Page 21 of Rock of Stages
CHAPTER 13
CALEB
The next day, I brought Naiya to meet Carina, a siren who was the head of entertainment. When I’d told her about a mermaid with a voice like silky moonlight, she’d been curious to meet Naiya. We stepped into the rehearsal space while the performers were in the middle of a number from Moulin Rouge. Naiya’s gaze darted everywhere—stage lights, sequins, soaring voices—and awe bloomed across her face, like she’d walked into a dream.
When Carina asked to hear her sing, Naiya’s eyes widened with fear, like she’d rather dive overboard instead. Then she took a deep breath, stepped onstage, and began. Her voice was low and shaky from her nerves at first, but soon, she let her incredible voice soar. Pure magic.
After she sang the final note, she fidgeted with the seam of her dress before daring to gaze at Carina.
“Well done.” Carina gave a thoughtful nod. “I’ll see what I can do,” she said, then motioned around the theater. “Feel free to hang around during rehearsals.”
“I’d love to.” Naiya nodded with enthusiasm.
“Enjoy.” I kissed her cheek. “See you tonight.”
After my show,we met up to eat at the buffet upstairs and Naiya gushed about the performance.
“It was simply magical. The performers—so vibrant. The music, the dancing, the lights—thecostumes…” She paused to take a breath, eyes bright. “Everything is so sparkly and bright and I loved every second! I volunteered to help however I could. Carina said I could come back tomorrow.” Naiya’s eyes sparked with wonder. “Do you think, Caleb…” Her voice trailed off.
“What?”
“Do you think it’s possible for a mermaid like me—to be—part of this world?”
I chuckled. “Now that sounds like a song I’ve heard an animated mermaid sing.”
She tipped her head at me and her brows narrowed with confusion.
I’d save my pop culture references for another time. Funny how she knew a rock song but not “The Little Mermaid” movie.
“Yes, of course, Naiya,” I confirmed. “Carina is a siren, and there are other mermaids. Probably some who are currently sailing or currently work on this ship. Thousands onboard so I don’t know who everyone is. But yes, of course you’d fit in perfectly on here.”With me.
Her lips spread into a smile as she gazed up at me. “Thanks for bringing me there.”
“You’re welcome.” I caressed her soft cheek.
Introducing her to Carina had been step one, an attempt to move more boulder aside in the obstacles between our worlds. But we still had many mountains to go.
Naiya spenther time with the production team over the next few days. She helped with props and costumes. When we met up each night, she shared stories about that night’s performance, her eyes bright with excitement.
One night, my band and their mates all met up near the dragon pool outside on a top deck. Van’s mate, Celeste, joined us and I introduced her to Naiya.
While Naiya chatted with the vampire, Piper nudged me and whispered, “You better not screw this up. We see how happy you are around her.”
“And less of a curmudgeon around us,” Rex chimed in.
I grunted. “I’m trying to make it work, but it’s not easy—considering she lives under the sea.”
“If Kylie and Van managed with creatures of the night, you’ll find a way,” Piper declared. “Besides, we’ll help you however we can if—she’s the one,” she added with emphasis.
Piper and Kylie had teased both Van and me about finding our mates, saying they’d place a bet on it. Both of us had denied it would ever happened, but Van was now blissfully with Celeste. And me—could I have a stone’s throw of a chance with my beautiful mermaid?
I swallowed and admitted, “She is.”
Piper leaned back with a nod and then sipped her drink. She exchanged a glance with Kylie, as if confirming what they’d suspected.
“No betting on anything,” I grumbled.
Naiya and Italked about everything as we got to know each other better. We discussed ideas for our future—if we could live here on the ship, or find an island that gave us access to both sea and sky.
