Chapter 17

The sound of Hula's hauntingly beautiful music lingers in the air as I lead Rey toward the lagoon, my hand wrapped securely around hers. The sight of the Merfolk gathered there, their hair a rainbow of colors under the radiant sun and their sparkling tails flicking lazily in the water is a familiar one.

We weave our way through the crowd, their friendly greetings washing over us like the warmth of the sun. Sora and Leona, sister Mermaids with the grace of dolphins, swim over to us, their curious eyes landing on Rey.

"What brings you to our humble lagoon?" Sora asks, a playful grin on her face.

"We wish to swim in the open ocean," I reply, my gaze drifting toward Hula. "And I need to borrow Hula's spelled gem necklace for the afternoon."

Hearing her name, Hula stops playing her harp. The music falls silent, replaced by the gentle hum of the crowd and the lapping of the waves. She gives her harp a loving pat before she plunges into the water and emerges near us, her smile as bright as the tropical sun.

"Zethe," Hula's voice sings out melodically, her eyes sparkling with mischief and delight. She greets me with a nod, then turns to Rey. "And you must be Rey. I see the bond between you two. You are mated, yes?"

I feel a warm rush of pride as I reply, "Yes, Hula. Rey has gifted me with the permission to claim her, and I have. She has spilled her essence upon my pouch, marking me with the proof of her climax."

Hula's expression is serene and knowing.

She is the queen of this Merfolk pod and the sea's seer. I've known the white-haired Mermaid for a long time, with diamond-like skin that glistens in the sun, blinding all who stare for too long. Her tail is covered in rainbow scales that resemble all the precious gems such as ruby, emerald, and sapphire.

Even though we are not of the same species, I respect her because she possesses unimaginable powers, and I fear for anyone who crosses her.

"So, you two have claimed each other." Hula's voice is low and filled with warmth. "Rey, has your essence spilled on Zethe's pouch?"

Rey blushes a deep red, but her voice is firm when she answers. "Yes, Hula. I have claimed him."

Pride and desire surge through me. I can"t resist pulling Rey closer, wrapping my tentacle around her waist. I wanted the world to know, and now, they do.

We are mates. We are claimed. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Hmm," Hula muses, her gaze traveling over Rey's body, studying the tiny purple marks dotting her skin. Her eyes sparkle with amusement. "It seems that Zethe's tentacles have indeed been… busy."

A soft laugh escapes my lips, and I feel Rey's body shaking slightly with laughter against mine. It's a wonderful sound, the sound of her joy, and I find myself wanting to hear it more often.

Hula then turns to Rey, her tone suddenly soft. "Rey, my dear, my pod and I would love to spend more time with you. My daughters are quite taken with you."

Rey's smile is brilliant, her eyes shining. "I'd love that, Hula. Now that I've accepted Zethe and this… bond." She waves a hand between us. "I'm not going anywhere."

Hula's gaze returns to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But there's something else, isn't there, Zethe?"

I bow my head in acknowledgment. "Indeed, Hula. I was wondering if we could borrow your spelled gem necklace. I want Rey to experience the ocean like we do."

A chuckle escapes Hula's lips. "So, being patient finally paid off for you, huh?" She reaches up to untie the gem from her hair netting and hands it to me. "As long as Rey wears this, she can breathe underwater. Lose it, and the water will become your enemy."

"My enemy?" Rey asks. I can hear the fear in her voice as she looks at me with confusion.

"Yes, your enemy, and any who aren't born of the sea," Hula explains. "Water both creates and consumes life. It surrounds you. It allows you to be there when you swim in it. Pressure, temperature, and currents are all present.

"The necklace proves you're respected by sea monsters. You have permission to be with us if you wear it."

"As long as you have this on, Rey," I say, wrapping the necklace around her neck and tying it to her Merfolk hairnet. "You'll be able to breathe, as well as withstand the water pressure and temperature."

"Wow, that sounds incredible." She lifts the gem to her face and looks up at the sky through it, staring at the swirls of the living water sealed inside. "But why allow me to use it?"

"Because you've accepted Zethe as your own," Hula replies, her gaze fixed on Rey. "As a result, we accept you as one of us."

"Thank you, Hula," I say, staring at the gem in Rey's hand. Its surface shimmers with an ethereal glow, as if the spirit of the ocean itself resides within it. "I appreciate your generosity."

"It's not me, it's the will of the Moon Goddess," she says with a knowing smile before turning her gaze back toward the water.

Rey's gaze turns to the Merfolk pod, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Do you guys want to come swim with us?" She glances up at me, her eyes wide with excitement and a bit of nervousness.

I nod in approval. I understand her desire to share this experience, and the more aquatic monsters around us, the safer I'll feel if anything goes awry.

The last thing I want is a repeat of what happened, especially if we get separated.

The Merfolk respond with a chorus of excited cheers, dropping what they're doing to dive into the water. Their excited voices echo through the area, filled with anticipation about swimming with a human for the first time. Even other land monsters nearby stop and watch as the excitement builds.

Rey, her nervousness now more visible, turns to me. "What if… what if it doesn't work, Zethe?"

Hula chuckles softly. "Oh, it'll work, Rey. Just go and see for yourself." She gestures toward the water, her eyes twinkling with certainty.

I squeeze Rey's hand reassuringly, and we dive in.