She was there.

Ava held her head high, her regal presence commanding the attention of everyone around her. Pearls and amber stones framed her slender neck, glinting faintly in the dim light of the cavern. The mers accompanying her carried satchels of food and chests that clinked faintly with what Jonas assumed to be treasures. Among them was the child she had taken during the wedding. Jonas noticed the boy wasn't wearing the chains this time, his delicate frame free but still tethered to Ava's shadow.

"Ava!" Morgan's cheerful voice rang out beside him, accompanied by an enthusiastic wave.

Jonas nearly choked on air.

Were they traveling with her?

He watched as realization dawned on Ava's features, her hazel eyes narrowing ever so slightly as they met his. Jonas couldn't help himself; a smirk tugged at his lips, a playful challenge thrown her way.

"You," Ava said icily, her tone cutting through the ambient noise like a blade.

Jonas chuckled, adjusting the Roman-style helmet Morgan had insisted he wear. "Nice to meet you again, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice tinged with amusement.

Her upper lip twitched, but the flicker of emotion was quickly masked by her carefully composed expression. "Where are your other companions?" she asked Morgan, her tone businesslike. "We don't have long before we leave. I must return to my kingdom soon."

Morgan smiled, his cat-like eyes drifting past Jonas to the approaching figures of Atlantis and another merman. Jonas's amusement faded as his gaze shifted to the stranger. The merman looked malnourished, his bones protruding sharply beneath his pallid skin. His jagged nails dug into his palms, and his shoulders slumped under an invisible weight.

Jonas frowned. "What is this?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at the grim scene.

Atlantis's golden eyes flashed dangerously as he stepped forward, the red-haired prince's voice low and sharp. "Nothing of your concern, human." His tone carried a warning, and Jonas felt the tension ripple through his own body.

"Watch it," Atlantis added, his voice dropping further. "I don't want to shed blood over something petty."

Jonas bristled, his teeth clenching, but before he could retort, Morgan cleared his throat loudly. "We need to go," he said, his voice light but firm. "The Amber aren't known for their patience."

Atlantis shoved past Jonas without another word, his movements brisk as he dragged the frail prisoner along. The spikes on the prisoner's back, once proud and sharp, were torn and jagged, the edges worn as though by neglect or abuse. The prisoner didn't resist, his head bowed low and his shoulders hunched as though carrying an unbearable burden.

Whispers carried through the group, low but not subtle enough to go unheard.

"I can't believe we're taking that traitor with us," one mer murmured.

"Word is he betrayed the Onyx crown and was banished," another replied.

Jonas's gaze lingered on the prisoner, a heavy feeling settling in his chest. The man's defeated posture and the whispers of his alleged crimes painted a grim picture. But Jonas was an outsider here—a human, dependent on Morgan's tiny vials to survive. He had no right to interfere with the laws of this world, no matter how much the sight of the prisoner unsettled him.

"Don't look disheartened," a soft voice said, pulling Jonas from his thoughts. He turned to find Ava beside him, her hazel eyes fixed on the same figure that had captured his attention.

"Your Majesty," he said, his tone formal as he inclined his head slightly.

Ava didn't respond immediately. Her gaze remained on the prisoner, her expression unreadable. "His fate could've been worse," she murmured finally, her voice quiet but firm. Without another word, she turned and swam away, her movements graceful yet deliberate.

Jonas watched her go, the faint scent of salt and amber lingering in her wake. A shiver ran down his spine, and his thoughts spiraled into memories of the past—dark, haunting recollections of CIA victims he had interrogated or seen broken by the system. Their faces blurred together, an endless cycle of suffering and regret.

He tore his gaze from the prisoner and focused instead on the path ahead. His instincts screamed that something was brewing beneath the surface, and the uneasy feeling that had been gnawing at him since this journey began refused to abate.

Nothing made sense.

Jonas tightened his grip on the satchels he carried, his mind racing. The strange dream, the cryptic behavior of Morgan and Atlantis, the enigmatic prisoner—they all felt like pieces of a puzzle he couldn't yet see. And then there was Ava.

Ava, whose sharp gaze and commanding presence occupied more space in his thoughts than he cared to admit.

Shaking his head, Jonas pushed the thought away. For now, he had to focus on the journey ahead and the tangled web of alliances and betrayals that seemed to grow thicker with every passing moment.

