Page 42 of Emerald Waves
At first glance this cave was not as it seemed. It was far more than that. A series of twists and turns. Pathways that led to numerous openings I imagined were the individual Merdragon family homes. The farther into their lair we went, the steeper the downward incline became. There was no way Caro could ever find me here.
“Watch your step, stay on the rocks.” Before us lay endless fields of kelp and the various greens Kai spoke of. “Beneath those plants is nothing but ocean.”
“Noted and appreciate the heads up. The colony you’ve built here is truly amazing. Self-sustainability is something many humans strive for.” I suppose it was the only answer for the Merdragons, but impressive just the same.
Dragonet laughter filled the air as they chased each another, diving in and out of the water. It was like their own city down here, complete with everything they’d ever need.
“You’ve created quite the oasis for your clan. It’s really impressive.” I wished I had a notebook or anything to record this on, but my phone was left behind. Not that it would work this far underground, even if I did have it on me. The humidity in the caves was high, which I imagined assisted with keeping their scales moist.
Then something I’d missed hit me.
“You can’t fly, can you?”
Kai took a moment to respond, carefully weighing his words. “Beneath the sea we soar just as you do above it.”
Not a direct answer, but the point was made. “If you are on land do you travel by foot?”
“Rarely will you find us on land. We can transport as you’ve seen Tasi do, but as a rule, we stick to the seas. It would take a dire emergency to get us above ground.”
Point taken. I just hoped I could remember all of this so I could document it when I get home.
Home.
What if I never saw it again or my newfound family?
Family.
I finally belonged to one and they welcomed me with open arms. No negative or snide comments about the way I am or was, I should say. Mating definitely calmed me and the negative voices I’d battled through the years. The Denarius family were happy to have me and all my quirks.
Dear Goddess, I only just found my mate and my dragon too. Please don’t take them away from me.
Wouldn’t that be just my luck to find a shred of happiness after decades of sorrow only to have it ripped away from me. And due to another’s poor choice. My mate’s.
It appears karma extends to spouses. Great…
“He will come, Emerson, have faith.” How did Kai know my thoughts? Was that another gift bestowed upon the Merdragons?
“What will you do when he comes?”
Kai sighed. “We shall see. I will defend my family, as would you. But if he comes in ready for battle, anything could happen.”
Fuck. My. Life.
Caro, if you can hear me know that I’m okay. Please, bring Ionus with you.
At least Ionus was the voice of reason.
Chapter Thirteen
Caro
Caro, if you can hear me know that I’m okay. Please, bring Ionus with you.
His words cut through the intense focus and repetition of learning how to share my element with my brothers without getting upset and flustered over the questions they peppered me with whenever we took a break to refocus and discuss what was working and what wasn’t.
Faint.
That was the first thing that registered with me. It shouldn’t be faint when he was just upstairs. Why would he need me to know that he was okay? And why ask me to bring Ionus?
