Viviane’s POV
The wolves will never let us go, and on land we don’t stand a chance against them. They have night vision and supernatural hearing, they can track a smell from miles away, they can run 10 times faster and tear us to shreds with nothing more than their teeth.
There is no doubt what fate awaits us if we’re caught. Escapees don’t go back to the camp, they are killed on sight, and not humanely.
The river is in sight now, but behind us howls announce the guards’ pursuit.
We exchange terrified glances as we run, and suddenly Isla’s father is shouting above the wind. “Get to the river!”
I don’t understand, that was already the plan. Then I realize he is no longer beside me, I slow down, craning my neck over my shoulder to see him running back to face the wolves. “Come on, Viviane!” My mother urges me, sounding as if she is on the verge of hysterics.
“But—”
“He made his choice!” She cuts me off. “We agreed that you would come first.”
I start to protest again, but she does not let me. Gasping out words between breathless pants, she still manages to sound stern. “Do not make his sacrifice in vain, Viviane. The best thing you can do to honor him is make it!”
I hear snarls and sickening screams as we dive into the freezing river – the only place the wolves cannot track us. I feel sick, thinking I might actually vomit into the water as the current sweeps us away.
Neither of us know how to swim with legs, but we were made for the water. We dive beneath the surface, breathing in the heavenly liquid as we try to sort out navigating with these strange limbs. We roll and bump into each other, thankful the river is deep enough for us to dive out of the wolves’ reach.
We hurtle along the sandy river bed, trapped in an overwhelming jumble of emotions: guilt and despair for Isla’s father, fear that somehow we might still be caught, wonder as we explore a natural body of water for the first time, worry about what is to come next. And above it all, above everything else: elation.
We are free.
__________________
One Month Later
“Must you marry him?” I’m sitting in an oversized armchair, forlornly watching my mother try on dress after dress.
“Do you want to keep living in that hovel?” She asks me, referring to the abandoned warehouse we currently inhabit with a number of other escaped mermaids.
After arriving in Asterion, the capital city of the Nightshade wolf pack, we learned that the enslavement of mermaids is forbidden by shifter law. The Alpha of the Bloodstone pack, Damien, was violating a treaty every Alpha on the continent signed over 30 years ago – himself included.
After centuries of hunting emptied the seas of mermaids, the shifters discovered that their greed had consequences after all. Without our care, ocean life began to dwindle and die, upending entire economies and endangering ecosystems dependent on marine nutrients and prey.
It took many years of negotiations, but eventually mermaids were allowed to return to the ocean – assuming they could. Those who suffered The Cut were allowed to join shifter society, integrating into packs at the very lowest level. Mermaids living among shifters are treated terribly, but pearl reaping, surgeries like The Cut, and enslavement are illegal.
On paper we are supposed to have the same rights as the shifters, but reality is much different. Mermaids are required to register with pack councils and formally request asylum before entering a territory, but many like the Nightshade pack have restricted the number accepted with an annual quota.
When Mom and I reached the border we met a group of mermaids from other prisons, who explained that there was an entry ban in place. We could not risk going elsewhere, we were still on Bloodstone lands and the next territory was hundreds of miles away.
Together we snuck into Asterion, disguising ourselves with hair dye and pheromone sprays that would make us smell like shifters. We found a small community of registered and unregistered mermaids who taught us about life among the Nightshades.
Life is difficult, but I’d far rather live among my own kind than the species that tortured us for generations.
“I like the camp.” I reply, tossing my hair. The long locks used to be the same shades as my tail: light pastels of cerulean, blush and lilac. Now it is platinum blonde, the only color remaining in fashionable streaks like so many shifters wear these days.
“We’re unregistered, Viviane. We need protection.” Mother reminds me in a whisper, heading back into the dressing room.
I move to stand on the other side of the door, keeping my voice low so we won’t be overheard. “What does that matter? Everyone thinks we’re cat shifters.” I remind her.
