“She’s right.” Pisceon’s whole body stilled as if he were remembering. “Silver-stained Drowned march in armed cohorts through those waters.”
A silence settled over the group, and my stomach hollowed out as I glanced between them. Aarna was clutching Glacies’s hand, Pisceon still drifted back and forth, and the twins exchanged tense looks.
“What if we take the Tunnel of Heracleion?” Finn finally said, a dangerous edge to his voice.
“But no one uses it anymore. Who knows what ancient horrors lurk in its shadows?” The color drained from Aarna’s face.
“The tunnel leads straight into the Red Sea—we could reach Okeanós in just over a day,” Damon said, rubbing his chin. “Or we take the longer route through the Atlantic, past Port Royal, and it’ll take three, maybe more.”
“We don’t have time for this. Let’s put it to a vote,” Alexandros interrupted. “All in favor of the tunnel?”
All of the Mer except Aarna raised their hands. I rubbed at my chest. I had no idea which one to vote for, but with the majority choosing the tunnel, it looked like that would be the route. My insides knotted when I noticed the fearful expression on Aarna’s face as she realized this, too.
“It is settled.” Damon lounged back in his chair.
Aarna released Glacies’s hand, lifting her own to her chin in concern.
“Where’s Skye and Edward?” I whipped my head around, realizing they had not joined us.
“Skye’s taken the Drowned boy to their chambers.” Alexandros drummed his fingers against the arm of his throne. “I will return there to say... farewell before we leave.” A flicker of pain crossed his face, and I wondered if he’d grown more attached to Skye than he meant to.
“What of the army?” Pisceon’s gills flared as he turned to the twins.
Damon waved a webbed hand. “One thousand warriors are on standby, awaiting the decision from the summit.”
“Take a cohort of guards for your travels,” Alexandros told Finn.
“The guards stay with you. We already have some of the Deep’s most powerful warriors traveling with us.” Finn smiled grimly, his eyes trailing over Glacies and Aarna.
A cry rang out as Porphura and Layla entered the room. Both their faces were pale as they looked between us, and Aarna broke from Glacies’s side to throw her arms around her sister.
“You are to leave immediately,” Aarna said, gripping Layla’s hands in hers. “We are taking the Tunnel of Heracleion,”
Layla’s face blanched. “Is that wise? I’ve heard dark stories of that path.”
Aarna cupped her sister’s chin. “I would feel better if I were traveling with you.”
“We both know I’m better with a sword.” Layla masked her fear with a grin as she pulled away.
Aarna rolled her eyes and gave her a playful shove.
“She won’t be alone.” Porphura clasped Layla’s hand in hers, and Aarna offered her a grateful smile.
“You must travel lightly,” Finn said, addressing the twins on their thrones.
Damon nodded. “We will take our herald, and a cohort of six guards. Plus the king, queen, and the princesses.” He smiled at Porphura and Layla.
My stomach turned as I took in the grim faces of the twins and Pisceon.
“There are crossbows and nets for everyone.” Glacies toyed with the silver necklace she was wearing. “Make sure your people take them.”
“Try not to show off too much.” Aarna elbowed Layla in the ribs in an attempt to lighten the mood.
“Please. You’re the flashy one.” Layla snorted, adjusting her golden bangles.
Aarna’s face was shadowed as she turned back to her sister. “Unless you do something stupid.”
But Layla’s face broke into a cheeky grin. “Like saving your ass?”
