I couldn’t argue with that. Glancing out toward the tunnel told me darkness had fallen, and nothing but pitch-black lay outside of the door hole. Even this room was much dimmer, though I’d grown accustomed to it as it happened gradually.“So, do I get to help you plan a ceremony?”
She smiled wistfully.“No. We have no such tradition, although it does sound lovely.”
“So, it’s already done? You’re already married—already fully mated.”
She nodded.“Yes, we are mated. We are one from now on.”
“Well, maybe when this is all over and we’re back with the tribe, we can start a new tradition. You’ll be the very first mermaid to ever be married!”
She grinned brightly.“I think I would like that very much.”
“Then it’s settled! We’re gonna get you married, girl!”
She leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder, some of her hair floating in front of my face.“I love you, Brett.”
“I love you too, Lelas.”
We sat like that for a time. Both lost in our own thoughts, giving in to the moment of respite.
“Lelas?”
“Hmmm?”
I hesitated, afraid to ruin the calm that had fallen between us, but I had to make sure. One final time.“Are you sure? Are you really happy?”
She nodded against my shoulder.“Yes. Happier than I have ever been before.”
Silence fell before her voice broke into my mind once more.
“Brett?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for making sure I am happy. For caring about me.”
Twelve
BRETT WRIGHT
The journeyback wasn’t as dark as I’d feared. The tunnel’s surface was covered in blue-green phosphorescent specks, similar to the lightning-bug creatures I’d noticed earlier. When we entered Nalu’s room, it was almost like stepping into a planetarium, the entire circumference sparkled. Maybe it had been like that in the room Lelas and I had been in, but I hadn’t noticed it as it gradually began to glow.
I ended up having the best night’s sleep since entering the ocean. The sensation of having a starry sky over my head, and the absence of anything more than the lightest current made it almost feel like I was a kid again and sleeping in the backyard.
Upon waking, I allowed myself a few instants to give in to the sensation. I was snug in my bed, just another day getting ready to begin. Sonia already in the kitchen, clattering the dishes as she started breakfast and making a huge mess. We’d gossip about whatever boy caught our eye the night before at Rascals as we ate breakfast, and I’d head off to my lifeguard job. She’d kill time until her evening shift at the restaurant, and then we’d start it all over again. It was so clear I could almost smell the bacon and hear her heartfelt laughter.
The feeling was bittersweet as I opened my eyes to the sight of Lelas and Nalu still curled together in sleep next to the wall of the room. I let the sensation linger as long as I could, holding on to how simple life had been. I’d not known it at the time, thinking all the relational drama with my grandparents was the most tortuous thing in the world. How naïve I’d been.
Turning my head, I saw Therin and Wrell sleeping on the opposite side of the chamber. I flinched as Wrell nodded a greeting in my direction, his dark eyes upon me. While I was living in a fantasy, I might as well pretend that I really would wake up to those eyes staring at me one day, sans the crowd in the room.
An image of Nalu came into my mind, first as we’d seen him amidst the columns, then morphing to him curled up with Lelas. A feeling of curiosity washed over me.
I glanced back to make sure Lelas and Nalu were still asleep before I answered him.“I can’t say I love the guy or the idea that Lelas is mated to him now. She says she’s happy. Happier than she’s ever been, and that’s all that really matters. Just seems a little fast to me.”
He nodded his agreement.
“Do you think it’s too fast too? You think maybe they’re not actually supposed to be mated?”
He shook his head and gave me the memory of the two of them holding hands in front of Queen Akamaii. I could also hear her repeating she’d only heard of matings like this. I hadn’t ever had the impression of sound in one of Wrell’s visions before. Maybe if he heard someone else’s words, he could pass them on.