The door swings open, “And when they ask us to shift and we can’t?” She asks hotly, “When they see the brands?”
I quell slightly, my eyes growing wet behind the oversized sunglasses protecting them from the fluorescent lights. “I just – I know he’s nice.” I begin shakily, “But how can we trust a wolf? I mean, won’t he see the brand? What if he sells back to the Bloodstones?”
“I’ll cover the brand, Angelfish.” She smiles sadly, “Trust me he won’t be paying attention to my ankles.”
“You don’t have to do this.” I insist weakly, hating the thought of my mother giving up such an intimate piece of herself just so we can be accepted here.
“Mordred is a wealthy aristocrat, he is exactly the sort of person we need on our side.” Mother explains gently. “In time he will come to love me for more than my beauty, then we will be safe.” Her loving hands rest on my shoulders. “Besides, you need to be around other kids your age. You’re going to love having a sister.” She proclaims, referring to Mordred’s daughter, Nerissa.
I’m not convinced. I’ve met Nerissa. Her father is unquestionably sweet, but she is everything I would expect of an aristocrat’s child. Entitled, selfish and shallow, she is nothing like the children I grew up with, the surrogate siblings I loved.
“If you’re sure.” I concede numbly.
Her smile is so confident I almost believe her. “I am.”
____________________
Despite my initial skepticism, it seems Mom was right about Mordred. They’re been married five months now and he’s been nothing but wonderful. He dotes on my mother, even with her frequent bouts of illness.
We’ve both gotten a lot healthier since being here, but Mom was in the pearl farms too long. Her body is weak, her energy permanently depleted. She always put on a good front when we were in hiding, finding the strength to carry on for the sake of my survival, but now that we’re safe she doesn’t pretend.
This last bout has been worse than the others. Mom hasn’t been out of bed for more than two weeks. Mordred and I nurse her, and I do everything I can to fill her role around the house, but it never seems like enough.
“What are you doing?” A high-pitched voice sounds from the doorway.
My stepsister Nerissa is watching me with narrowed eyes. My heart jerks to a stop, my hands freezing over my barely covered brand. I force myself to respond, “Just trying to even out my tan.” I continue applying foundation to the area, covering the evidence of my true identity as best I can. “I made the mistake of wearing ankle boots with a skirt and no sunscreen, now my feet are a completely different color than my legs and I want to wear sandals.”
It’s not a complete lie, my feet are less tan than the rest of me, but Nerissa’s body language is still tense. “Ankle boots? In the summer?” She scoffs as she strolls to my bed, taking a seat so she can watch me apply the liquid.
“This is an important family, Viviane.” I already know where this is headed. “Your ignorance of fashion makes us look completely common. You cannot associate yourself with us if you’re going to dress like some lowly omega or bottom feeder.”
I try not to react, bottom feeder is a universal slur for mermaids. It’s illogical and inaccurate, but when isn’t discrimination?
“I plan on marrying Caspian Shaw one day,” Nerissa continues, referring to the Nightshade Alpha’s son. “I can’t be connected to second-class citizens.”
“I’m sorry, Nerissa.” I lie, wanting to distract her. “You’re right. I really could use your help with my style.”
“Well for one thing you could get rid of those hideous shades.”
My eyes have been slowly recovering, but I still find it so difficult to see in the light that I walk with a staff and keep dark sunglasses on indoors and out.
I sigh, unamused. “You know I can’t see well, Nerissa.”
“I don’t care how bad your sight is, you look ridiculous.” When I don’t budge she throws her hands in the air, abruptly standing. “I can’t help you if you’re going to be unreasonable.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Her eyes roll back into her skull as she glides from the room, muttering something about cat shifters and riff raff under her breath.
I almost laugh, finishing my task and deciding to go check in on Mom. Maybe today I’ll be able to get her to take some food.
