My heartbeat thumped as I followed Dad back to the palace. Aside from the occasional sidelong glance, he didn't look at me or say a word until we were back inside and away from prying eyes and ears. When he spoke, his voice was low. "I'll get Bella, and we'll meet you and Ani in your suite in about five minutes."

I couldn't bring myself to speak, so I nodded. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, Aunt Izzy's unspoken words kept echoing. Both of you need a change of scenery—a chance to escape the memories and tragedy lingering here.

I knew Ani would go anywhere with me, and I with her, but I couldn't shake the lingering fear that Wyatt was waiting somewhere. After Faye's death, I had spiraled into a pit of hypervigilance, grief, and guilt. The former had taken over my life, making me unusually paranoid.

When I saw a flash of dirty blonde hair, my heart leaped into my throat. Everything Aunt Izzy and I had talked about swirled around in my head. I hated causing Ani any more undue stress or grief, but I knew I needed to get this off my chest. My lips stretched into a thin smile as Ani's face appeared a few feet before me.

She smiled as she saw me, but it quickly faded at the expression on my face. Concern clouded her features as she swam to me and took my hands. "What's wrong?"

Even though neither of us had spoken a word about the nightmare since it happened, I think she and I both had developed a sixth sense of the other's feelings. Her face mirrored my worry as if we were both experiencing it. I took a breath and swallowed, surprised to find my throat dry. "Mom and Dad are meeting us at my suite. There's something all of you need to hear."

Without saying a word, I could tell she knew that this was serious. I clutched her hand tightly, afraid if I let go, she'd vanish. She never spoke, but I caught the sideways glances she threw my way every so often. My free hand shook when we reached my suite, and I reached for the handle. Ani gently touched my hand, forcing me to meet her gaze.

"Whatever happened, I hope you know you can always talk to me—about anything. I have never judged you and will never judge you for anything." Her words allowed me to take a deep breath for the first time in what felt like forever. I nodded, squeezing her hand as I opened the door, and we swam inside.

No sooner had we swum inside than a knock sounded on the door. I took another deep breath before opening the door. Mom and Dad floated before me, the former scanning my face with worried eyes. "Are you okay, sweetie? David said you needed to talk, but he wouldn't say what about."

Motherly concern and worry filled her voice, yet I could sense confusion underneath them. I wished more than anything I didn't have to have this conversation again, yet I knew I wouldn't be able to move past this until I did. I pushed every emotion to the back of my heart where I couldn't reach them.

Wordlessly, I beckoned them inside and shut the door behind them. When I finally spoke, a hollowness filled my voice, one I hadn't heard since Faye's death. "Ever since we found out the identity of Faye's assassin, I have been trying harder than ever to make sure we don't lose anyone else. In doing so, I have become hypervigilant and paranoid to the point where it has taken over my daily life."

As I paused to draw breath, I met Ani's gaze, hoping my eyes said what I couldn't. My voice broke as I breathed the following words, ones I'd kept locked deep in my heart since Faye's death. "It was my fault."

I felt a collective sigh move through the water like the ocean itself exhaled. Before anyone else could speak, I rushed on, trying to get the words out before they crushed me. "If I had paid more attention, I would have heard the crossbow long before Wyatt fired the weapon. I would have been able to save her. After what happened to Ani and me, I cannot shake the fear that Wyatt will eventually take her from me."

As hard as I tried to steady it, my voice broke again on the last word. "I haven't had a whole night's rest in months. Whenever I do manage to drift off, nightmares punctuate my restless sleep." I turned, swimming towards Ani and gripping her hands. "You are a beautiful, strong, kind, and generous mermaid. I knew that the first moment I saw you in the Bronze Mermaid.

"After Faye's death, when we met, you managed to break the haze of grief and sorrow I'd had hanging over me. You made me want to get out of bed the following morning—if only to learn your name and more about you. I worry about you constantly and have to fight off paralyzing waves of fear whenever we're apart. I will never keep you against your will or lock you up, but I will always worry about you."

Her eyes widened as her mouth parted slightly, tears slipping down her cheeks in rivulets. I rushed on before she could speak, fighting against the sobs trapped in my throat. "I love you. More than I ever thought I could love someone."

I turned back to Mom and Dad, taking a deep breath. "Aunt Izzy and I have been talking, and she suggested that Ani and I come down to Beltmare and stay with her and Uncle Kai for a few days. It would finally allow her and Uncle Kai to meet Ani, and I could introduce her to Elle."

I could tell by the expressions on their faces that they understood my unspoken words. Both of us need a change of scenery—a chance to escape the memories and tragedy lingering here. I didn't flinch as I felt Ani swim beside me and slip her hand into my own. Her grip was warm and unwavering, and I squeezed back a silent thank-you.

When Mom spoke, her voice was surprisingly steady. "If it's okay with Izzy and Kai, it's alright with us. Have fun." She swam to us and, to both my surprise and Ani's, hugged us tightly. She pulled back and met our gazes, her eyes gleaming with tears.

I'd felt more than seen Ani stiffen when Mom had hugged her, but she'd relaxed a heartbeat later. She was still healing from past wounds—we both were. But neither of us was alone now. We had each other, and Mom and Dad had welcomed Ani in as if she were already a part of the family. I did not doubt that Aunt Izzy and Uncle Kai would do the same after meeting her.

She'd played a pivotal role in getting me to open up after Faye's death—she had healed our family. I couldn't wait for them to meet her. I knew they would love her as much as I did.

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