The Merman's Hold

Aria waited patiently on the rock wall for Kaelen to return. Her mind was blank. Her body slumped against the rock which Kaelen had placed her before he left. Aria was nothing but a shell. She was becoming exactly who Kaelen wanted her to be. Alaria. Aria would be gone along with her human legs in just a moment. She didn't want to fight again. Didn't want to risk the new priestess to lose her life just like Sepiia. She didn't want to exhaust herself when she knew Kaelen was much stronger than she was. It was easier to accept her fate.

When the rock pool started rippling Aria knew her time as a human had come to an end. Sitting cross legged one last time she grabbed her legs, touched and wiggled her toes, bent her knees and hugged them tight. She would never forget all they had done for her, but it was time now to give in. A lone tear traced her cheek as she waited for the familiar call.

"Little human," her eyes widened as her head shot up. That was not the familiar call she had expected. This wasn't Kaelen. She dropped the leg she held and turned to glance over her shoulder. The green glow of Sepiia's eyes reflected in the water, her black hair pooling around her in inky tendrils. She was alive.

"Sepiia," the name came breathless from her lips as she stared. "You're not dead?" It was a miracle. When they had left the cave, she was practically dead. How was she here now? Or was she a phantom? Aria didn't know what to think anymore. But her friend was here now.

"That's right, little human. I'm not dead. In fact, I'm very much alive." A playful smile formed on her cherry-coloured lips.

"But—" Aria couldn't finish the sentence. Her emotions were all over the place. There was so much to ask her and yet, she didn't know what to say.

"There isn't much time." Sepiia said, her voice low but urgent. Her green eyes darted around the cave before settling on the entrance from which she had just emerged. Aria's gaze fell on Sepiia's pale skin, now marred with bruises that bloomed like dark flowers across her arms. Her left hand clutched her stomach, shielding something perhaps a wound, but it was her shoulder that drew Aria's breath. Jagged claw marks ran across the delicate curve of bone, the edges raw and angry. Though the bleeding had stopped, it was the kind of injury that should have left her immobilised.

Sepiia seemed to sense Aria's stare and shifted, letting her black hair drift forward to hide the word of it, but the water betrayed her, pushing the strands aside to reveal the full extend of her injuries.

"Don't look at me like that," Sepiia said sharply, her tone uncharacteristically bitter. "I've been through worse."

Aria swallowed hard, her throat tightening. "But— how are you even...?"

"I'm alive Because I fought. Harder than I ever have. For you," Sepiia interrupted, her green eyes locking onto Aria's. "Now take this," she added, she extended a trembling hand, revealing a blue sponge-like object. Aria stared at it, realisation dawning – it was the breathing device Kaelen had provided her with when they'd gone to Neridia.

"But Kaelen—"

"Kaelen can go rot in hell for all I care." Aria had never seen sweet Sepiia so harsh. But she understood. Her friend had betrayed her and hurt her. He didn't care if he had killed her or not. And she was angry.

"Now, get out of here! Get home! I'll do what I can to keep him away from you." Aria could only nod as she gave a silent thank you. Grabbing the breathing device Aria placed it over her nose and mouth before diving into the chilly water. Freedom was so close now.

Her legs kicked out hard as her arms pulled her along. She was going to make it out and away from him. She would get to see land again. She would be free.