We tumble through the air with dizzying speed. The water rises to meet us, and the world slows for a moment before we hit the surface, plunging deep into the dark waters below.
A strong current pulls at my form, ripping me from Errik’s arms. I spin away, blinking in the darkness, completely disoriented and struggling to determine which way is up. My lungs burn from lack of oxygen as darkness creeps in around the edges of my vision.
Solid arms wrap around my form. Errik pulls me toward him. He seals his mouth over mine, giving me his merman’s kiss. I gasp, filling my lungs with much-needed oxygen now that I’m able to breathe underwater.
He takes my hand to lead me toward our rock and to safety, but I pull back. “Halla, we have to go,” he speaks in my mind.
“No. We have to do something about those ships.”
“We will. I will contact my people after I get you to safety.”
I turn my gaze to the harbor. The ships are so close, they are almost at the docks. “No, Errik! There isn’t time. We cannot let them reach land. If we do, my brother and our soldiers will be overrun. They’ll take the city and breach the castle in no time.”
He shakes his head, and I know he means to argue. Before he can protest, I tip my chin up and demand, “Take me to the ships. We can sabotage them with the help of your people. I will not wait idly by while my people defend the city. I must do something, Errik. Please.”
Indecision plays across his face before he finally nods. He wraps his arms around me and heads toward the harbor.
He slips beneath the water, and I hear his voice in my mind as he calls to nearby Mer. “Anyone who can hear me, this is your prince, Errik. The city of Solwyck is under attack by pirates. We must help them, or they will be overrun. Spread the word. Call all our warriors to Solwyck’s harbor. We cannot allow the city to fall into the hands of pirates.”
We’re halfway to the ships when his brother swims up beside us. I recognize him immediately. He speaks in my head. “Halla, what are you—”
“I think I know how to sabotage the ships,” I interrupt.
“How?”
“Get me onto the deck of the closest one. They will have gunpowder for their cannons. If we can light it, it will destroy their ships.” I face Errik. “Spread the word among your people.”
