“I don’t know. It could be that Jean wishes to return to the sea. Once she does, you’ll be in danger. This won’t do, I must take you away.” The more Damien spoke, the more agitated he became. His golden eyes moved about rapidly as he took note of the mermen around them.

Irina thought of this as well and felt anxious. However, her mind was calm.

“If you bring me along, neither of us will be able to escape. The mermen are all down there. Their numbers are beyond your imagination,” Irina said softly.

Damien looked toward the ocean. When he came, he had sensed countless gazes in the...