Just as I turn toward the door, Mordred appears, standing in the exact spot his daughter had occupied a few minutes ago. However where her features had been grimacing with suspicion, his were warm and inviting.
“She’s right, you know.” He says, using a tone I can’t remember hearing from him before. “You have such beautiful eyes.”
Something about his demeanor raises gooseflesh on my arms, “Thank you.” I say tentatively.
Mordred steps inside, closing the door behind him. “I mean your mother’s are lovely, but yours,” He croons reverently, “Yours are like a clear tropical sea. I’ve never seen anything like them.”
I shrug uneasily, “Genetics.” My pulse is racing, my instincts warning me to get away from this man immediately. “Well, I was just about to go see my Mom.”
I try to move past him, but a heavy arm blocks me. With a cruel smirk, Mordred turns and flips the deadbolt, locking us in. “You’re not going anywhere, Viviane.”
*Content Warning*Five Years LaterViviane’s POVI wake on a pillow littered with pearls.I’ve been crying in my sleep again, subconsciously battling the demons that always appear in the unguarded realms of slumber. I whip the blankets from my body, sending gems flying, and slide out of bed.My own screams echo in my ears as I move swiftly toward the bathroom. I’m completely alert, drowning in adrenaline. I feel exactly as I did five years ago, the dream sent my brain into full flight mode but left my body unable to flee.I yank the shower handle down, stepping out of the way just in time for hot water to burst from the showerhead. I strip frantically, leaving my nightclothes in a haphazard pile on the floor, before disappearing into the steam.The water is too hot, it scalds every scrap of skin it touches, but I don’t flinch away. I need the heat, I need it to wash away the feeling of Mordred’s hands on my body. I grab a sharply bristled scrub brush from a hook on the wall, dousing i
Caspian’s POVShe’s perfect. I knew the moment I smelled her. My wolf went beserk, demanding I find her immediately, demanding we claim what is ours. I thought I could wait until the end of the competition, to do my duty and see out the judging.All thoughts of duty went out the window the moment I heard her voice. I knew she was the one singing, rather than the pretty brunette on stage. That incredible, bewitching voice belonged to my mate, and the woman on stage was not my mate – not even close.Yesterday I might have taken the lip syncer home with me, but now I have no interest in her. I have no interest in anyone but the trembling shifter in front of me. Half of her face is obscured by dark glasses, and a staff is leaning against the wall to our left.If she’s blind her other senses must be so heightened that she can sense the things around her. Her head is tilted up, directly at my face, and when she turned she’d immediately began backing away from me, her attention never waveri
ASTERION SCHOLARS TOURNAMENTEligible seniors enrolled at any institution in the Asterion School District may apply. The tournament will comprise three rounds, each dedicated to one of the following subjects: metamorphological science, inter-species history and shifter literature. Competitors must be 18 years of age or have signed permission by a parent or guardian to enter. Enter to win: First place with $5000 cash prize, second place with $2500 cash prize, third place with $1000 cash prize.Viviane’s POV“Come on, Viviane. It’s five thousand dollars!” My best friend, Kiera, is jumping up and down in front of the school bulletin board.I shake my head, “I can’t get up on a stage in front of that many people.”Kiera rolls her eyes. “Oh please, I know you sang for Nerissa last week. Though I still don’t understand why you’d help that selfish cow.”“That was different,” I argue without conviction. “No one could see me.” Well, someone saw me, but I’m not counting him.“But you still did
Viviane’s POV“I’m sorry!” I immediately squeak. “I didn’t mean… You… I–”Caspian closes the remaining distance between us, coming so close I have to tilt my head all the way back to see his face. I try to back away, but he catches my nape in one powerful hand. “You what, Viviane?”His fingers send bolts of electricity all the way down my spine. “You startled me.” I admit weakly.“You didn’t seem very startled.” He growls, squeezing the back of my neck. “It looked like you knew exactly what you were doing.”I’m shutting down, preparing for the physical retribution I’m sure is coming. “I swear I didn’t mean to.”Caspian studies me for a long moment, watching as I twist myself into knots waiting for his attack. I flinch when he releases me, stumbling to regain my balance. “Prove it.”I blink in confusion, amazed that he hasn’t hit me yet. “I– how?”He thinks for a moment, cocking his head to the side. “Lend me some money. The fights are about to begin – I think I’ll place a few bets.”I
