Page 10 of Sunken Empire

I patiently follow them back to the study as I go over everything in my head. I wish I could be what these mermen need me to be to save their people, but I'm just not. I'm not even sure as to why I agreed to meet the witch. Maybe I am clinging to a small hope somewhere deep down inside that I could be their savior.

Fear doesn't take root until we are standing right outside of our destination. Zephyr doesn’t miss my sharp inhale either.

"You ready?" he asks.

Not by a long shot, but that's not what I say. "Let's do this."

They lead me back over to the table where we had breakfast a few hours earlier.

Slinky gray hair is peppered with black streaks and hangs almost to the floor, belonging to a short woman already waiting for us. As we come around the side of the table, I get my first look at the sea witch. After the hair, I’m expecting a much older face than the one that now stares back at me. She doesn't resemble any witch I've ever seen. Her pale skin brings out the thick black eyelashes and pitch-black eyes but also accentuates the fullness of her lips. I'm not going to lie, the eyes freak me out. They remind me of a feeding shark. When she smiles at me, showing sharp teeth, it does nothing but strengthen that image.

Zale pulls out the chair directly in front of her as he introduces us, "Rubi, Cecaelia."

I never let my gaze wander from her as I take a Zale’s offered chair. The first words she speaks aren't to me, but to them.

“Leave us,” she demands.

None of them move as they look to me for confirmation. I try to look beyond human facade she has in place and that same tendril that reached for Zale moments ago tugs again, making me feel like I recognize her. I nod my head to the Zs, letting them know that I'm okay with it.

"We will be right outside," Zanthus says and I'm not sure if he’s reassuring me, warning her, or possibly both.

She barely waits until the door clicks shut before she says, "Your presence has been long-awaited child."

It's best to go ahead and break the bad news first. "I'm not who they’re looking for."

She tilts her head to the side as she studies me. "Let me see your hand.”

What the hell? I figure. I place my hand in hers and am surprised to feel the coarseness of it.

She grips it tightly and closes her eyes. The silence lasts for so long that her cackle almost rips a scream from my throat. This makes her laugh even bolder. She swiftly drops my hand and comes to my side. The only place I don’t want her is at my back, so I turn on my seat to face her.

"You truly have no idea who you are, child. I can offer you one chance and one chance only to return to your life on that ship. Choose wisely, my dear, because once done, there cannot be any undoing," she warns.

I take a full minute to think about what awaits me should I return. I'd finish the cruise and go back to a meaningless life. Then Zale's story does a replay in my head. What if I am the person that could help them? I owe them my life for saving me, but more than that, I want to have a purpose in life. Even if I’m not the princess, that means I’d get to live out my mortal life here surrounded by all of this sexiness. Even if I would be leaving behind my one best friend, my decision really is a no-brainer.

I stare at those pitch-black eyes. "I want to stay and help them if I can."

She nods with an expression that says she already knew what my answer would be. "Close your eyes, girl, and take a breath. This is going to hurt."

I feel her sandpaper lips against my forehead and then the most excruciating pain radiates through my body.

Memories race across my brain faster than I can comprehend. I'm one hundred percent sure that these aren't mine. There's a woman that looks similar to me, but much prettier. She cuts through water faster than the fish around her, but something is following her, closing in if her panic is any indication. I see a flashing of teeth and then we are in some kind of cave. She lies on the floor bleeding in multiple places. Her beautiful mermaid tail in shreds. Another's voice sounds in my head, their entire conversation coming through a telepathic bubble. It's hard to stay focused when there's so much blood tainting the water.

Her soft words ring out in my head even though she’s not speaking to me. "It's yours if you will put her somewhere her father will never find her.”

A familiar shape steps next to the woman. Leaning down, Cecaelia tells her, "You have my word. No one will harm Eurybia, especially her father. Your sacrifice will not be in vain."

The woman, who is clearly my mother, sighs in relief.

Cecaelia kneels down the rest of the way and places a kiss on my mother's forehead. I watch as the life drains from her body, and then she is no more.

Standing from her position, Cecaelia doesn't turn around as she speaks to me, "I showed you this memory, so you would understand what it cost her. It is up to you to bring your people back to the light, princess."

Somehow, I ask her the question on my mind without using my voice, "What was her name?"

"Her name was Sereia. Your father kidnapped her during the wars. You were born exactly 9 months later, like a human. As per her wishes, hoping you could be hidden in the human realm. Your father was disgusted and wanted you dead. He didn't care who he had to kill in the process. I know your next question, girl. Just as you already know the answer," she says calmly.

"My father is Bruinen, isn't he?" I ask anyway. She nods to me. I want so badly to be the savior that the Zs need for their people, but how would they feel if they knew that I am the spawn of their worst enemy? Worry digs a hole in my gut, making me nauseous.

I forget for a moment that the witch is still inside of my head, until she reassures, "Do not fret, princess. Those three mer have been through more than most. Give them a chance. We must be getting back now. I won't be there, but you can call upon me shall the need arise."

"Thank you for everything," I say. She nods and the room swirls into a variety of colors. "Wait," I say, reaching out to her, "I don't know how to call for you."

The next thing I know I'm waking up in Zanthus’ arms. He smooths the hair away from my sweaty face, and I see that Zale and Zephyr are on either side of me with a worried look on their faces.

"I'm going to murder that witch," Zanthus growls.

I lay a hand on his arm to stop the rant brewing. The frustrating anger on his face softens into something else that starts a fire in my belly. Looking away, I know that I can't go there with any of them again. No matter what the witch said. I refuse to hurt them like that.

"We need to talk," I tell them.

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