MERMAID OF CALABAR

Episode 7

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🐠🐠 MERMAIDS OF CALABAR (SEASON ONE) 🧜🔞

Author: Sadiq Infinity (Capri Leo)

Genre: Dark Fantasy • Horror • Supernatural • Romance • Adult • Adventures

WARNING: This story contains content that is not appropriate for anyone under 18. Do not copy this story without the author's permission.

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🌊 ZENTI AND LUST 🌊

Days after her unexpected encounter with Joseph on Calabar Beach, Zenti traveled to the hidden prison island of the Succubi to seek advice from Lust, her old friend and mentor.

Joseph was different from every human she had encountered before. Something about him had stayed with her, and she couldn't stop thinking about him.

Her guardian, Ete, had noticed the change in her mood. He feared that her growing interest in a human could eventually bring terrible consequences, especially because Zenti was the princess and heir to the underwater kingdom.

On the shores of the island, Zenti told Lust everything.

Lust had known Zenti since she was a child and had cared for her after she left home to pursue her step-sister, Xeira. She had also taught Zenti how to use her beauty and charm. For years, Lust had secretly worried about Zenti's loneliness and hoped she would eventually find someone special.

Lust: Hold on. You're telling me you met and kissed a human?

She laughed and muttered something in the demonic language.

Lust: You little slut!

Zenti: That's not the issue. He wasn't even affected by my charm. My beauty was supposed to drive him crazy.

Lust: That's strange. And you said he has your necklace. Why?

Zenti: Remember the baby I saved from death twenty years ago?

Lust: Yes.

Zenti: It's him. He's grown now, and he looks... incredible.

Lust: You're telling me that baby is now a grown man and you kissed him?

Zenti: He's old enough to have children.

Lust: How are you certain he's the same baby?

Zenti: I never forget a smell. It's him.

Lust smiled.

Lust: So what do you intend to do?

Zenti: I honestly don't know. I can't stop thinking about him.

Lust: Interesting. Tell me about him.

Zenti: He's tall, built, a little edgy but cute. Light-skinned, with incredibly dark eyes. And he's a good kisser.

Lust laughed.

Lust: Oh, Zenti. You're in love.

Zenti: What? Me? No way!

Lust: Pretend all you want. I can sense it. You've finally found someone who interests you.

Zenti: I can't just throw myself at the first male I meet.

Lust: Perhaps Joseph isn't the first male. Perhaps he's the right one.

Ete: His name is Joseph.

Zenti looked at him.

Zenti: How do you know?

Ete: He spends a lot of time in the water. I've seen him.

Lust: There you have it. Joseph could be your chance at happiness.

Zenti: I don't think it's a good idea.

Ete: She's a princess and heir to the throne. Her father expects her to marry into royalty. A relationship with a human could create disastrous consequences.

Lust: I don't care what her father wants. Zenti doesn't want that royal life.

Ete frowned.

Ete: That's not true. She's been searching for Xeira.

Lust: That's just an excuse. If Zenti truly wanted to return home, she would have done so long ago. She wants freedom.

Ete turned to Zenti.

Ete: Is that true?

Zenti remained silent.

Her silence answered him.

Lust: See? This is her life. She deserves to make her own choices.

Zenti: What if Joseph is with someone else?

Ete: He's single.

Lust laughed.

Lust: Then perhaps he's waiting for you.

Zenti: I still don't know.

Lust: Then give it a chance. If others have found love outside their kind, why can't you? Life is short, even for creatures like us.

Zenti finally nodded.

Zenti: Thank you, Lust. I'll think about it.

Lust: Good. Maybe this is your chance to discover what your heart truly wants.

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🌹 ZENTI 🌹

After my mother's death, Lust became the closest thing I had to a mother. She wasn't perfect, but she had always been there for me.

Her words stayed in my mind as I returned to Calabar.

I didn't know what would happen with Joseph, but I had decided to take a chance.

After swimming for hours, I arrived in Calabar and traveled to a quiet river near a harbour. Since it was dark and deserted, I emerged from the water and used magic to transform my fins into legs.

I had barely started walking when someone appeared.

It was Ebinoluwa.

Ebinoluwa: My God, you're such a hard mermaid to find.

Zenti: Well, well. What cursed wind brought you here?

