Chapter 112 Air, A Commodity
Later, Trent finds himself entering the black market alone, heading towards the specific shop where they inquired about a restricted item the previous day. The merchant, known for dealing in new Atlantian military-restricted items, had mentioned that he had what they were looking for, but it wasn't kept in the shop. Trent navigates the hidden and unsavory place, a black market that can provide anything you need, even if it's hard to find elsewhere. However, what sets this black market apart from others and puts Trent at ease is the absence of one despicable thing he couldn't stand witnessing – slavery. There's no hint of such terrible activity here, which allows Trent to focus on his mission without worry.As Trent reaches the end of the hallway, he turns left into the shop he seeks. Inside, the shelves are filled with crates containing various weapons, including lazerarms, light spears, crystal induction daggers, and other items restrChapter 113 Last Night In LuxuryWith the old weight unhooked and pushed aside, Trent grasped the metal cords anchoring the air bladder to the weight and began to lift. The two counterweights were supposed to balance each other, ensuring buoyancy while underwater. However, it seemed a little heavy, and he planned to discuss this with Tritan later to get his input on the matter. Despite that, Trent knew his work was done for now."Good! Because I saved you dinner. Everyone else already ate, and I told them you were busy," Hunter informed Trent through their bondlink. "Aziza and I are waiting for you."As he prepared to head back, Hunter's message reached him through their bondlink. Trent smiled at the thoughtfulness of his bondmate and thanked him. Feeling a renewed eagerness, he swiftly swam back to The Serpent's Blood inn, where Aziza awaited them.Trent's heart warmed at the gesture and the camaraderie he shared with his companion
Chapter 114 More Secrets.It dawned on her that they might not fully understand the significance of the special dish she had prepared for them earlier. In her culture, this dish was traditionally made for groom-pair to eat at the wedding feast. By accepting and eating the dish, the groom-pair would be acknowledging the bride as their mate. In a legal sense, they were already mated temporarily for a year, during which the pod would determine if they were a good fit. They had the option to recommit permanently at the end of the year, or if a child was born or conceived during that time, the mating would become legally binding when the child was born.However, given their short time together, Aziza wasn't sure if Trent and Hunter, her bonded mermen, would still feel the same about her later. She knew they were both honorable and would take care of her if a child was born, but she didn't want them to feel obligated. So she thought perhaps it best if they used
Chapter 1: A Beautiful Morning Nerissa's eyes flutter open to the soft glow of her chamber's bioluminescent lighting. The walls are adorned with delicate seashells, intricately woven together with strands of seaweed. The ceiling above her bed shows a beautiful moonhole framed in smooth pearls, the entrance to her personal Airgarden. Above her coral desk, a masterpiece of intricately crafted pearls is strung together to form an elegant chandelier that shimmers in the soft light. Her bed is a vision of luxury, its frame crafted from the most exquisite coral, carved into intricate designs that mimic the natural beauty of the ocean floor. The canopy above her is woven from strands of sea silk, its iridescent sheen shimmering in the light of the room. As she sits up, she feels the soft touch of the sheets against her skin. They are made from the finest seaweed fibers, woven together with delicate strands of seasilk. The pillows are filled with the softest down from the winged manta
Chapter 2 HumansAs Nerissa swims towards Madissa's chamber, a sense of unease settles within her. Something feels off, and her sister's distant and aloof behavior only heightens her concern. Is Madissa unwell? What could be troubling her? Nerissa's role as the second oldest daughter compels her to protect and care for her older sister, and she can't shake off the responsibility she feels towards Madissa.She enters the chamber and finds Madissa sitting in stillness, her gaze fixed on the walls. Worry etches itself onto Nerissa's features as she approaches. "Madissa, what's troubling you? Are you feeling alright?" she signs, her expressions reflecting genuine concern.Madissa looks up, her expression filled with a mixture of pain and vulnerability. "Nerissa, I apologize. There's something I've been keeping from both you and Selena, and I can no longer bear the weight of it," she signs, her hands gracefully forming the signs. Aquasign, their unique sign language, allows them to communic
Chapter 3 Mer’kissed Nerissa watches Madissa with the limp human in her arms. She can see the desperation on her sister's face as she presses her lips to his, initiating the Mer-kiss. The transformation begins, and Nerissa can see Bryan's body twitching slightly, as if trying to fight off the change. She knows that it can be a difficult process for humans, but it is their only hope of survival. Nerissa swims closer, keeping a watchful eye on the sharks that are still circling the area. She can feel the tension in the water, the sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface. But she knows that they cannot give up. They have come too far, risked too much, to let these humans perish. As Joe was being dragged by the strong rip current, he felt his energy fading away. He had never been a good swimmer, and the ocean was quickly turning into his grave. He looked around, searching for any sign of hope, but all he saw were the waves crashing over his head and the sky far above.
Chapter 4 Merfilk, A Secret Kept As the three mermaids entered the cavern, the mermaid they had saved followed closely behind. The atmosphere inside the cave shifts, the surroundings enveloped in an ethereal glow emanating from bioluminescent algae that cling to the walls. The cavern reveals itself gradually, a hidden sanctuary in the depths of the ocean. Submerged in water, much of the cavern is an underwater realm, where colorful marine life dances and coral formations reach towards the unseen sunlight. The gentle sway of seaweed and the soft murmur of the currents add to the enchanting ambiance. However, towards the back of the cavern, a large air pocket emerges, providing a haven where air mingles with the scent of salt and dampness. Above the waterline, a sizable rock ledge juts out, providing a safe perch for the two unconscious human men. Nerissa and Madissa carefully position the men on the ledge, their bodies resting against the solid surface, offering a temporary respite,
Chapter 5 TransformationMadissa swims to the ledge and cautiously lifts the edge of the cloak, revealing that the man's pants obscure much of the ongoing transformation. While his torso remains unchanged, his legs appear slightly smaller, indicating a gradual change. Relieved that he has stopped bleeding, she gently covers him again with the cloak. Turning to her sister, she conveys her findings with a mix of relief and lingering worry."They are changing, but it happens slowly. This one still has legs," Madissa signs, her facial expression reflecting a blend of relief and concern.Curiosity piqued, Madissa lifts herself up on the ledge and leans forward, pressing her ear against the chest of the man she had rescued. After a brief moment, she returns to the water, her body buoyant, and shares her observation with Nerissa."He is still alive. Check his heart. The transformation might stop if they die," Madissa signs, emphasizing the importance of monitoring their vital signs.Nerissa
Chapter 6 IntroductionsNerissa gracefully makes circular motions with her hand, inviting the new mermen to join them in the water. She creates small splashes by gently tapping the surface, hoping to convey the message of invitation. Aware of their unfamiliarity with Aquasign, she observes as the two mermen exchange glances, hesitating before sliding off the ledge and using their hands for support. In the water, they begin testing the maneuverability of their tails, exploring different movements and occasionally emitting unfamiliar sounds. Nerissa and the others watch, unable to understand their communication but recognizing their intent as they practice. Turning to Madissa, Nerissa uses Aquasign to ask, "Do we have any food left? I remember bringing extra jars of fish eggs and seagrapes." Madissa nods in response, deliberately making her way to the basket of food to ensure they have sustenance for their underwater journey.Madissa retrieves a large flat seashell and two containers mad