Maybe Eriana’s homesickness amplified my own, because when my island materialised before us, the emotions crashing through me were too much to bear. Every time I breached and saw those familiar mountains, trees, and beaches, I ached.
I was returning home with Eriana in my possession—a true descendant, heir to the most powerful creature in the world. I’d never felt so proud to be a part of this island.
We arrived at the Welcome Centre, the port that had been unused my whole life. I made Eriana stay below surface while I waited half-submerged, feeling protected by the layer of water.
The totem poles scowled down at us, weathered and faded yet more alive than ever. I studied Sisiutl, wondering who had carved that totem, and whether the artist had known the real one rested so close by.
Had the beach always been so peaceful, or did my new senses make it this way? Waves purred against the rocks, seagulls chattered to each other, and the nearby forest whispered in the breeze. The smell of the woods summoned countless memories of running through those towering trees. Warmth spread through me, along with a new feeling of acceptance. I loved and cherished those memories, and at the same time, I cherished the ones I had yet to make. In a life that changed so rapidly as mine, I resolved to accept each day, and never to ache for the past again. My memories on Eriana Kwai were a beautiful part of me, but that era was now over. My future would be one of bright coral and kelp forests.
Something to look forward to, I thought, as the sun touched the horizon.
Someone is coming.
I frowned. She was referring to the sea, not the sky. A moment later, I felt the ripples at my tail.
Who?
I closed my eyes, trying to form a deeper connection with Eriana, to feel what she felt.
“Nilus?” I said aloud, my heart swelling.
The moment my brother surfaced beside me, we threw our arms around each other in a bone-crushing hug.
“You’re okay!” he said.
“Why are you here? Where’s Lysi?”
“I met her at the Nereids. She said you killed—well, I guess you succeeded.”
Words failed him as he looked back to where the serpent lay submerged. Then he looked past me, taking in where he was. His mouth hung open as he scanned the totems, the Welcome Center, beach, forests, and cliffs.
“Welcome home, brother,” I said.
If I were able to go back in time, to tell my past self that someday Nilus and I would return home together, in this state, under these conditions, I never would have believed it.
“Gaawhist,” he said.Home, sweet home.
The thrum of a helicopter met my ears. I lifted my gaze to see a dark shape break through the grey clouds.
Right on time,I thought.
“Nilus, I need you to hide below the surface, all right? I want them to see only me.”
He hesitated. “Okay. I’m here if you need anything.”
We shared a smile, and he ducked down.
The helicopter circled over the empty gravel lot, seeming to decide where to land. Finally, it sank. A hurricane blew at me from its massive rotor, pushing the waves back.
I expected a group of official men in suits. I’d pictured the face of the President of the United States.
Instead, a single figure stepped out, sweaty and wide-eyed. He looked to be in his twenties. I hadn’t pictured Officer Miller so young. Based on his voice, I’d guessed him to be much older, maybe with a mustache.
Tentatively, I asked Eriana to raise her head so he would see us.
He balked when he saw the serpent, apparently frozen in fear. Then he squared his shoulders and ran towards us.
“Officer Miller?” I said, sitting taller.
