Chapter 36
Even with the scooters to propel us through the water, it feels like it’s taking an eternity to get to the city.
Something’s wrong. I can sense Caspian’s panic, and it has my own rising to the surface.
He’s been anxious all morning, but it’s getting worse.
What the hell is happening down there? The wedding isn’t supposed to be for another two days, but something tells me whatever’s going on has him really worried.
I press as hard as I can on the throttle, racing through the water.
The sunlight fades, unable to reach us at these depths.
The lights from our scooters shine only a short distance into the darkness.
Schools of fish scatter when we approach, but I pay them no mind.
If we weren’t on a life or death mission to save my mate, maybe I would be tempted to explore the wonders around us.
There are likely species here that have never been seen by humankind before.
But that is the furthest thing from my mind.
We attached the i’xal to the top of my scooter so we could use it for guidance.
When the illuminated sigil changes, I turn, trusting my men to follow.
I wish I could communicate with them down here.
They all have microphones in their helmets so they can talk to each other in their suits, but since I’m using the breather, I’m cut off from whatever they may or may not be saying and forced to rely on hand gestures.
Ahead, a pod of whales blocks our path, and I swoop deeper to avoid them. Sebastian was adamant that we don’t descend too quickly, but Caspian’s anxious feelings are driving me to distraction. We need to get there. Now.
I dip lower, spotting a reef in the distance that glows with that same effervescent quality that’s become so familiar to me. Beyond the coral reef, a glowing wall ascends through the water. Tythas. We found it!
Hunter pulls up beside me and tries to get me to slow down, but I shake my head. He’s saying something, but I can’t make it out. My wetsuit chafes, and I already regret letting the guys talk me into wearing it. It’s much hotter down here than it was last time.
Sebastian and Phoenix both swerve in front of me so fast I have to dip below them to keep from crashing. What the fuck?
I slow and Hunter comes up beside me, grabbing my arm. “Slow,” he mouths at me through his helmet.
I look around and see all their worried faces. Shit, yeah, we’re supposed to be sneaking in, not charging like the cavalry.
With a wince and a touch on his arm, I try to communicate an apology, sending my acquiescence down the bond. I’m just so worried about Caspian. It’s hard to focus. And it’s so damn hot down here.
Loud noises that don’t sound like sea life come from just over the ridge of the reef, and we all share a look.
It’s almost like shouting, though we can’t make out the words.
That doesn’t sound good. Without any need for discussion, we race toward the noise, no longer concerned with going slow or being stealthy.
We’re all of the same mind. Get in, get Caspian, get out.
When we crest the coral, the sight before me arrests my heart. A crowd of merfolk stretches from here to the city wall, all of them facing us. Well, facing the small group right in front of us. Queen Namora has a knife to Amalie’s throat.
Caspian and another blue-haired merman float just to the left of them, horror written on their faces. There’s a third merman with them, dressed in some kind of ceremonial attire. They haven’t noticed us yet.
Someone from the crowd yells, pointing in our direction.
Well, here goes nothing. I dip the nose of my scooter down and dive straight for my merman mate.