Aceso's eyes adjusted in the darkness as she was pushed into a dim, cavernous space beneath the palace. Pale blue lights from the floating faeries illuminated the room in an eerie glow. Elderly mers clutched small babies, while children huddled together in tight clusters, their eyes wide with terror. But as Aceso entered, every gaze turned to her, gasps filling the air like a sudden rush of cold water.

"Your Majesty," an elderly merman croaked, his wrinkled features lined with surprise and concern. "Please, take a seat. We will protect you if something happens."

Shock pulsed through Aceso's veins, but she shook her head firmly. "I am fine. If anything, I should be the one protecting you. I may be young, but I will do my part."

The merman's gaze softened, and he nodded, retreating to his place where a small toddler promptly curled into his arms. The sight tugged at Aceso's heart, and she inhaled deeply, closing her eyes to steel herself against the rising wave of fear.

Oh, what is going on? she wondered.

The Diamond Kingdom is under attack. Do not show alarm, the goddess's voice echoed within her mind, a calm, commanding presence laced with ancient authority.

What can I do to help? she asked, desperation threading her thoughts.

The Onyx Kingdom is the enemy. A nation once devoted to protection and discipline, now twisted into something dark. As the Diamond Goddess, I can bring clarity to clouded minds. But our bond is not fully sealed, so my power is limited. Together, we can strengthen the Diamond Army and bring clarity to the Onyx forces.

How do I do that? Aceso's thoughts were sharp with urgency.

Observe your people. See them as I do.

Aceso's eyes snapped open. The room shifted. She no longer saw the physical forms of the mers—instead, glowing shards of white light pulsed where their bodies should have been. They shimmered, fluctuating in intensity. She blinked, and the outlines of the merchildren returned, their little faces turned toward her.

"Mommy," a small voice whimpered below her. Aceso glanced down to see a tiny mer-boy clinging to her waist, his tears shimmering like beads of glass as they floated upward. "I want my mommy!"

Her heart clenched. She knelt, wrapping her arms around him. "It's alright, sweetheart. Mommy's probably busy keeping you safe."

The boy sniffled, rubbing his blue eyes. "Will you sing me a song? Mommy always sings so I feel better."

Aceso's breath hitched. She bit her lip, unsure. "I... I don't know any songs from here." The boy's lip quivered, and she relented. "But I do know songs from where I'm from."

The boy's face lit up with a grin. "Sing it! Please!"

"Please!" other children echoed, their eyes brimming with hope.

Heat rose to Aceso's cheeks, but she relented. Sitting on a large, shell-like seat, she cradled the boy in her arms as the children gathered around her. The elders sat on the outer circle, eyes watchful but softened with quiet hope.

Her mind scoured her memories. The songs she'd grown up with in her old life weren't exactly child-appropriate. But one song—a song her father used to hum—surfaced in her mind. The melody came easily, like an old friend.

"I'm not much of a singer," she confessed, "but I'll try."

With a deep breath, she began to sing, her voice clear and soft, carrying the weight of distant, cherished memories.

"There was a time, I used to look into my father's eyes 

In a happy home, I was king, I had a gold throne..."

***********

Kai's sword clashed against the Onyxinian's blade with a sharp, ringing clang. Sparks scattered like stars in the dim water. His muscles strained with each swing, but his strikes were calculated and relentless. His opponent's skill was formidable—a general's precision—but it was no match for Kai's raw power.

"Why have you attacked us?" Kai growled, his eyes narrowed with fury. "We've done nothing to provoke your people!"

The general's mask of rage never shifted. "You broke the sacred law! No human is allowed to see the merfolk!"

A flash of steel arced toward Kai's shoulder, but a golden blade intercepted it. Atlantis's grin was sharp as his blade. "Hello, brother," he quipped, his eyes bright with mischief. "I always have your back."

Kai's lips twitched with the hint of a smile. With a sharp thrust, his sword pierced his opponent, dark tendrils of blood clouding the water. "The sharks will be here soon," he muttered to Atlantis. "Have the people taken shelter?"

"All but Ren, Morgan, and the guards," Atlantis grunted, hurling an enemy mer to the side. His gaze flickered to his brother. "The shield will hold. Morgan said so. It's invulnerable unless faced with enchantments."

Kai's heart skipped a beat. "Unless it's enchantments," he echoed grimly. His eyes scanned the battlefield, watching his soldiers hold their ground against the Onyx invaders. "I've got a bad feeling, Atlantis. Something's off."

"Morgan will protect her," Atlantis reassured him, but his grip on his sword tightened.

*************

Caspian's form melded with the shadows, his movements as fluid as ink dispersing in water. His eyes gleamed with predatory intent as he slithered through the cracks in the palace walls. He'd find the human girl. The Diamond King's pet. And once he had her, their plans would be complete.

He'd expected to hear the sounds of sobbing children and murmuring elders. Instead, he heard a song.

"There was a time, 

I met a girl of a different kind, 

We ruled the world, thought I'd never lose her out of sight..."

The melody pierced through him like a harpoon, his heart jolting as if yanked by an unseen force. Memories surged. His father's boisterous laughter. His mother's lullabies. Her voice—clear and sweet—calling him to play by the coral beds. He remembered her laughter, her small hand tugging on his arm as they explored caves together. The feel of the sunlit water on his back as they surfaced to watch the ships above.

His hand shot to his neck, clutching the necklace he'd worn since he was a boy. The small shell hanging from it had been a gift from her. He staggered against the wall, his breath sharp and shallow.

"Gods," he whispered. Images flashed before him. Elric's eyes—once kind and loyal—now filled with malice. The black vial swaying ominously around Elric's neck, its dark contents swirling with malevolent intent.

"Elric's bewitched me," Caspian gasped. "Me. My people. My entire army!"

His breath grew shallow. His chest felt tight. Memories of every order he'd given—every command to attack, every ruthless decision—came rushing back like a tidal wave. Faces of fallen soldiers flashed before his eyes, their eyes pleading with him in their final moments.

"Call off the war!" Caspian's shout was raw, filled with urgency and pain. "Call it off! Call it off now!"