I didn't look back, not even as I reached the outskirts of Pelathas. I gripped my bag tightly, taking slow, deep breaths. Looking at the surface, I could see the sun had already set, blanketing the water in inky blackness. Luckily, lava torches were placed sporadically throughout the waters between each realm, giving off the faintest glow so I could at least see where I was going.

Shaking my head, I continued swimming, focusing on the sound of my breath in my ears. I knew that if I stopped, even for a moment, I wouldn't be able to start again.

I was bone-weary by the time I finally reached Aegrem's entrance. Judging from the moon's position in the sky, I had timed it right—it was just past midnight. Silence blanketed the realm just like darkness. I could barely see the spires of the palace in the distance. I wanted nothing more than to curl up right where I was and close my eyes, but I pushed through the exhaustion covering my senses.

When I finally spotted a cave, I had to swallow the cry that rose in my throat. I swam inside and collapsed on the ground. The light of the full moon provided enough light for me to see by, and I let out a sigh of relief that the cave was empty. Fear and wariness had me dozing in fits, never allowing myself to succumb to the exhaustion tugging at me fully.

Nightmares plagued my restless sleep—visions of Drew's injury that had me jolting awake far too frequently. I kept seeing the agony on his face and hearing the window breaking. Every time, I reached for a merman that wasn't there. Jonah was safe and sound back home in Pelathas. Where you should be, a small voice in the back of my head whispered.

As I jolted awake for the umpteenth time, I saw the faint sunrise staining the surface orange. The few minutes of sleep I'd managed to get in between nightmares was nearly nonexistent. Despite my fatigue, I resumed my swim to the palace. When my stomach began to growl, I managed to snag some shrimp and lobster, devouring them in seconds.

The guards at the entrance snapped to attention at my approach but softened as recognition filled their eyes. I saw them exchange a glance, but neither spoke. Both tensed as their eyes traveled to my torso. When I touched my dress, I sucked in a breath as I felt the dried blood staining the fabric. "Please," I said, desperation coating the word. "I need to see Queen Nerissa and King Jay. It's urgent." My voice broke on the last word.

As soon as I was inside the palace, I made a beeline for Aunt Nerissa and Uncle Jay's suite. I took a shaky breath before lifting my hand to knock on the door. Before the sound had even finished echoing, the door swung open. Wide, worried eyes met mine, then scanned me from head to tail. Uncle Jay opened his mouth to speak, but I swam inside before he could.

Aunt Nerissa met my gaze, then rushed towards me as I began to falter. Deep, heaving sobs wracked my body, but I wasn't exactly sure who—or what—I was crying about. Dad's accident? Drew's? Or was it merely that the assassin's identity wasn't a mystery to me?

Regardless, my sobs continued for several moments, eventually subsiding to soft whimpers. Aunt Nerissa kept a steady arm around my shoulder as we swam into their sitting room. Uncle Jay was right behind us. He exchanged a glance with his wife as I sat on the couch. Aunt Nerissa sat beside me; Uncle Jay perched on the footrest, his eyes locked on my face.

"What happened, Faye? Where are your parents? Is Drew okay?" His rapid-fire questions came one after the other, too fast for my exhausted brain to comprehend.

When I finally controlled my emotions, I looked at my aunt and uncle's faces. "I can't do this anymore. I'm tired of watching my family pay the price for my stupid mistakes. I'm tired of watching my family get hurt and being unable to do anything about it. I should have paid more attention; I should have been looking out for them instead of being wrapped up in my trauma. 

"Dad almost died because of me. Drew almost died because of me. Raina was right. Despite my best efforts, everyone I love—whether by force or choice—will leave eventually." Maybe I deserve it. The thought crossed my mind quicker than a breath.

Uncle Jay sucked in a sharp breath before tilting my chin upward to meet his gaze. Without him saying a word, I knew he was reading the unspoken words in my eyes. "You can't think like that. I know it's easier said than done not to let emotions rule your actions, but you have to push through and keep a clear head. I know you're upset about what happened to Drew and David, but going out there without a plan will only get you killed. We love you, Faye, and would do anything for you."

Aunt Nerissa took my hand and squeezed it, the motion drawing my gaze to hers. Taking a shaky breath, she lifted her hands and began to sign, her movements precise and slow despite the tears cascading down her cheeks.

When my youngest sister died, it was like someone had reached inside my chest and torn out my heart. I shut out everything and everyone and didn't get out of bed for weeks. I let my grief, anger, and regret consume me to the point where I almost wanted to give up. I had convinced myself that I'd been solely responsible for her death—that no matter what I could have done, she'd have died either way. I would have completely given up if not for our family. They stayed by me even when I pushed them away. You're so lost in self-loathing that you can't see a way out. I've been exactly where you are, and it nearly killed me. I know it hurts, sweetie, but you can't let emotions rule your actions.

Tears filled my own eyes, spilling down my cheeks as I exhaled. I wanted nothing more than to collapse on the floor and sleep for a week. "I have to get to Beltmare."

I dragged a trembling hand across my face. Uncle Jay's eyes tracked my movements just as Mom's had; I saw worry flash in them a heartbeat before he opened his mouth. "You're in no condition to be swimming that far again." When I saw his eyes widen, I knew without looking that my tail had started bleeding again. I squeezed my eyes shut as a bolt of pain shot through it, causing spots to flash in front of my eyes.

I kept my eyes closed as a wave of dizziness washed over me. Silence greeted me, but I knew Aunt Nerissa and Uncle Jay were conversing. When I felt a hand gently grip my arm, I froze. The worry in Uncle Jay's voice broke my heart. "Stay here tonight, get some rest, and start again tomorrow. Please, Faye."

Before the words even left his mouth, I felt myself falter. His grip tightened on my arm. Without a word, I let him lead me to the couch in their sitting room. He gently kissed my forehead as I lay down. Aunt Nerissa did the same, sniffling as they left the room. I let myself be dragged under by exhaustion, convinced that as soon as I was rested, I would haul tail to Beltmare and deliver the news. If only I'd known what was coming.

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