Page 56 of Emerge

Chapter Eighteen

Riley

Emerging from the cavern with my three tritons at my side made me feel safe, despite having just told Poseidon what to do. When he didn't kill us immediately, I knew that whatever problems he had with the sirens could be fixed.

Poseidon was addressing the tritons as we swam to where my mom, Finn, and Olivia were huddled together.

"When I woke to find my trident missing, I was disappointed that soldiers I've trusted with my life allowed it to happen." Poseidon's voice was commanding and sent a shiver down my spine. "However, I am partly to blame. My halfling son was a product of my neglect and vengeance. I took away his mother and allowed him to live a life without me, filled with scorn and ill-intent that led to humans being involved and an innocent girl being changed forever."

Olivia clung to her father and buried her head in his shoulder as Poseidon spoke. I wanted to hug her and tell her it would all be okay, that tentacles weren't that bad, but I had a feeling that it wouldn't help. If I was in her position, I'd be losing my shit.

"I have decided to free the sirens. They will be allowed to live in the Pacific City, Aegean City, or if they wish to find homes on land." Several of the tritons began talking all at once; they weren't happy. Poseidon held up his trident and they fell silent. "Natalia will be in charge of ensuring they do not cause any issues. My decision is final."

He put his fingers to his lips and whistled. Three tiger sharks at least ten feet long came from somewhere above us, pulling a sparkling chariot, minus the wheels.

"He's kidding, right? A shark drawn carriage?" I put my hand over my mouth to stop my giggle.

Poseidon's ears were better than anticipated, despite how quietly I'd said it to Morgan, and his eyes met mine. "Emma, Oscar, and Rupert don't appreciate you making fun of them, young lady."

My heart dropped and my eyes went wide. Poseidon threw his head back and laughed. He seemed in way too good of a mood considering I just killed his son.

"Natalia, I'll be waiting at the Pacific castle for you to bring the sirens." He pointed his trident ahead of him and the sharks took off with him in tow.

The rest of the tritons left us, and my mom let out a long chain of bubbles. "It almost seems too good to be true."

Finn made a dismissive sound. "He wouldn't have been laughing if his intention was to kill them."

My mom turned to me and took my hand. "How is your head?"

I'd completely forgotten about it and reached up to touch the spot I'd been hit. It was tender but felt like it had healed. "I'll be fine."

"I'm sorry I had to keep things from you. It was the only way to get rid of him and free the sirens." She wrapped me in a hug. "I'm proud of you."

"I killed him." I wrapped my arms around her, not knowing whether to celebrate that I'd killed a dangerous man or to be concerned I didn't feel bad about it. "What's going to happen now?"

She pulled away and looked over at Finn, who was talking to Olivia and my guys. "I start living the life I was always meant to live."

* * *

There wasno tired like staring straight at Poseidon hoping he doesn't kill you tired. After parting ways with Finn, Olivia, and my mom, we headed back to the house.

As much as I wanted to meet the other sirens, I didn't have the energy—mentally or physically— to go with my mom. Really, what I wanted was everything to return to normal.

Normal as it could get with a tail.

Bubba and Cecilia swam up beside us as we swam. Morgan grabbed onto Bubba's fin and we increased our speed. I'd probably never get used to being around sharks.

I could barely move my limbs as we entered the cave. Jax, Morgan, and Blake had already lifted themselves out of the water and shifted back. I held onto the side and looked up at their naked bodies dripping with water.

"Are you coming?" Blake squatted down in front of me and my eyes widened. "You've seen it before, Ri."

"Not from this angle." I licked my lips. "And I think I'm coming."

He laughed and held out his hand for me to grab. He hoisted me onto the platform and then scooped me up.

He held me to his chest as he carried me to the elevator. I wanted to stay snuggled against him forever.

"I need to call Ivy." I laid my head against Blake's shoulder. "Olivia smashed my phone with her tentacle."

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