Elva wanted to collect some seashells to add the growing pile she was keeping in our bedroom, so together, Elva, Nicholas, and I went to the shoreline and began walking along with water’s edge. While I helped Elva pick out seashells, Nicholas kept a dutiful eye on the ocean.
Maybe he thought Ronan himself might jump out at any minute. The thought made me shiver.
Looking at the ocean, despite having nearly drowned, it wasn’t the waves or the water that I feared deep down inside of me. No. Instead I feared the merfolk prince who had wanted to pull me into the deeps.
I was grateful to Nicholas for keeping watch.
More grateful, when unnatural waves rippled the top of the water. Immediately I grabbed Elva, who in her surprise, dropped half of her shells.
“Mommy!” she said, pointing to wher
