Mine By Harrieth H. Mbunda

F O U R

BLUEY'S POV

Walking through the streets in the morning was an amazing experience. This part of town was bustling with creative people, and what surprised me was how the sirens and Mer people interacted. They swam with vibrant colours on the ocean floor, and some of them could transform into humans as soon as they reached the shores, just like in the little mermaid story.

I ran and danced with no care in the world since nobody paid much attention to me. My perception of life had changed, and I turned to Azureus, noticing him engaged in a conversation with some kids. His laughter and strong jawline made him even more beautiful. I wondered what he looked like inside the ocean. I silently smiled and found a young toddler tugging on my leg.

As I turned, I saw the little boy resembling a young Moana. He handed me a hibiscus flower with mixed blue, green, and orange colors while giggling. He was so adorable, and I accepted the flower with my right hand. At the same time, I noticed Azureus beside me, smiling at the toddler. He picked up the child and gave him a hug, along with a few tickles.

The scene before me was mesmerizing. I realized that Azureus spoke ancient Italian, and the little one couldn't stop giggling. Azureus extended his right hand to me, motioning for me to hold it and follow him. He still carried the toddler on his left as we made our way to the child's mother. I was happy to interact with them, even though I was still hesitant to speak. Everyone was kind to me, and I felt at home.

After a couple of hours, we returned to Azureus' humble abode, which I had started to consider as my home. He asked me what I would like to eat, and I told him anything except fish or pineapples due to my allergies. He was surprised, but I explained it to him, and he prepared a potato salad with shrimps. I was delighted and excited to taste the delicious food. In the midst of enjoying my meal, I forgot that Azureus was right in front of me. I moaned with pleasure, which surprised him, but he chuckled at my candid reaction. When I finished, I thanked him and offered to clean the kitchen as I usually did, but he beat me to it.

After a few more days of engaging in various activities, Azureus called me one evening and asked why I ended up in his waters. He assured me that it was okay if I didn't want to tell him, but since I had physically healed, he felt the need to take me to his personal psychologist on the Earth realm. I felt a sense of trepidation, but he hugged me and reassured me that I wouldn't be alone. He had unfinished business with whoever caused harm to me, and since he could walk in both worlds, my kind should be prepared.

Although I wasn't fully prepared to face my past, it had been more than six months, and I believed Azureus deserved to know the truth about me. I decided to share it with him, even if it hurt. At least he deserved my honesty and innocence.

And so, I began,

"My true name is Harrieth Bluey Lavender Kim Harley, the only daughter of Asmadeus Kim Harley and Pauline Lavender Knight. I have three brothers: Harley Jr., Cosmas, and Erington. We are descendants of the African realm, with my mother being a true African woman and my father hailing from the United States of America, the indigenous realm. My life was always lavish, but I was taught from a young age to respect everyone and everything, whether living or non-living. I was raised to be kind, respectful, and honourable in everything I did, and everyone around me was happy with me. However, love's mystery came along, and everything went downhill because I fell for the wrong man." I noticed Azureus flinch, realizing that I had just given him a nickname.

He signaled for me to continue, and I took a deep breath and proceeded,

"It was the summer of two years ago when I came to Italy and met Leon, who was from our clan. He had been away for more than ten years, which would be twelve now if my memory serves me right. After meeting him, he pursued me and made me believe he was in love with me. But little did I know he was a deceitful person. I fell for him, believing it was love at first sight. And guess what? He slept with me, taking advantage of my vulnerability. He lied that he would marry me, but I woke up to an engagement without my consent the next day. Our parents exchanged gifts on the dowry day, and rings were exchanged, but I regretted it all when he assumed authority over my personal business, wanting me to be a housewife and not work. From there, he abused me, and most of the time, he r***d me." I sniffled, and tears started falling uncontrollably.

"But the most painful thing is that he murdered my father and brother through the fire, keeping it a secret from me. My mother was forced back to her homeland with nothing. I was left alone, Azureus, completely shattered. And this year, he took my best friend and planned to kill me. That's how I ended up being thrown into your realm after enduring tortures and r***s, where everyone could see me. I lost my child; my pregnancy couldn't withstand it all. They knew this part of the ocean had sirens and Merpeople, so it was easy for them to dump me here and take the wealth that belonged to my family. I slowly lost the will to cry and scream, choosing instead to stay silent and accept my fate. I closed my eyes, knowing that the ocean would become my cemetery, and I would be reunited with my family once again. That's all, Azz," I said softly, sobbing. As I hiccupped, all hell broke loose.

I found myself on my knees, looking up at Azureus. I mustered the strength to say, "I am not worthy. The least you can do is end my suffering. I can't bear another day. Please, let me die. I am broken, dirty, and worthless. I know you could end it in an instant, and-"

As tears streamed down my face and I wept, Azureus knelt beside me, holding me close. I could sense the rage emanating from his energy, his fingers turning into blue spikes. His voice was filled with anger but low and soothing as he comforted me. I drifted off to sleep, faintly hearing Azureus say, "Whoever harms even a single strand of your hair will face my rage. I will seek revenge in the Earth realm. For now, dormi bene mia bella regina e per loro dovranno affrontare la rabbia mortale delle acque blu, va bene mio bellissimo bambino." And then I slipped into a deep slumber.