“Even if I bury you?” I respond, gently squeezing her hand.
“That means I would get sand in all my creases.” She grimaces and sticks out her tongue, closing her eyes as she shakes her head. “No thanks.”
“I promise you, I can be fun in other ways.” And with a swift movement, I scoop her into my arms, the surprise clear on her face. The Merfolk cheer and clap, their laughter ringing in my ears.
“See? Fun,” I say, looking down at her, a grin spreading across my face. She laughs, the sound resonating within my chest, making my heart pound with a warmth I’ve never known before. And in that moment, I realize that no amount of shells or sea glass in my hair could make me as happy as the sound of her laughter.
A soft blush paints her cheeks, even as her lips curve into a knowing smile. My heart thunders in my chest at the sight. She is radiant, all soft curves and sparkling eyes, brimming with life and laughter.
“But fine,” I concede, a playful smirk spreading across my face. “Perhaps one day, when you’ve earned it, I’ll let you style my hair. Maybe we can even do a… trade of sorts.”
“Trade?” Rey asks, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. I love that about her—her endless fascination with the world around her, her thirst for knowledge. She always keeps me on my toes, always asking questions, always eager to understand more.
“Yes,” I say, my tentacles sliding over her bare arms, tracing the delicate curve of her shoulders. “Perhaps we could come to some sort of… agreement. Maybe for every shell you add to my hair, I get to give you a kiss.”
A soft gasp escapes her lips, her dark eyes widening in surprise before a mischievous glint takes over. “It could be a lot of kisses. You sure you can handle it?”
I chuckle deeply, my gaze never leaving hers. “Oh, my sweet Rey, you’ve no idea what you’re in for.”
Her laughter rings out, a soft, melodious sound that seems to breathe life into the quiet lagoon. As I watch her, surrounded by the Merfolk, a sense of contentment washes over me.
With her, I’ve found my home. And I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world.
Thirteen
Rey
As we enter, I’m instantly hit with the delicious smells of pizza baking, popcorn popping, and a hint of sea salt in the air. The aroma makes my stomach growl, reminding me of how hungry I am.
The restaurant is a lively hub of activity. There’s music playing, a mix of tropical beats and sea shanties. Monsters of all kinds are eating, drinking, and talking animatedly, their chatter mixing with the sounds of the music and the ocean waves crashing against the shore nearby.
“Wow, this place is amazing,” I breathe, taking in the colorful neon lights and the vibrant beach-themed decorations. I can see why this place is a hit among the resort guests.
I’m distracted by the spectacle of it all, but Zethe’s strong hand on my back grounds me. I glance up at him, finding a warm smile on his face. He’s watching me, his gaze soft and affectionate.
“Welcome to the Coral Cove,” he says, gesturing grandly around us. “The best place on the resort for pizza and popcorn, and not a bad spot for dancing, either.”
I laugh at his words, my eyes wide as I take in the scene before me. “I’ve never seen a place like this before,” I confess, my voice barely audible over the hubbub.
“That’s the magic of the resort,” Zethe replies, his voice warm in my ear. “It’s full of surprises.”
A waitress comes over, a Dragoon—a scaled humanoid with horns and wings, rainbow-colored scales and long, black hair. She smiles at us, her eyes twinkling. “Zethe, Rey,” she greets us warmly. “Zoe and Sage are at your usual spot.”
Zethe nods his thanks, leading me toward a cozy corner booth. It offers a view of both the pizza ovens and the impromptu dance floor where a few monsters are swaying to the music.
“Just wait until you try their food, Rey. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.”
Zoe is waiting for us, waving us over to a booth toward the back. She’s accompanied by the same emerald Naga from earlier in the day, both of them looking at ease in this laid-back environment.
As we approach, Zoe’s eyes light up with genuine warmth. “Rey! You look absolutely stunning! I love what they did with your hair.”
I beam at her words, a flush of pleasure warming my cheeks. “Thanks, Zoe. The Merfolk at the lagoon did it. They were incredible.”
As I slide into the booth, I feel a giddy sense of anticipation. I have no idea what to expect from this place, but if it’s anything like the rest of the resort, I’m in for a treat.
Zethe’s hand finds mine again on the table, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a reassuring gesture. I look up tomeet his eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips. It’s a look that says ‘you belong here,’ and I believe him.
“How are you feeling, Rey?” Zoe asks, bringing my attention back to her. “Are you adjusting well?”
