Ravens of the Mist Book 4: Tail of the Sea
Autore
Elfy G
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110K
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Madison, a cold-hearted mermaid living near an island, encounters Henry, who hunts creatures like her. Henry has a dark reason to use all in his power to succeed in his mission. When Henry comes to know that Madison once saved his life and they are destined mates, Henry grapples with his mission and growing feelings.
As secrets unravel, Madison too faces a choice: embrace their bond or flee from Henry's vendetta.
The Unexpected Rescue
Ravens of the Mist: Tail of the Sea
Madison
Iām strolling along the cliffās edge, right where the land meets the sea. Suddenly, I step off the edge, letting myself tumble into the water below. As soon as my legs touch the water, they begin to transform, scales appearing and merging until a tail forms.
To the world above, Iām a creature of myth and legendāa mermaid.
Sure, I have a voice that can captivate any man who hears it, but itās not as potent as a sirenās. A siren can ensnare a hundred men at once with her song.
I also have a secret gift. If a human helps a mermaid, she can grant them a single wish.
When I was just ten, I saved a human child from drowning. His boat had been attacked by sirens, leaving him unconscious with a deep cut above his eyebrow. It was the first and last time I ever did something so reckless.
Even now, I canāt explain why I saved him. All I have left of him is a necklace, which I wear as a bracelet.
Sometimes, I find myself staring at the bracelet, wondering what became of the boy I saved.
When his people found him and took him away, I felt something strange. My heart felt heavy, which was odd because mermaids donāt feel pain. The sea turns our hearts cold as we age.
I learned to speak the human language by eavesdropping on passing fishermen.
Even though Iām alone, Iāve grown used to it. I spend my time collecting various objects that humans leave behindāclothes, jewelry, toys, and even seashells.
As Iām swimming, searching for new additions to my collection, I feel a disturbance in the water. Itās as if something is causing the water to become unsettled.
Curiosity piqued, I swim toward the disturbance. A boat has exploded, and a man is struggling to stay afloat amidst the debris.
Iād promised myself never to interfere in human affairs again, so why am I ignoring my instincts?
I keep my distance, but I canāt tear my eyes away from him.
Why am I so drawn to him? I wonder.
My eyes widen as I see him slip beneath the water. Without a second thought, I dive after him, swimming as fast as I can to reach him before he sinks too deep.
I manage to grab him and start swimming toward the nearest island. Somehow, I manage to get him out of the water and onto dry land.
He has long brown hair that falls just above his shoulders and a beard that covers his jaw. Thereās a scar above his eyebrow, just like the boy I saved all those years ago.
Could it be the same person?
Heās handsome.
Did I just compliment a human?
I shake my head. Nowās not the time. Is he breathing? Thatās what I should be asking myself.
Iāve seen humans perform life-saving procedures before. I hope I remember correctly.
I place one hand on his sternum, the other on top of it. I count out thirty chest compressions, then tilt his head back, placing one hand on his forehead and the other under his chin. Iām about to give him mouth-to-mouth when he suddenly coughs up water.
For the second time, Iāve saved a human life.
I dive back into the water before he can see me. Iām not ready for him to see me, but I canāt seem to stay away from him either.
I surface behind a pile of rocks, peeking out at him.
What is this feeling I get when I look at him? I wonder.
He sits up, looking around in confusion.
He looks lost.
I want to go to him, to comfort him. But I canāt approach him as a mermaid. Humans think weāre just myths.
I could approach him as a human, though. All I have to do is wait for my legs to reappear.
I just have to make sure I donāt get my legs wet. If I can do that, I can hide my true identity from him.
I swim to a spot where I can get out of the water. Once Iām dry and my legs have reappeared, I waste no time in going to him.
Why is my heart beating so fast?
There he is.
He hears me approaching and turns to look at me. His eyes widen as he takes me in. I look down at myself and realize Iām completely naked. My long hair covers most of my body, but stillāhumans wear clothes!
Why didnāt I think of that sooner? Ugh!
He quickly turns away from me, removing his shirt and offering it to me.
I canāt help but chuckle as I accept his shirt. Once Iām dressed, I touch his shoulder to let him know he can turn around.
He turns back to me with a smile. āWell, that was a great first introduction,ā he says, clearing his throat. āMy name is Henry Ritchson.ā He extends his hand to me.
Looking into his deep green eyes, I feel a warmth spreading through me. Is he my mate?
They say that when a mermaid finds her mate, her cold heart is filled with warmth. Thatās exactly what Iām feeling.
I clear my throat and shake his hand. āMadison,ā I introduce myself.
His eyes harden and he frowns as he notices my bracelet. āWhere did you get that?ā he growls.
Itās the necklace from the boy I saved. Itās the only thing Iāve kept from my collection.
Henry reaches for my wrist, but I pull away and run toward the sea, shedding his shirt as I go.
āWait, Madison. Iām sorry. Please come back,ā he calls after me. āDonāt leave. Let me explain.ā
I donāt hesitate to dive back into the water, where I feel safe.
From my hiding spot, I watch him. He looks angry with himself as he kicks at the sand.
