THE REBORN MERMAID

CHAPTER 9

The kingdom of Azurith had never been so alive.

Music echoed beautifully through the ocean currents while glowing sea lanterns floated across the palace walls. Every corner of the kingdom shimmered with celebration as mermaids, sea creatures, and royal guests gathered together in honor of Pearl and her unborn child.

King Thalor had personally ordered the celebration.

And Queen Seraphine made sure every detail was perfect.

“This child will bring new light to the kingdom,” the queen proudly announced earlier that morning.

Pearl had never seen her parents this happy before.

For the first time in a long while—

The palace truly felt peaceful again.

Massive coral pillars glowed in shades of blue and gold while schools of colorful fish danced through the water gracefully like performers. Musicians played ancient ocean instruments made from giant shells and crystal coral, creating melodies that drifted softly through the sea.

Even dolphins circled joyfully around the palace gates.

The kingdom adored Pearl.

And now they adored her child too.

Pearl stood near the center of the grand hall wearing a flowing pearl-colored gown that shimmered beautifully beneath the ocean lights.

Her silver hair floated gently around her while one hand rested naturally against her stomach.

She looked radiant.

Happy.

Alive.

Queen Seraphine smiled proudly beside her daughter.

“You deserve this joy,” she whispered softly.

Pearl’s eyes warmed instantly.

“I finally feel like things are getting better.”

Nearby, Charles stood silently watching her.

And guilt slowly consumed him.

Because while Pearl smiled peacefully—

Darkness was already waiting for her.

Across the hall, Ella stood quietly among the guests.

Her expression calm.

But inside—

Hatred burned violently.

Every laugh around her sounded like mockery.

Every smile directed toward Pearl felt unbearable.

The kingdom celebrated Pearl like she was some goddess blessed by the sea itself.

Meanwhile Ella stood invisible beside her.

Again.

Always again.

Her eyes slowly drifted toward Pearl’s stomach.

And something cold settled inside her chest.

That child could not be allowed to live.

Ella had already decided.

Today was the perfect opportunity.

There were too many guests.

Too many gifts.

Too much distraction.

No one would suspect anything.

Hours earlier, Ella had disguised herself carefully using ancient sea herbs and magic powders stolen from one of the royal healers. Wrinkles covered her face while a dark cloak hid most of her appearance completely.

She looked like nothing more than an elderly woman from a distant ocean village.

No one would recognize her.

Not even Pearl.

Charles spotted her immediately the moment she entered the celebration hall.

His chest tightened in panic.

They had discussed the plan before.

But suddenly, seeing it truly happen made fear spread through him.

Ella briefly glanced toward him.

And the warning inside her eyes was clear.

Do not stop this.

Charles looked away immediately.

Cowardice chained him into silence.

Meanwhile, Pearl continued greeting guests warmly.

Many approached with gifts for the unborn child.

Tiny pearl bracelets.

Golden seashell charms.

Ancient blessing stones from neighboring kingdoms.

Pearl thanked everyone kindly.

Then finally—

Ella approached.

Disguised as the old woman.

Pearl smiled immediately upon seeing her.

“Welcome,” Pearl said warmly. “Thank you for coming.”

Ella lowered her voice carefully.

“I brought something special for you, Princess.”

She held out a beautiful crystal bottle filled with glowing blue liquid.

“A blessing drink,” Ella explained softly. “From my village. It protects both mother and child.”

Pearl’s eyes brightened instantly.

“That’s so kind of you.”

Charles watched from across the hall.

His entire body tense.

Pearl took the bottle without hesitation.

“Thank you so much.”

Ella forced a gentle smile beneath the disguise.

“You deserve peace, child.”

Then Pearl drank it.

Completely.

Charles felt his stomach twist violently.

For one brief second—

He almost moved forward to stop her.

But it was already too late.

Ella quietly stepped away into the crowd before anyone could question her.

And Pearl remained smiling happily, completely unaware death had just entered her body.

Thirty minutes later—

Everything changed.

Pearl was laughing softly beside Queen Seraphine when sudden pain exploded through her stomach.

Her smile disappeared instantly.

A sharp gasp escaped her lips.

Queen Seraphine immediately turned toward her.

“Pearl?”

Pain tore violently through Pearl’s body again.

Her knees buckled suddenly.

“Ahh!”

The scream echoed across the entire celebration hall.

Music stopped instantly.

The dancing fish scattered in panic.

Pearl clutched her stomach desperately as agony ripped through her body.

“Pearl!” Queen Seraphine cried in horror.

Charles rushed forward immediately while guests began screaming in confusion.

Pearl’s breathing became frantic.

“It hurts—”

Blood.

Tiny streaks of blood slowly spread through her gown.

Queen Seraphine’s face turned pale instantly.

“No…”

King Thalor stood up violently from his throne.

“CALL THE HEALERS NOW!”

The entire hall erupted into chaos.

Pearl screamed again as unbearable pain spread through her body like poison burning through her veins.

Then suddenly—

Her eyes rolled back.

And she collapsed.

Charles caught her just before she hit the floor.

“Pearl!”

Her body felt terrifyingly limp in his arms.

Queen Seraphine dropped beside her daughter in tears.

“Pearl, wake up!”

The healers rushed through the crowd immediately while panic spread throughout the palace.

King Thalor’s expression darkened with pure terror.

“What happened to her?!”

Nobody answered.

Because nobody knew

Except two people.

Charles.

And Ella.