I'm floating near an outcropping in Aegrem, horror-stricken. Multiple bodies surround me, some piled on top of each other, some laid side-by side. My heart lurches at the faces that I see, ranging in age from little merboys and young mermaids to old, frail mermaids and mermen. No matter which way I turn, the smell follows me. Fear coats my tongue, but I continue swimming, trying to focus on anything but the smell.

I freeze, my heart stopping completely at the sight before me—a body so mutilated I can hardly make out the face. A mermaid, the blood blending with her red hair so I can hardly tell which was which. Realization slams into me with the force of a thousand poisonous daggers. Carla.

When I turn around, the expression on the young merboy's face has me biting back a sob. Drew, his tear-stained face pale and green eyes wide. I quickly wrap my arms around him, shielding him from the body. I can feel him trembling against me.

My heart is broken as I grab my notepad. Where are your sisters? I did a quick scan, but didn't see Ella or Faye anywhere.

He points with a trembling hand to a cove not far from where we floated. Indeed, I can just make out the tips of two tails, one with pink-and-blue spots, and the other with purple-and-neon-green spots. A broken sob slips out of my mouth as I put my hands on his shoulders and bend down, trying to mask their trembling.

I look into his eyes, wide and fearful. Drew, I need you to listen very carefully. I need you to grab your sisters and swim like mad to Pelathas. When you get there, ask around for the king and queen. They're my friends. Tell them who you are and that you know me. They'll keep you safe.

He nods, zooming back to the cave, then disappearing from sight. I barely have a chance to inhale a gulp of water before hands are on me, placing something around my neck. Even though I couldn't see his face, I knew who it was. Brandon.

My mind goes blank, my hands coming to rest at my side as a glazed look appears in my eyes. I had one conscious thought before the spell overtakes me completely: I hope Drew and his sisters are okay.

Dark-green eyes appeared inches from mine, lips stretched into a sadistic grin. I'm able to do nothing but stare at him as Brandon grabs my hand, leading me over to the bodies. My gaze is blank as I stare at the ground, vaguely aware of his hand leaving mine. He swims away, returning minutes later with a little merboy, face white with terror.

I feel the cold hilt of a dagger press into my hand, its blade sharp. The merboy's eyes are filled with tears, his body trembling as he tries to jerk out of the merman's grip. I raise the dagger, angling the tip to hover above his heart.

In the very back of my mind, I can hear a voice whispering. "No. You know him. That's Drew. He's your friend." My grip never wavers, even as the voice repeats itself.

As I plunge the dagger down through the water, aiming for his heart, a tear slips from my eye and falls down my cheek. Drew (was that his name?) whimpers, a scream breaking from him as the dagger pierces flesh. His body goes limp, his eyes frozen open.

Blood gushes from the wound, warming my frozen hands. His lifeless body crumples to the ground, blood spilling onto his chest. It's as if someone pressed the PAUSE button on life. Brandon rips the pendant from my neck as I put a hand to my head, struggling to get my bearings.

A broken sob escapes me as my gaze falls on Drew. I barely notice the wound on his chest; there's so much blood. The world blurred in my vision as I woke up, tears staining my cheeks. The image of Drew's lifeless body was frozen in my mind. Jay cracked an eye open when I sat up. I quickly shook my head as I swam out of bed and got dressed.

I quietly grabbed my bag and swam outside. As soon as I got outside, I felt better. A chill ran through me as I remembered Brandon's message. I went for a leisurely swim, taking back currents so I wouldn't run into anybody. I honestly didn't think I could get a word out without bursting into tears.

I was already tense, so I anticipated the hand coming to land on my shoulder. Dagger in hand, I whirled around, my body tensing. David was in front of me, worry in his grey eyes. My eyes filled with tears as I shook my head. I couldn't do it.

He put an arm around me, using his free hand to sign. Are you okay?

Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks. I killed him. The words sent horror roiling through me.

David's brows narrowed in confusion. Who? What are you talking about?

I took a shaky breath. Drew. In my nightmare. I was in Aegrem, floating near multiple bodies. Some on top of each other, some side by side. They ranged from little merboys and mermaids to elderly mermaids and mermen. That was when the smell hit me. I followed it a few feet, only to come across a familiar face. Carla—she's Drew, Ella, and Faye's mother. Before I could do anything, a hand landed on my shoulder. It was Drew.

I sobbed as I signed, struggling to see through the tears. I quickly shielded him from the body, then told him to go hide with his sisters. Not a minute later, I was suddenly jerked against a hard body. I barely had time to take a gulp of water before hands were on me, placing something around my neck. The Loyalty Pendant. I don't remember much after that—only bits and pieces. Brandon placing a dagger in my hand. A little merboy being dragged towards me.

Horror sluiced through me. My hands shook; I knew I was on the verge of hysteria. David put his hands on my shoulders, leaning down to meet my gaze. Look at me. You are one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I've ever met. Who gave Carla money when her children were hungry? You. You helped them.

He hugged me, rubbing my back. I sobbed, unable to contain the shock and grief that had been building inside me. Let's go home.

I hastily wiped my eyes. We had only gotten a few strokes in when a merman appeared in front of us, a sadistic smirk on his face. David tensed beside me, his hand going for the dagger at his waist.

Brandon smiled at me, the gesture full of mock concern. Everything okay, Nerissa?

I could only stare at him, my heart beating a million miles a minute. Not even I was prepared for what happened next.

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