While I had dreams of leaving the town, I was quickly discovering it was large enough for me to simply disappear in. The first day I stole the basic supplies from the chaotic town. Evidently, when newcomers arrived, the first week was always the busiest as they tried to find their way around.

It was easy to get lost, but I quickly found my way. Tria wasn't like anything I expected. There was nothing overly special about it compared to other cities I had been in. There was cobble roads, stone and wood buildings, and vendors in the streets. The only thing which I had never experienced before was the different districts within the town. While anyone was welcome to roam through the city, certain areas were home to certain races.

I found it difficult not to be bitter that there was no place for someone like me. Newcomers had cabins outside of town, long cabins where people could temporarily find shelter until a house was made available in their desired district. I didn't bother with the system, instead, once I had a tent, pillow, and blanket, I was rather content.

I only stole what I needed. Food, an extra waterskin, and a cloak. While the cloak wasn't necessary for basic survival, it did make wandering through town easier. The simple black, soft material loosely hung around me, and with the hood pulled up, it was easy to just disappear. No one recognized me, no one knew I was ever there. I was just another face in the crowd, not an unwelcome half-breed.

Sitting outside my tent on a small log which I had managed to clean off and rest outside, my back was to the sea as I stared at the glowing city. My eyes lingered between each of the spires above the city. I closed my eyes and above the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore, upbeat music from the town could be heard.

It had been a week since we had arrived and I could only assume that's what the celebration was for. I sighed and looked back down to the pot which hung over the fire and scooped another spoonful of tea into my cup, clinging onto it and letting it warm me. The wind from the water was warm and crisp, a gentle breeze which made the leaves rustle and attempted to drown out the music which made my heartache.

I knew it my own fault that I wasn't at that party, that I could get up and walk into town whenever I wanted, but I knew I wasn't welcome. It felt like I was back home all over again, my ear pressed against the locked door, listening to the beautiful music, the laughter of the crowd as they enjoyed their fun and I was off by myself.

"What are you doing here?" A man's voice spoke up, seeming to hear my thoughts.

I left into the air, still holding my cup and turned around to see a naked man slowly standing from the sand. He was breathing heavily and dripping wet. I averted my eyes, "Y-You're-"

"It seems you are not the one waiting for me," he said with a nod. "Mind if I borrow something to cover up with? My welcoming party must be running late."

Grabbing the blanket from where it hung to dry, I tossed it at the older man without looking. "It's a little wet still, I just washed it."

He laughed and shrugged, "I am a little wet, so it is only fair." The man acted like this was a normal occurrence for him as he brushed his shoulder-length hair behind his ear. "My name is Leo, but you never explained why you are out here." He glanced to the tent and frowned, "You live here?"

I shrugged and sat back down beside the fire, motioning for him to come closer. "Want some tea?" I offered instead.

"Why out here?" He asked, walking closer and sitting down in the sand. I grabbed the only other cup I owned and filled it with some tea for him. "You know what this place is, do you not?"

"I do."

"Then why, child? They will give you a place to live, somewhere warmer than this."

I let out a slow breath and did my best to look anywhere except at him. He was beautiful, eyes so blue they were captivating and his voice was so gentle and sweet I almost felt hypnotized. "I have what I need from Tira. I go into town to get supplies I need, but I like it better out here. Why are you here, where did you come from?"

He pointed behind us to the water, "From the water, where do you think?" He was actually laughing at me. "Are you new here, do you know what today is?"

This was a good reminder of why I didn't like people and was better off far from town. "No," I sighed, quickly growing tired of him.

Leo didn't tell me, only laughed, glancing off towards the town and slowly stood. "You should come to the celebration. Today's the anniversary of the beginning of the Unchained." He set the cup down, he never even had a sip and I mentally groaned. I wasted tea and now had to do more dishes because of him. "Kane!"

I tensed at the name and quickly shifted back, grabbing my cloak and wrapping it around myself. My head was down as a man and woman approached, "Your Highness," the woman said and I watched as she politely bowed.

"Maya, you are as sweet as ever," neither of them cared about his state of undress as he walked over and gave the couple a hug. "And you, Kane, are late."

"I'm sorry, Leo," the man laughed, but it wasn't Elias' voice. "I brought you some clothes," under his arm was fine robes, fit for the man who seemed to be a king.

I closed my eyes and mentally cursed, this was what Elias had been telling me about. Those must have been Elias' parents and this man must have been one of the mermaids which his family knew. "Mind if I borrow your tent, Ma'am?" It took a second to realize Leo was talking to me.

I glanced up seeing the three of them watching me. I flicked my head to the side, "Go ahead."

Leo stepped inside and I heard him laugh, "Your floor is made of glass in here? I would never go to Tira either if you have such commodities out here."

My cheeks reddened and I glanced back down to the fire. "Sir, Madame, come and sit and warm yourself by the fire while you wait for your friend."

The couple stepped forward, dressed in fine clothes. The woman's dress blew behind her and seemed to glow in the firelight. I dared to lift my eyes and saw a large scar across her face, hidden ever so slightly by her black and grey hair. The man's stubble grew and he looked tired. "I do not believe we've met, my name is Ethan and this is my wife, Maya. Who are you?"

I shook my head, glancing to him for a second. "No one, just a traveller passing through."

His head tilted to the side, "Pull down your hood," he said with enough force in his voice to know that it wasn't a request. I set my tea in the sand and reached up, pulling the hood down ever so slowly. Ethan nodded and smiled, "Elias was right about your eyes, they are unique. You must be Annika, we've been looking for you."

Leo stepped out of the tent wearing blue and white silk, grinning down at me. "So our stranger has a name?"

"She does," Ethan replied for me, reaching a hand out for me, "And if it is alright with you, Your Highness, she is going to be joining us."

I tensed and shifted back from his reach, "Me? Come with you?" I shook my head.

Leo chuckled and shrugged, "Come on, Darling, if Kane says you are to come, then come you shall." It was the way he said. I found myself on my feet and walking to him without even caring about what I wore or the raging fire I had made. Instead, I stared into his eyes, reaching a hand out for his. "Wonderful, come along." His hand squeezed mine, leading the way.

"You shouldn't do that to guests, Leo," Ethan said but followed along nonetheless.