Chapter 30 #2
Like, what's the deal with Calypso's split personality? One minute she's all smiles and hospitality, the next she's going full-on psycho bitch. And what the hell does she need this magical trinket for anyway? Is she trying to accessorize her way to world domination?
But the question that has me scratching my head is about the whole mermaid and Siren anatomy thing. Last time I checked, these enchanted sea creatures were supposed to be all tails, no legs. So why are they strutting around on land like on an underwater catwalk?
"Okay, I've gotta ask," I blurt out, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.
"What's with the legs? Aren't you guys supposed to be out there flipping your fins and making a splash?
And while we're at it, what's the deal with this place?
" I gesture wildly around the room. My arms stretched out like I'm trying to encompass the entire underwater lair.
Calypso fixes me with a stare that's equal parts amused and exasperated like she's trying to decipher whether to answer my questions or turn me into sushi.
After a moment, she takes a delicate sip of her drink, "So many questions, little human.
" She leans back in her chair, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.
"We merfolk have always had the ability to walk on land and swim in the sea. It's part of our magic."
I take a bite of my dessert, which tastes like a heavenly pistachio pudding had a love child with ambrosia. "So, you guys can just swap out your tails for legs whenever you feel like it? That's pretty damn convenient."
For a split second, Calypso's expression shifts, a flicker of sadness passing over her features before she schools her face back into its usual resting bitch mode. "In a sense, yes," she replies, her tone guarded.
In a sense? Well, that's about as clear as the ocean's murky depths. Something smells fishy around here, and it's not just the seafood platter in front of me. She's holding back, keeping secrets.
But it looks like I won't get any more information from her. She's clamming up faster than a shell at low tide, and I know a dead end when I see one.
I take a deep breath, weighing my options. I’m not too fond of being Calypso's errand girl, but if it means getting one step closer to fulfilling my destiny and saving the realms, I'll do what I must.
"Fine," I say, my voice tight with resignation.
"We'll get you the Siren's Lyre. But if this comes back to bite me in the ass, I’m coming for you, Calypso. And trust me, you don’t want to see me when I’m pissed.
" My voice is firm with resolve. "I’m doing this on my terms. There will be no interference, no hidden agendas, and definitely no surprise appearances from your scaly entourage. Got it?"
She nods. "Now, shall we seal this agreement then?"
Confusion etched on my face, I watch as Calypso glides towards me. An attendant hands her something I can't quite make out. "I just need..." she starts before unceremoniously plucking a strand of my hair.
"Ouch!" I yelp, rubbing my scalp. "What the hell?"
She ignores me, weaving my hair into a bracelet of seashells and coral that glimmers in the dim light. It’s stunning—like a miniature ocean—but I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to this than meets the eye.
Calypso holds the bracelet aloft, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light.
She starts chanting in a language that sounds like a cross between a lullaby and a curse, her voice rising and falling like the tides.
The words hang in the air, pulsing with a strange, hypnotic energy that makes my skin crawl.
Oh, shit. What have I gotten myself into? It looks like my word alone isn't going to cut it with the sea witch.
"Uhhh—What's with the hocus pocus?" Lucian chimes in, his eyebrows raised skeptically. "Is this some kind of underwater pinky swear? Because if so, I want in on the action."
I shoot him a look that says, "Not helping." Before I can tell him to shut up, the bracelet starts glowing like a deep-sea rave. I can feel the magic building—a tingling of energy that dances along my skin like the brush of a thousand tiny electric eels.
Suddenly, the bracelet splits in two, each half shooting out to wrap around my wrist and Calypso's. The coral and shells fuse, forming a seamless band that feels cool and smooth against my skin, but I can't shake the feeling that I've just signed my soul away to the devil of the deep.
I can feel the magic of the pact settling into my bones, a tingle of power coursing through my veins like liquid nitrogen. It’s a heady feeling—a rush of adrenaline mixed with something ancient and primal—but also terrifying in its intensity.
Calypso lowers her arms, a satisfied smile on her face. "It's done," her voice ringing with finality. "You are bound to our agreement, Dani. May the tides guide you to success."
"What the hell did I just agree to, exactly?" I ask, my voice laced with equal parts sarcasm and trepidation.
"Exactly what you said you do, and I am bound to what I promised you—it's called a Coral Pact," Calypso explains as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"Sure, because that clears everything up," I mutter, eyeing the bracelet like it might sprout teeth and bite me. "And what happens if one of us doesn't hold up our end of the bargain? Do we get fed to the sharks or something?"
Calypso laughs, a sound that’s as beautiful as it is bone-chilling. "I wouldn’t dream of breaking our pact, Dani. Now, shall we celebrate our agreement with a toast?"
I exchange a wary glance with Lucian, who shrugs and gives me a "Your funeral, babe" look.
I take a deep breath, trying to quell the unease churning in my gut. I’ve made my bed, and now I have to lie in it. I hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew with this Coral Pact business.
She snaps her fingers, and a servant appears with a tray of shimmering, iridescent drinks. I eye them warily, not trusting anything from Calypso's hands.
On the other hand, Lucian grabs a glass and downs it in one gulp. "Whoa, that’s got a kick to it! It’s like mermaid farts mixed with the essence of a sea cucumber’s ballsack."
I wrinkle my nose in disgust, pushing my own glass away. "I think I'll pass on the underwater absinthe, thanks."
Calypso shrugs, delicately sipping her drink. "Suit yourself. But remember, the clock is ticking. You have until the next full moon to bring me the Siren's Lyre. Don’t disappoint me."
"Great," I say, standing up from the table, ready to get the fuck out of here. "If that's all, I think it’s time we take our leave. There are places to go and relics to find; you know how it is."
Lucian also rises, stretching his arms above his head with a groan. "Yeah, I could use a real drink after all this excitement. Preferably something strong enough to make me forget about the whole 'almost getting my heart ripped out' thing."
Calypso waves a dismissive hand. "By all means, you may go."
And with that, I waste no time.