*****

Ava kept her focus elsewhere on the journey back to her kingdom, purposefully ignoring Jonas. It wasn't difficult, not when she had Morgan to distract her. The witch was the perfect pawn, a gateway to the Diamond and Emerald kingdoms, and she needed to ensure he stayed firmly on her side. Her kingdom's stability depended on it.

From her seat in the procession, she glanced toward Morgan, who lounged comfortably in the shoulder carriage, his cat-like eyes gleaming with mischief. His confidence and ease only deepened her distrust. Though he had sworn his promises to her days ago, Ava couldn't shake the feeling that he was playing a game. The way he maneuvered people, always a step ahead, made her wary.

Finding love, she scoffed inwardly, her lips curling into a slight smirk. As if that were even possible for someone like me.

Her gaze shifted, almost involuntarily, to Jonas. He swam alongside the carriage, his expression distant, as though his mind were somewhere far from the present moment. His posture was relaxed but detached, his attention firmly elsewhere.

It bothered her.

Jonas's aloofness after their shared moments gnawed at her, unsettling in a way she couldn't quite name. Most of her previous lovers had been eager, desperate even, to keep her attention after their time together. They had sent her saccharine love letters, trinkets of affection, and poorly written poetry—all of which she had discarded without a second thought. She had grown used to being the object of infatuation, her presence leaving a lasting impression on those who dared get close.

But Jonas was different. He seemed... unaffected. Indifferent.

The realization made her jaw tighten. He should care. He should want to be near me. Yet, there he was, swimming with a far-off look in his eyes, as if she were nothing more than a passing thought.

A voice interrupted her thoughts, low and teasing. "If you want his attention, you'll have to do more than sultry looks," Morgan drawled, his tone carrying a subtle edge of amusement.

Ava turned her head sharply, her hazel eyes narrowing as they met Morgan's gleaming gaze. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her tone clipped.

Morgan's grin widened, revealing the sharp points of his serpent-like teeth. "Oh, Your Majesty," he said, his voice dripping with playful condescension. "You're a queen, are you not?"

"I am," she replied, her tone cautious but curious. Morgan's words always carried a double meaning, and she couldn't yet tell where he was leading.

"Then perhaps," Morgan said, leaning forward slightly, "when you return to your kingdom, you should show him more of your true self."

Ava arched a brow, her lips pressing into a thin line. "My true self?" she echoed, uncertain whether to be intrigued or insulted.

Morgan chuckled, leaning back in his seat as though entirely at ease. "You've spent so much time behind a mask, Your Majesty. Always composed, always untouchable. Perhaps if you let him see who you are—truly are—he'll have a reason to stay in your orbit."

Ava didn't respond immediately, her mind turning over his words. She was used to wielding power through intimidation, allure, and control. Vulnerability was something she kept tightly guarded, a dangerous crack in her carefully constructed armor. The idea of showing any part of her true self to Jonas felt risky, reckless even.

But then again... it also felt tempting.

She allowed a small, private smile to play on her lips. Perhaps Morgan was right. Perhaps if she showed Jonas the woman beneath the crown, the queen beneath the layers of amber and pearls, he would see her differently. And perhaps, for once, she could leave a lasting impression on someone who had managed to slip through her grasp so easily.

"Thank you, Morgan," she said finally, her voice steady, though her thoughts raced. "Your insight is... appreciated."

Morgan's grin turned sly, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Anytime, Your Majesty. I'm always happy to be of service."

As they neared her kingdom, Ava's resolve hardened. She would take Morgan's advice, not because she needed Jonas's attention, but because she wanted to remind herself—and him—that she was more than just a queen. She was Ava, a force to be reckoned with.

And Jonas? He wouldn't be able to ignore her for long.

****

Roni peeked through the heavy curtains of the shoulder carriage, his small fingers gripping the edge as he watched the procession outside. His gaze landed on the Emerald Prince, who was dragging a frail figure behind him. Roni's heart twisted as recognition struck him.

Elric.

The once-proud merman looked like a shadow of his former self, his skin stretched tightly over his bones, his dark serpent-like eyes dull and lifeless. Chains secured his battered hands to his tail, the sharp spikes along its length now jagged and broken.

"Your Majesty," a voice interrupted, drawing Roni's attention to a merman speaking to his aunt. "We're close to the palace, but it seems a large group of sharks has decided to pass the kingdom."

Ava reclined in her seat, her expression impassive. "That's fine," she said, tucking herself comfortably into the cushions. "Bring us a small lunch while we wait."

