Page 18 of The Sea Witch's Son

“The incident which resulted in Delta losing his eye last year was an unfortunate one, but it provided the Sea Witch with a new collector’s item she keeps locked in her precious trove beneath the aquarium.”

Gesturing towards the rookie, I smile, “To show there are no hard feelings, I offer access to my mother’s private sanctuary. If you succeed, Delta is welcome to keep the orb, although I do not think it will be of much use to him now, and your loyalty will not be questioned again.”

“If you fail, however, you will join the many carcasses that grace the tank’s floor.” I frown, remembering my role, “Oh, and you will no longer be a part of the team.”

“T-That’s not fair!” Jalen splutters, barely catching a breath, “No one survives the Sea Witch’s torture chamber. It’s fucking suicide.”

I shrug, “I’ll leave that decision up to your teammates. Adrien, what do you say? Is it fair to ask a doubtful man to replenish his trust within a team?”

“Yes.” He doesn’t even hesitate.

“And Samson, what are your thoughts regarding the nature of the task? Is it within reason for a man mourning the loss of a friend’s eye to simply go retrieve it for him?”

“Absolutely.” Not a flicker of doubt.

“Good.” I smile, turning my attention back to the rookie trembling off to the side, “It would seem two of the three rookies agreed the task was within reason. And given this is a democracy, I feel it safe to say majority rules.”

Sebastian claps his hands, “The challenge has been stated. Jalen Samuel, do you agree to these terms? Or do you choose to remove yourself from the team?”

I stare him down, watching the indecision stretch over his features.

“I withdraw from the team.” Jalen hangs his head, “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Sebastian raises a hand, “Please see yourself out.”

Everyone watches as Jalen leaves the room with three less friends and one less team than when he entered.

Poor unfortunate soul.

“Are there any more questions?”

Silence fills the room and I smile, “In that case, you are free to go. I’ll see you all at practice tomorrow.”

The men shuffle out of the room and I watch Finley cast one last glance in my direction. Sebastian stays behind and I wander over to join him.

“Collecting an eyeball from your mother’s tank? Good God Seaborn, that was diabolical even for you.”

I shrug, “He was never going to make it. Jalen has been friends with Delta for more than seven years, so chances are he was hoping to seek some sort of revenge.”

Sebastian chuckles, “Never thought I would say this, but I missed your scheming this summer. It’s good to have you back.”

“It’s been more enjoyable than I expected, so I suppose it’s good to be back.” I pause, thinking about the other rookies, “You can inform Adrian and Samson they both passed the test and are cleared to compete in time trials next week.”

“Ah, yes. I was curious to see how that would play out. Both were quite eager to throw their teammate under the bus.”

“Cut-throat is all part of the sport. One less rookie means one less competitor.”

Sebastian nods, “And Finley? I noticed you left him out of the equation.”

“Finley requires a little more inspection.” I muse, thinking about the venom Melody repeated on his behalf, “There seems to be some passionate feelings locked away and I am curious to see how far they stretch.”

“Whatever you say, Captain.” Sebastian tilts his head, “Does your mother really have Delta’s eyeball locked away? Have you seen it?”

“Of course. I would never propose a challenge a man could not see through.”

He throws his head back and laughs, “I pity the fool who bleeds in your water.”

I smile, “If you don’t want to play with the sharks, don’t swim in the ocean. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a saint to catch.”

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