Calypso waves a dismissive hand like she's swatting away a pesky gnat. "I told you I could help you obtain the Aquanite Stone, Dani. Surely that’s worth a little trust on your part?"
I narrow my eyes, suspicion coiling in my gut like a snake ready to strike. Something doesn’t add up here. Why would Calypso, who’s clearly in cahoots with Moretemis, suddenly be so eager to help me? It’s like a vampire offering to donate blood—it just doesn’t make sense.
Lucian seems to pick up on my unease, leaning forward with a serious expression that looks out of place on his usually cheerful face. "Let’s cut the bullshit. You’re not exactly known for your warm and fuzzy charitable side, so what’s in it for you? I’ve got a sixth sense for this kind of shady business, and it’s tingling like amotherfuckerright now."
Calypso smiles, but her face looks like she's trying to solve a Rubik's Cube. "I—I... I'm…"
Calypso's either having a stroke or putting on one hell of a show. "My motivations are my own, and you'd do well not to question them. Suffice it to say, obtaining the Siren's Lyre is in both of our best interests. So, do we have a deal or not?"
Brilliant. Just what we need—a cryptic, crazy mermaid with an attitude problem. What's next, a riddle-spouting sphinx?
I exchange glances with Lucian, who shrugs and mumbles, "Your call, boss."
I lean forward, fixing Calypso with a hard stare. "Alright, before I sign on the dotted line, I need to know if there are any hidden clauses or fine print I should be aware of—any nasty surprises you’ll spring on me later? And am I allowed to bring some backup, or is this a solo mission?"
I need to know if gathering Rhyland and Erik will interfere with this arrangement. The last thing I need is Calypso crying foul because I decided to even the odds a bit.
Calypso’s grin widens."No, you’re free to use all the help you can get. In fact, I'll even have my Sirens assist you if you find yourself in need."
I hold up a hand, shaking my head vehemently. "Nope. No way. I want nothing to do with your fish sticks on steroids."
The thought of those creepy, singing seductresses makes me want to hurl.
Lucian snorts, barely containing a laugh. "Fish sticks? More like sushi with a side of seduction. I bet they’d love to get their fins on a prime specimen like myself." He waggles his eyebrows suggestively, and I resist smacking him upside the head.
"Focus, Casanova," I mutter, rolling my eyes. "We've got bigger fish to fry than your libido."
Calypso clears her throat, drawing our attention back to her. "As entertaining as this banter is, I have other important matters. So, do we have an agreement, Dani? You retrieve the Siren's Lyre, and I'll help you with the Aquanite Stone… as well as not harm your friends in the meantime. Simple as that."
I've got a million and one questions bouncing around in my head like a bunch of hyperactive ping-pong balls.
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.
