moira placed her hands on her ears. “For the love ofBelisama,what is that racket?”

I craned my neck, feeling unease creeping over me like a slimy second skin.

The horse was dark as night, with two glowing stars for eyes. A silver bridle had been placed on its head, and the backs of its legs were adorned with webbed ridges.

“That’s a kelpie,” I whispered in horror, stepping back as the water-horse met my eyes and a zing of awareness passed through me.

Liam scoffed. “It’s not a kelpie. It’s an enchantment.”

I shook my head, feeling bile rise up my throat. “The bridle is enchanted, but she isn’t. She’s a kelpie.”

Liam eyed me in disbelief. “Maeve…” he groaned.

Moira’s hands flew to her mouth. “I didn’t know. I swear I didn’t know.”

“Get the stable master,” I snapped at the stable hand, my nostrils flaring. “Now.”

“Don’t do this.” Liam eyed me sternly.

I licked my top teeth. Ignoring him, I flagged down the stable hand and barked the same command Liam had ignored.

Once confident that the stable master was on her way, I returned to the stall and stepped forward.

Liam gripped my bicep. “Maeve. Don’t go in there. It’s dangerous.”

My eyes narrowed. “You were so quick to dismiss that this water-horse as a kelpie. It either is, and you think I need protection, or it isn’t, and I don’t. You can’t have it both ways.”

Liam’s eyes flashed; I thought he would strike me, but he stepped back and held both hands up, palms facing out.

“By all means, go ahead,” he said snidely before tilting his chin and shooting me one last glare before storming out of the stables, rattling every stall door as he went.

“Thank you for your permission,” I muttered, turning to Moira with a questioning furrow on my brow.

Moira held out her hands to sayDon’t ask me. I haven’t a clue what crawled under his scales.

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