Page 20 of The Sea Witch's Son

“I met the mayor’s daughter today.” I give him a rueful smile, “She was the only person who didn’t try and scare me.”

Concern fills his eyes, “Did you get hurt?”

“Not badly.” Taking the ice from his hands, I press it against my jaw, “What do you know about the Sea Witch of Wolf Hollow?”

“Quite a bit, actually. Ursela Seaborn is the town fixer. Employed by the Drache family, she’s responsible for collecting information and conducting interrogations on anyone who stands as a potential threat.”

Erik leans back against the counter, “The nickname comes from the torture methods she uses during interrogations. From what I’ve heard, electric eels are her favourite.”

I grimace, “Sounds like a delightful woman.”

“Her intelligence is supposed to be incomparable, a trait that has been passed down to her only son. His name is-

“Marlin.” I sigh, “An equally delightful character.”

Worry creases Erik’s brow. I hold up a hand before he can launch into another lecture.

“It was a short but memorable interaction. Nothing to worry about.”

The memory of Marlin’s thumb stroking my bare skin has my cheeks flushing without consent. Darwin’s theory is clearly fucked up here because someone as sick and twisted as him should not have the face of a model.

He’s an apex predator for God’s sake. Give him devil horns or claws or something that turns off any attraction.

“Marlin is also employed by the Drache family, but I believe it’s a side hustle run by the Dragon’s daughter.”

“Dragon?”

Erik nods, “The woman who oversees the black market operations in Wolf Hollow. She’s got a history of human trafficking and child abductions, but now she’s expanded her business into the drug trade. She recently purchased a manufacturing plant that specializes in pharmaceuticals, and for the last two months, has been slowly getting the business off the ground.”

Taking a bite of my sandwich, I chew thoughtfully, “Where does Marlin fit into this?”

“He’s responsible for the distribution. Rumour has it he created an algorithm that allows residents to order a shipment and have it delivered straight to their door.”

“Skip the Dishesbut make itSkip the Drug Dealer.” A laugh escapes me, “That’s actually brilliant.”

Erik frowns, “It’s illegal and unethical.”

“Obviously.” I roll my eyes, “Does he work alone?”

“No. The delivery boys rotate every few weeks and any complaints are handled by Gus Cartier.”

I snort, “Muscle daddy strikes again.”

Erik shoots me a warning look, “This isn’t a joke, Melody. You need to take these people seriously. Calista is known for being ruthless and wildly violent, especially when someone threatens the Drache empire.”

“Wait.” My heart starts to pound as green eyes and sharp canines flash behind my eyes, “The daughter’s name is Calista?”

He nods, “Calista Drache is the Dragon’s daughter.”

My sandwich threatens to make a reappearance as the reality of my situation starts to sink in.

I’m not going to school with the next generation of common criminals. I’m going to school with the heirs of a black throne.

The children of the most powerful villains in Wolf Hollow.

“That’s great.” The words stick to the roof of my mouth, “Super awesome. Think I’m going to head to bed now.”

Erik opens his mouth, but I hold up a hand, “Not tonight. I can’t do it tonight.”

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