Page 51 of Dante's Circle Reborn

“Why would we run?”

“Because I don’t have a good feeling about this,” Dante the dragon said from behind her.

She turned and almost fell into her bowl, but Tristan held out a hand for her. “Seriously, this doesn’t look good.”

Dante hummed in agreement. “Hunter and the wolves will be gone, as well. Our friends will be safe. But I don’t trust this stranger.”

Caly looked at Dante, then back down at the man who wasn’t any supernatural species she’d ever known. “What is he?”

“That, I do not know. And that worries me more than I care to admit.”

Considering that Dante was millennia old, she didn’t blame him. She’d thought he knew everything there was to know about the realms.

“You can’t just come in here and issue ultimatums,” the elder snapped. “You are nothing. A figment of the imagination. You should go before you suffer the consequences. You are but one against many.”

The stranger tilted his head. “You know exactly who I am. Your lies and deceit can only last so long. And you know what I can do. You know what I represent. Let us have a voice, or remember exactly what happened the last time you ignored us.” He looked around, winked at her, then shrugged.

What. The. Hell?

“I’ll be waiting outside while you make your decision.” He strode off just as he’d come in, and she was honestly so confused that it took her a moment to catch up.

“Well, that was interesting,” Tristan said, shaking his head as the rest of the Conclave fell into an uproar. “We need to get back to Seth and Amara. I have a feeling that this isn’t going to end well.”

“We can all meet up later if needed,” Dante said, but before Caly could agree, not even knowing if she was truly invited, one of the elders called out her name.

“Calypso Oceanus. Come. You are needed.”

She froze, and Reynard looked at her. “Should I go with you?”

“No, go home with Tristan and the others. You don’t want the elders’ eye on you if you can help it.”

“You shouldn’t go alone,” Tristan said.

“I don’t really think I have a choice.” She squeezed his hand and then jumped off the edge of her bowl so she could make her way to where the elders sat.

She looked over her shoulder as Tristan and her friend stared, clearly ready to fight if needed. She really hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

“Sire,” she said, not kneeling, but she did bow her head in respect. She might not like the elders, but they still helped rule the Conclave. Not that the Conclave truly had leaders per se, but the elders did hold sway. And if they asked to meet with you, you met with them. Their powers were legendary, and she didn’t want to face that. After all, she was just a mermaid. She wasn’t even sure she had any real powers to begin with.”

“Calypso.”

“Yes?”

“Talk to that man and figure out exactly what he wants. In detail. It is your job of lineage to figure out who this imposter is. Find him, or you will lose your job as a Conclave member, as a lineage maker. You don’t want to be shunned by the mermaids, do you?”

The elder spoke so quickly, she felt as if she couldn’t keep up.

“What?”

“You heard me. More is at stake than just your connection to your realm.”

“You’re threatening me?” She fisted her hands at her sides, but the elder held up a hand.

“No, merely making a promise. That man isn’t going to wait much longer. You will speak for us, but make no decisions.”

Then they were gone, leaving her alone, wondering what in the goddess’s name had just happened.

“What was that?” Tristan asked, coming towards her.

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