Chapter 57
Humans cannot breathe underwater
Who’s speaking?
I’m so tired. Let me rest. Everything hurts so much.
Humans cannot breathe in the sea
I recognize that voice. I’ve heard it before. Those words are familiar as well.
I know humans can’t breathe underwater.
But the voice—that voice.
It’s talking to me, and I’ve heard it before. That time when I chased the Nurmand?r away with my song. It’s that same soft but stern, husky female voice that appeared in my mind when I made them leave Dad alone. Back when I was still alive.
You are not human
The voice won’t leave me in peace. It bothers and bugs me, grating and niggling.
Let me be. I want to sleep.
You are one of us
I can’t hold out any longer. My energy is nearly spent.
I’m floating away, but the voice gets more urgent. It won’t give up. It’s gnawing at my mind.
You are not human
Something is trying to pull me back. But I am nothing; I am feeble, pathetic. My gills are gone. I can’t breathe underwater. The sea is not my friend.
The voice is booming in my mind now.
You are not human
Slowly, I open my eyes.