I briefly ponder if there's some underwater penal code that covers mermaid-napping. Is there a particular prison for those who abduct merfolk? A magical version of Alcatraz hidden beneath the waves?
I quickly shake off those thoughts, realizing now is not the time to contemplate oceanic law's finer points. We've got bigger fish to fry, and by fish, I mean a certain pirate captain who's about to learn the hard way that you don't fuck with my friends.
I stand my ground, folding my arms over my chest and giving him my best "don't mess with me" look. "No. She's coming with us, Rhyland. End of story."
He growls low in his chest, a warning that I'm pushing his buttons. His alpha nature clashes with my stubborn streak, and I know he hates it when I go against him. It's a dance we've done before and always ends with "punishment," which I am all too happy to take.
Focus, Dani.
I turn to Mirella, my eyes narrowing. "If this ever comes back to bite me in the ass, or if you even think about betraying us, I'll make sure there's not an ocean deep enough for you to hide in. Got it?"
Mirella swallows hard, nodding frantically. "Got it. But please, Dani... trust me. I'm risking everything to help you."
I don't have time to dwell on her words—Seraphina and Lucian are in danger. I focus on Lucian, Gideon's ship, and escaping this underwater nightmare.
With a flick of my wrist, a swirling vortex appears, the portal shimmering like a mirage. It's never as clear when I focus on a person rather than on a specific location, but I know it will get us where we need to go.
I grab Mirella's hand, yanking her through the portal with me. Rhyland is right on our heels, his presence a solid wall of muscle and fury.
As we step through the portal, I can feel the crackle of energy surrounding us, the rush of wind, and the sensation of falling.
And then, just as quickly as it began, it's over. We're standing on the ship's deck, the portal closing behind us with a snap.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. We made it. We're back on the ship, and Mirella is with us.
Now, all we have to do is find Seraphina, kick some pirate ass, and figure out what the hell is going on with Cordelia and her underwater kingdom of secrets.
Rhyland
56
Ileave Dani and Mirella in my wake as I hunt down my brothers, my strides purposeful and determined. I make a beeline for the captain's deck, my boots hitting the wooden planks, echoing like a war drum. The ship's already slicing through the waves at a breakneck pace, and I find Gideon at the helm, looking way too fucking chipper for a man who was supposedly knocking on death's door.
"Gideon," I bark, my voice sharp as a whip.
"Ahoy, mate!" there's an edge to his enthusiasm, a tightness around his eyes that belies his upbeat tone. "We be settin' sail for Blood Reef, where that scurvy dog Bloodbane is no doubt headin' with the lass!"
Before I can get a word in edgewise, Lucian materializes at my back like a pissed-off poltergeist. "Well, look who finally decided to show up!" he snarls. "What the actual fuck, Rhyland? While you were off playing hide-the-salami with Dani, I was stuck here playing nursemaid and seamstress to this floating deathtrap!"
I don't need to be a mind reader to know that by "nursemaid," he means he's been playing vampire medic, force-feeding the crew his blood to bring them back from the brink. Gotta give credit where it's due—it was a smart move, even from Lucian.
"Stow it, Lucian," I growl. "I don't need to hear your bitching. What's the situation? And don't spare the gory details."
Lucian's eyes flash, his fists clenching at his sides. "The situation? The situation is that some dick-cheese pirate with delusions of grandeur has my fucking mate, and I'm stuck here with my thumb up my ass instead of ripping his spine out through his nostrils!"
Erik approaches, his steps measured and his posture rigid despite looking like death warmed over. It's clear he hasn't fed in way too fucking long, but the stubborn bastard's discipline and fortitude are still rock solid.
"Brother, your return is most welcome in this dire hour," his voice formal and controlled.
"JesusChrist, Erik. You look like hammered shit. When was the last time you sank your fangs into something that wasn't your damn pride?"
Erik shrugs, his posture stiff as a board. "You know I do not partake in the act of feeding unless it is freely offered, brother."
I let out a frustrated growl, my patience about as thin as a cheap condom. Erik needs some serious sustenance, and a willing donor would be fucking ideal right about now. Dani's blood might keep him from keeling over, but it's not enough to get him back to fighting form, and there's no way in hell I'm letting her become a goddamn feeding tube for anyone, even my own brother.
Gideon clears his throat, his expression grim. "Aye, I be willin' to offer me own neck to the lad, if it be what he needs."
We all turn to gauge Erik's reaction, but before he can utter a word, Izabelle steps forward, her turquoise eyes blazing with determination. "No, Captain. 'Tis I who shall provide the sustenance he requires." She runs her hands up and down Erik's chest, and the poor bastard looks like he'd rather walk the plank than take her up on her offer.