Caspian’s POVViviane jerks around the moment Courtney pulls the glasses from her eyes. I don’t know why I let the she-wolf bully my mate this way, but then again, I rarely know what I’m doing when it comes to Viviane. I want to be with her every second of every day, but I have no idea how to express this to her. I want to spoil and shower her with affection, but it seems like all I actually end up doing is teasing her.Granted, I do love the way she blushes and squirms, but surely there is more to being mates than this. Even as the thoughts race through my head, I do not regret letting Courtney take Viviane’s sunglasses – not one bit. Because now Viviane is using me to shield her face from the room, and I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. Her eyes are the exact shade of a tropical sea – a bright turquoise unlike anything I’ve seen before. Her cheekbones are high and sharp, accenting her pert nose and full lips.She’s not just pretty, or striking, or even gorgeous. She is everyth
Viviane’s POVMy footsteps echo through the empty halls as I depart the library, my shoes emitting a slow, steady click as my weary feet carry me from another long study session. While other teenagers spend their weekends relaxing and going on dates, I spend mine holed up in the stacks, trying to make up for all the years I went without an education.Kiera and the teachers have no idea how much my good grades cost me. Despite what my best friend thinks, academics do not come easily to me, but I’m determined to have a future beyond tears and hard labor.I’m almost to the front door when I hear it: cheerful chatter and high girlish giggles.Courtney, Madison, and Nerissa round the corner ahead, their faces bearing none of the happiness their voices suggest . They walk straight for me, eyes glinting and mouths twisted into smirks.Squaring my shoulders, I prepare for what will certainly be an unpleasant encounter. “Courtney, Nerissa.” I greet them. “Thinking about transferring to Asterio
Viviane’s POV“Viviane!” Caspian’s voice is rough and wild, and his fist smashes into the heavy wooden door when the handle refuses to turn.“She’s not here!” I call without thinking. This can’t be happening. I need help, but I can’t explain my situation without exposing my identity.Some of the horrible tension in the air dissipates, and the incessant pounding stops, but I can hear Caspian’s furious breathing. “Then who is there?” He almost sounds amused – almost.This time I do not answer, desperately clinging to my last sliver of sanity.“Viviane.” A shiver runs down my spine. He says my name as both warning and reprimand.Silence pulls taught between us, and my heart sinks. There’s no way out of this. One way or another, he’s going to–*SMASH*The door bursts open, splinters of wood flying in every direction as the destroyed frame hangs precariously from its hinges.Caspian stalks toward me, his ferocious blue eyes finding me immediately in the dim light.I’d almost forgotten how
Viviane’s POVThe pack house isn’t what I expected. I always pictured a cold, stuffy mansion. Instead it’s warm and welcoming.Caspian blows smoke into the air, watching me out of the corner of his eye. “First time here?”I nod, looking around the party with unbridled curiosity. Guests mill around packed gaming tables, dressed to the nines and juggling drinks. I don’t recognize many people, but based on their appearances I suspect they’re Academy students. The few faces I do know from Asterion High are far from friendly. I’ve only seen them from afar – apparently I lack the pedigree to be invited to their exclusive cliques.“I don’t get to host often.” Caspian explains, steering me forward with a possessive hand on the small of my back. “But the Alpha is away on business.” The corner of his mouth twitches, “parties here are a bit different.”“I wouldn’t know.” My face flushes, more from the heat of his touch than any embarrassment. “I’d never even been to a party before last week.”Ca