Roni shivered. Sharks. He hated them. They were monstrous creatures that patrolled the seas without mercy, their black eyes empty and unfeeling. Every mer knew to stay inside during a migration, lest they attract the predators and become a meal.

A servant arrived moments later, carrying a large, round plate piled high with rare delicacies. The sight of it broke Roni from his thoughts. He frowned, rolling a tentacle between his fingers as his mind drifted back to Elric.

"Roni?" Ava's voice drew him back. He turned, meeting her sharp hazel eyes. "Something wrong?"

He hesitated, then bit his lip and looked down at the food. "Can I give some to Elric?"

Ava's brow furrowed, confusion flitting across her features. "The prisoner?" she asked.

Roni nodded quickly, hope flickering in his chest.

He watched as his aunt considered the request. Finally, she sighed. "Fine," she said, though her tone carried a note of warning. "But put on your slave chains. You know the rules."

Roni beamed, eagerly fastening the bracelets and collar around his wrists and neck before slipping out of the carriage with the plate in hand. He could feel the disapproving stares of the other servants as he approached Elric, but he ignored them, his focus fixed on the broken merman.

Elric sat slumped against a boulder, his head bowed low. The faint clink of his chains echoed as Roni knelt beside him.

"Elric?" Roni murmured softly.

The dark eyes lifted, void of emotion, locking onto Roni's face. "Hello, slave," Elric said, his voice flat and rasping.

Roni extended the plate toward him. "Hungry?"

Elric blinked, a flicker of interest sparking in his gaze. "Have you eaten?" he asked, his tone carrying an unexpected gentleness.

Roni flushed, shaking his head. "I have," he lied, the flush deepening when Elric's lips curved into the faintest of smiles.

"You'll have to feed me," Elric said, his voice tinged with quiet resignation. "It seems my hands are... unavailable."

Roni nodded quickly, shifting closer and raising a piece of squid flesh to Elric's lips. He watched in awe as the merman's full lips parted, revealing sharp teeth that sank into the delicacy. A shiver ran down Roni's spine as Elric's lips brushed his fingers.

"Um, excuse me?" a deep voice interrupted behind him, making Roni jump. He turned, his eyes widening as they landed on Jonas.

The human looked different. His golden-blonde hair had grown rapidly, the tips brushing against his broad shoulders. There was something about him that seemed... otherworldly, as if he no longer fully belonged to either world.

"Sir!" Roni exclaimed, bowing his head and slipping back into his role as a slave.

Jonas shifted awkwardly, clearly unused to the deference. "Do you have a name?" he asked.

Roni straightened slightly, his brow furrowing in confusion. "It's Roni, sire."

Jonas smiled. "Please, call me Jonas. It's the least you can do after saving my life."

Roni twisted his nose, attempting to pronounce the unfamiliar name. "Joenaus," he said, stumbling over the syllables.

Jonas chuckled, holding back a laugh. "Close enough."

Roni grinned shyly, his gaze darting back to Elric, who was watching the exchange with quiet curiosity. Before anyone could speak further, Jonas's face contorted in pain. He let out a low growl, clutching his chest.

Roni's grin vanished. "Joenaus?" he gasped, darting to his side as Jonas grabbed onto the boulder for support. His knuckles turned white, and his features twisted with agony.

"My heart," Jonas choked out, his voice strained. "It hurts."

"Joenaus!" Roni cried, panic rising as he reached out to steady him. "Ava! Morgan!"

"No!" Elric rasped from behind, his voice filled with undiluted fear. "Roni, stay back!"

Roni froze, his gaze snapping to Jonas. He let out a horrified gasp. Jonas's body was transforming. Glowing golden symbols etched themselves into his skin, trailing down his arms and chest. Blood seeped from the markings, dark and viscous, staining the water around him.

Oh gods. Roni's chest tightened as dread clawed at him. The sharks. They'll smell the blood.

As if summoned by the thought, a shadow passed over them. Roni glanced up, his stomach twisting as the massive form of a Great White glided overhead. Behind it, more shadows loomed, their movements fluid and ominous.

"Everyone hide!" Atlantis's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos.

The procession erupted into frantic movement, mers scattering in every direction. Roni clung to Jonas, his heart pounding as the human-turned-mer writhed in pain, his transformation drawing the attention of the predators.

The shadows grew darker, closer. The sharks were coming.