Page 105 of The Kraken Games

She looked at Kai. His eyes were soft, his amphibious form so beautiful to her, just as beautiful as his human one.

It was the end of a long day. It was freeing. Exciting. Exhilarating to be this other Luna, with her new friends and family.

Finally, Kai took her hand and drew her away from the gathering.

“How are you feeling?”

“Just a little tired, with all the breathingandtalking.” Most folks, including her, had spoken a kind of pidgin Kraken/English. She’d had to work at that too.

“I have one more thing I want to show you, then we’ll head back to Motham.”

“I’m not sure I want to leave yet. I’ve had the best time.”

“We’ll be back in a week to introduce Tomas to the clan. And when you’re ready we can spend days, weeks, here, until you’re ready to live here.” His dark eyes danced with excitement. “Come with me…”

After they’d bade family and friends farewell, they swam together to the outskirts of the city, past rocky outcrops burgeoning with small fish, creatures foraging in the sea meadows, all going about their business. After a while, Luna sensed they were climbing toward shallower waters. And finally, they reached a cave, surrounded by bright coral.

Kai led the way inside. Luna gasped. It was ahouse, with a cozy sitting room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a little study, all furnished in driftwood and carved stone. There were sea grass cushions and rugs, and a big, big bed on a flat piece of rock.

“This is our new home, if you wish it to be,” Kai said shyly after he’d shown her each room.

As she gazed around, her heart sang with a joy she had not felt since childhood, standing on the bow of her family’s boat, watching the clouds chase across the foamy sea, the wind whipping her hair and the tang of salt on her tongue.

That had been the last place she’d truly called home.

Until now here, with Kai.

Intheirhome, a place to build a future full of love.

“Just one more thing.” Kai’s took her hand and led her up a flight of rocky steps. Hitting the surface of the water, Luna gasped as her nostrils took in air.

“The roof garden. Kind of.” Kai grinned.

They’d arrived on a rocky outcrop that sat above the water. On it was a little weathervane, shaped like a sailing boat. And above that was a sign, with a sea bird already sitting cheekily on it, preening its feathers. Kai shooed it away and it flew off with a squawk.

Luna moved closer and read the engraved word.

Anganna.

“The name of our new home,” Kai said proudly.

It took a moment, and then it dawned. “Angus. And Anna. Combined,” she whispered. Now the tearsdidflow, and she letthem run down her cheeks freely. She flung her arms around Kai’s neck and all his tentacles hugged her close.

“Is that a replica of our boat?”

“Yes, I had it made in Merinda. It’s not exact, I’m sure, but it’s as close as I could imagine.”

“Thank you, thank you. Oh Kai, I love you so much.”

“I love you too. Always and forever, babe. Talking of love, there isactuallyone more thing…”

Luna drew back and cocked her head. Kai looked suddenly awkward, a muscle in his jaw clenching. Then he folded down onto his tentacles in front of her. “Will you, Luna Storm, do me, Kai Ganlan, the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Oh Kai. Yes, yes, of course I will.” Then her eyes danced. “On one condition.” Kai looked momentarily worried. “Just don’t expect me to wear a white dress.”

“Somehow, I didn’t envisage Luna Storm marrying me in white. What color?”

“I dunno— red maybe?”

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