Ice Crypt (Mermaids of Eriana Kwai Book 2) (46 page)
Read Ice Crypt (Mermaids of Eriana Kwai Book 2) Online
Authors: Tiana Warner
“And what did social studies teach you?” said Blacktail.
“That pissing off the United States is never a good move.”
I considered the prospect. If the Americans did get involved, would their military be the answer? Would the world start caring about the war my people had been fighting for decades?
I felt a wave of terror from Lysi. “What’s wrong?”
“They’ll destroy us,” she said, paling. “They’ll drop iron bombs on us like … snow.”
“She’s right,” said Blacktail. “They’ll target more than just Adaro. They’ll want to get rid of all mermaids. Like we did.”
“So we’ll have to get to him before he can attack any more humans,” I said.
“Destroying the indestructible,” said Tanuu. “Sounds like fun.”
“We’ll find a way,” I said.
We were interrupted by a woman’s voice cutting across the beach, wondering loudly whether the Massacre would still depart today. It was the widow from the Massacre Committee. She had a gash on her forehead; I could smell the blood. She fell silent at the answering glares.
Along the beach, a few people still laboured, restoring the area back to normal.
In silent agreement, my friends and I began to help.
I relished my new senses as I pulled myself through the shallow tide, picking up scattered wood from the shipwreck. I sensed the love projecting from Annith and Rik as they shared a hug. I felt the quickening in Tanuu’s pulse when he gave Blacktail a playful jab in the side. I smelled the difference between water, wood, and rock. I heard the way the wind curved around each tree along the shoreline.
And when my parents returned, I knew my loved ones were close long before they arrived.
By the time we finished cleaning up, the sun sat low on the horizon. An orange line stretched across the glassy ocean.
I said a hug-filled goodbye to my friends and parents, promising to visit often. Annith and Blacktail surprised me with their boldness and hugged Lysi, too.
“We’ll leave a rock tower,” said Lysi, stacking a pile of stones. “When you see it, you’ll know we’re close.”
Annith’s hazel eyes locked onto mine, brimming with emotion.
“I guess I won’t be able to jump in if you need help, anymore,” she said.
We shared a smile.
My friends and parents turned for home, my mother wiping tears from her cheeks.
Then everyone was gone, and it was just Lysi and me, sitting in the water, side by side. Waves gurgled over the pebbles. I felt each one coming before I saw the swell.
“You’ll have to teach me how to be a proper mermaid,” I said, pushing deeper into the water.
Lysi laughed. “There’s nothing to it.”
“You’ll show me what coral looks like?”
“First thing.”
“You’ll show me how to hunt?”
“Until you can do it with your eyes closed.”
“Good,” I said, grabbing her hand.
“Hold your breath,” said Lysi. “Let’s go swimming.”
Illustrations
Note from the author
Thank you for reading Ice Crypt and supporting an indie author. Did you know reviews are the #1 way to help an author out? If you enjoyed Meela and Lysi’s story, please consider rating it on Amazon.com and Goodreads.
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About Tiana
Tiana Warner is an award-winning author from British Columbia, Canada. She spends her free time riding her horse, Bailey, and is an active supporter of animal welfare.
http://tianawarner.com
@tianawarner
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE The Massacre Committee
CHAPTER FOUR The South Pacific Army
CHAPTER NINE Eriana the Mortal
CHAPTER ELEVEN Eriana’s Bargain
CHAPTER FOURTEEN Capital Punishment
CHAPTER SIXTEEN Harpoon of Death and Teeth and Stuff
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Eriana’s Crypt
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Coho’s Dilemma
CHAPTER NINETEEN Sleeping Spirit
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Goddess Rising
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO Ancient Awakening
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE Descendants
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE The Missing Piece
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN One Last Chance
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE Passed by Blood
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE The Battle for Eriana Kwai