SAGE

“A Merman,” I repeated slowly, trying to comprehend the words that were being spoken to me. His spell over me was strong; I could feel it pulling me closer to the boat's edge. His sweet voice lulled me. My dripping hair draped over the wooden point, my eyes attached to his.

“That’s right,” he said almost sarcastically. 

Was he mocking my naivety? I shouldn’t be talking to this beautiful creature; I was way out of my bounds. My mind was distantly nagging me to listen to my instincts, but I didn’t care. I wanted to be near him. “Where are you from?” I asked instinctively.

“The ocean.” He chuckled. “You're a pretty human.” His words heated up my cheeks.

I batted long eyelashes at him, feeling them touch my cheekbones. “But where in the ocean specifically?”

“Islanda.” His face turned more serious. “Do you want to see it?” His copper eyes burned into mine, not even taking a beat to blink. 

My heart pounded. “Islanda?” A lump was forming in my throat. I knew I shouldn’t, but his pull on me made it sound like the most beautiful adventure. One of the men on the boat stirred, kicking my leg and pulling me away from his gaze. He ducked back into the current. 

When I was sure no one was awake, I cleared my throat and he came back to the surface. “What is your name?” I whispered, making the connection with his honey gaze once more. 

“Aalton.” He smiled sweetly, his sharp teeth shimmering in the moonlight. 

“Aalton,” I repeated, washing the name around my mouth. What a sweet name. Music to my ears. I didn’t know why I was thinking this way. I was never one to fuss over beautiful men. My attention had always been dominated by Bear, up until now. Especially not a ...Mermaid, I said to myself in a hushed tone, choking over the word Mermaid.

“Merman,” Aalton corrected.

“Of course,” I hummed.

“So, do you want to come and see my home?” he asked again. “I think you would enjoy it. There are a lot of pretty things there that drive the girls back home crazy.”

Through my wavering haze, I remembered, only for a moment, that I had a cause, a reason for venturing this far into the ocean. “Do you know of a Mermaid who came to the surface to take a human? My brother was taken a few days ago, and I'm trying to track him down.”

He faltered before answering my question, darkness crossing his eyes. “Yes. I know the one. Follow me and I will take you to her.”

I felt my face light up. Finally, someone who could help! “I might actually have a chance to find Bear now,” I murmured excitedly. 

“Bear?” Aalton asked, a scoff coating his tone.

“Yes, Bear,” I said in all seriousness, slightly offended by his reaction.

He rolled his eyes. “Humans have ridiculous names.”

The light was beginning to come out and someone began to stir, followed by others. I shoved Aalton’s head down instinctively. “Come and find me tonight,” I whispered. 

“Crew, let's continue our journey!” I stood at the end of the ship, pulling my belongings onto my shoulder. They grumbled but did as I said, taking their places and picking up an axe for every few men.