Written: 7/15/20

Coralia combed through the tangles in her golden hair while looking into her mirror. Today was her big day, and she could not stop the nervousness from creeping into her and covering her skin with goosebumps. Her best friend, Maree, was swimming circles around her in excitement, churning up the water and causing bubbles to form everywhere.

"Hey, Cor," Maree spoke, moving up beside her. "Why the long face? Aren't you excited?"

She smiled slightly. "Of course. I'm just a little worried things won't go as planned."

"Ach," Maree spoke with a click of her tongue. "Why are you even worried? We all know you are the best singer of this generation. You could likely take down an entire fleet in just one breath."

Coralia chuckled. "Sure, whatever you say."

Maree elbowed her. "Come on. It'll be fun, I promise."

"You've never done it before."

"Yeah, but I can just feel it."

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Coralia turned her gaze and her eyes fell on her mother, Adira, a beautiful siren with similar golden hair and a glimmering azure tail. The lady smiled at her daughter and promptly swam over to her.

"Aw," she spoke, cupping Coralia's cheek. "My daughter has grown up so fast. What a woman she has become."

Coralia smiled. "Thank you, Mother."

Adira looked her daughter over. "Hm, I think you're missing one last thing." She floated over to Coralia's vanity and opened one of the drawers. From it, she drew out a small crimson colored box. She opened it, revealing a simple pearl necklace with a golden chain.

"It was my mother's before me, and now I believe you should have it."

Coralia quickly pulled her hair up so her mother could fasten the clasp of the necklace.

"Now," Adira said once she was finished. "You are ready."

"Ooh," Maree squealed. "It looks gorgeous on you!"

"Hurry along, dear," Adira urged Coralia. "Make me proud."

Coralia gave her one last smile. "I will, Mother."

At that, she slipped out of her room and made her way to CHOCOLAT, the place where she was to supposed to sing. Waiting for her there was her friend, Caspian. He was seated on a nearby rock with his dark hair floating around him and his crimson tail swishing in the water. As soon as he saw her, he grinned widely and floated over to her.

"You look gorgeous," he spoke softly. "Are you ready for your big day?"

She smiled. "I think so. I'm just a little nervous."

He chuckled. "You'll do amazing, I'm sure. I heard there's a whole British fleet heading this way." He ran his hand through her hair gently. "You better head topside. Master Trench is waiting for you with the other girls."

She bit her lip. "Alright."

"Good luck," he called as she began to swim to the surface.

She looked back and gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Cas."

As soon as her head broke the surface, she was met by the shining light of the sun. Master Trench smiled warmly at her and helped her up onto the rocks.

"Welcome, Coralia," he greeted. "Please take your position at the top ledge."

She nodded quietly and did as she was told. Staring out at the horizon, she felt her heartbeat quicken. Could she really do this? It didn't take long for the first ship to appear on the horizon. More ships followed. Her breath caught in her throat. Caspian was right; it really was a whole fleet. She cast a sideways glance at the siren next to her. The girl gave her a slight nod.

Coralia turned her gaze to the ships again. They were much closer now. She shut her eyes and sucked in a breath. Now was the time. As soon as the first note left her mouth, the whole world seemed to stand still. Their song drifted through the air and to the ears of the passing sailors. She watched in awe as the ships drifted off course and toward the steep rocks where they were sitting. As soon as the ship hit the rocks, she couldn't help but flinch a little. However, the splintering of wood and the tearing of sails did nothing to stop the sailors from coming toward them. One man clung to the bottom of the rock she was sitting on, calling out to her in a slurring voice. She continued to sing and soon, his eyes glazed over and he slipped beneath the waves. Before she realized it, all the ships were obliterated, leaving nothing but wreckage and death. Seeing that her work was done, a sense of accomplishment filled her. Smiling to herself, she slipped off the rock and plunged into the sea. She was immediately greeted by Caspian, who pulled her into a tight hug and spun her around.

"Amazing," he spoke joyfully. "I'm in complete awe."

She smiled back at him. "Thank you."

He pulled her close to his side. "I have to help the crew clean up and hide the wreckage, but after that we can celebrate, okay?"

She nodded. "Okay."

He kissed her forehead. "I'll see you soon."

***

She tossed and turned restlessly in her bed. Sitting up, she ran her hands through her golden hair in frustration. She gazed out her window at the calm, dark waters. Maybe she could go out to clear her head a bit. She rose slowly from her bed and swam out of her room and into the night. Without even thinking, she felt herself being drawn to the rocks where she sang. Caspian and his crew had cleared out the debris at the surface and raided the wreckage for anything valuable. Now, a pile of useless scraps lay at the bottom of the ocean floor.

Coralia swam to the surface and pulled herself up on the rocks. She shut her eyes and just enjoyed the silence of the night and the cool air against her scales. She let out a sigh. How was she still unable to rest despite the calm and soothing ambiance?

The sound of something falling into the water snatched her out of her thoughts. She looked around wildly for the source of the splash, but saw nothing by ripples in the water. She figured that she was just seeing things in her exhaustion and turned to slip back into the sea. Before she could, strong hands suddenly snatched her. On arm was around her neck and the opposite hand was clamped over her mouth. She struggled fiercely, but her attacker held firm.

"Now, listen here, sea princess," a harsh voice sneered. "You're coming with me."