Chapter 7A dozen years passed, and Alec’s hopes for happiness faded as dim as the tint of his wings. Each passing season the sapphire of his wings grew fainter, until they resembled the color of damp wool.
One day he returned home from Anchor Rock and found his changeling brother Arnath and his sister-in-law Larissa waiting for him outside of his home oak. The sight of two merfolk perched upon their tailfins in the damp grass was jarring to Alec; their anxious expression made him even more uneasy.
“What’s happened, brother? What’s wrong?”
Arnath used his sleek black tailfin to propel himself forward. He placed a still wet hand on Alec’s shoulder. “Larissa and I have discussed things, and we want you to share Larissa’s next egg.”
“What?” Alec spluttered, blushing.
“It’s the only way. W
