The Island Curse

Actions

 Once again, we flew through the water, but I no longer marveled at the speed. Everything hurt to the point that the world blurred in and out of focus. I wanted the darkness- the escape, but each time light turned to a pinprick and unconsciousness beckoned, a spasm ripped through my bones and brought me back.

"Isla, hold on. It's almost over."

Almost over. 

I repeated the phrase over and over again, anchoring myself with each passing wave of pain. And in the moments of reprieve, I saw their faces.

 Kieran. Intense hazel eyes, lips quick to scowl, and that single curl that fell across his forehead. 

Tara. A constant source of sunshine on the Island. 

Niko. Sultry and sure, and loyal to those she loves. 

All three willing to risk their freedom to ensure my survival.

And I was betraying them all.

"Put her on the sand," Lorelei demanded.

Cool air washed over my heated skin as I was dragged out of the water. Eyes snapping open, I stared up through the hole in the sea cave. The moon, heavy and round, hovered at its edge, its light a milky beam striking the water. I lowered my eyes. Dozens more Merrow had arrived- some by water, and others through the caves. Most of those were men who'd not sold their souls to Lorelei, and their expressions were the greediest as they watched me.

"What now?"

I thought that might be Dylan speaking, but pain, so hot and searing, swept through me, making my back arch. A metallic taste soaked my tongue. Blood from biting my lips to keep from screaming. Just kill me. Please hurry.

"What, no!"

Dylan's horrified shout drew my attention, and once the pain faded to weak tremors, I propped myself up on my elbows and looked at my father. He'd shifted to his human form and thankfully put on shorts. He held a knife in his hands, its blade dull and rusty.

Lorelei surged forward and wrapped her fingers around his throat. "Who are you to tell me no. I own you."

Dylan shook his head. Something sparkled on his cheeks. Surely not tears. Not for me.

"You wanted her legs, not her life."

"True, but to get her legs, it requires her life. So, plunge the blade into her heart before its too late."

A collective hush fell over the crowd. I interrupted it with a bitter laugh. "Jokes on you folks."

"Isla, did you know?"

"For awhile now."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"Would you have believed me?" I asked, shivering so hard I could no longer hold myself up. Falling down, I rolled to my side and locked eyes with my father. "And would you have even cared?"

"Of course I care. I love you."

"You have a funny way of showing it."

The speaker's voice drifted from the back of the crowd. I could see everyone's feet shuffle to the side to make way for the newcomer, but I didn't need to see her face to know who it was.

"Mama."

"Oh, darling girl," she said, dropping to the sand and cradling my head in her lap.

"I've missed you so much." I reached for her face, and she pressed her cheek into my palm. She pulled away and traced her fingertip along the scales on my arm.