Ebinoluwa: After all this time, you're still rude.

Zenti: What brings you to my territory, witch? I hope you're not here to cause trouble.

Ebinoluwa: I only came to check on you.

Zenti: Awwn. I'm touched.

Ebinoluwa: Really?

Zenti: No. Get to the point.

Ebinoluwa smiled.

Ebinoluwa: I heard something interesting from someone close to me. Is it true that you charmed a human?

Zenti froze.

Zenti: WHAT?

Ebinoluwa: His name is Joseph. He's constantly thinking about you. I'm surprised he hasn't gone crazy. Who is he?

I was stunned.

Lust had been right. Joseph really was thinking about me.

But how had Ebinoluwa discovered it?

Ebinoluwa: Is it true?

Zenti: None of your business. Go home.

Ebinoluwa: I only want to know your intentions. Please don't hurt this human the way you did the others.

Zenti: We're done here.

Ebinoluwa sighed.

Ebinoluwa: Whatever you're planning, don't let things get out of hand.

She left.

Ebinoluwa wasn't normally a spy. Someone close to her must have been in Calabar. I would find out who.

Moments later, Ete emerged from the river.

Ete: You shouldn't have treated that witch like that. You should be friends with her.

Zenti: Friends with that brat? No thanks.

Ete: You have feelings for Joseph. Forget him while you still can. If your father—

Zenti: MY FATHER ISN'T HERE! This is my life, not his!

Ete: This won't end well. How do you know Joseph truly loves you? He could simply be under your charm.

Zenti: Ebinoluwa doesn't know what she's talking about. I'm giving Joseph a chance.

Ete: You've never behaved like this before.

Zenti: I know. But being around him felt different. I felt drawn to him.

Ete: Once you cross this line, there may be no going back.

I looked toward the sky.

Zenti: What's the point of living if I can't take a leap? Look, the moon is full.

Ete: Indeed.

Zenti: I haven't sung to the moon in years.

Ete: Then sing.

I closed my eyes and began.

Singing is nourishment to a mermaid's soul. Sirens are far more powerful singers, however, using their voices as deadly weapons. For mermaids, beauty is our greatest weapon.

As my voice floated through the quiet night, I became lost in the melody.

Then—

CRACK!

A dry branch snapped behind me.

I stopped singing and turned around.

My heart skipped.

Joseph stood there.

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🐞 JOSEPH 🐞

Finally, night had arrived.

I had been waiting all day because I wanted to visit my foster mother. Since I hadn't seen her in weeks, I decided to buy her a small gift.

At about 8:00 p.m., I left the hostel and headed off campus.

Unfortunately, there was no transport going in my direction, so I decided to walk home.

I hadn't gone far when a black Jeep pulled up.

I immediately recognized it.

Uwem.

He stepped out with Ekaette and several friends.

Uwem: Well, well. If it isn't Joseph.

Ekaette: You mean Jotrek?

They laughed.

Uwem: Sapa has finally caught you, abi? Heading home to Mommy?

Ekaette: Mommy's boy.

Joseph: What do you want?

Uwem: Payback. I haven't forgotten what you did to me.

Joseph: How many times are we going to do this?

Uwem: Tonight is different. I brought backup.

I laughed.

Joseph: And you call yourself a man? Ekaette, you should find someone better. Uwem is a coward.

Uwem's smile disappeared.

Uwem: At least I know my father. Bastard. Ask your b***h mother about yours.

His words hurt.

Nkese had raised me and loved me. She was my mother in every way that mattered.

I was about to confront him when something terrifying happened.

Hundreds of bats suddenly descended from the darkness.

Uwem and his friends screamed as the bats swarmed them. Somehow, none of them touched me.

I didn't wait to find out why.

I ran.

Minutes later, I was still trying to understand what had happened when I heard something beautiful.

A voice.

The most incredible voice I had ever heard.

Without thinking, I changed direction and ran toward it.

The closer I got, the louder it became.

After nearly twenty minutes, I finally reached the source.

And there she was.

The mysterious woman from the beach.

She sat beneath the moonlight, singing.

I couldn't believe it.

My heart raced as I watched her. I wanted to approach her quietly, but I was so focused on her that I failed to notice a dry branch beneath my feet.

CRACK!

She stopped singing and turned.

Our eyes met.

Once again, her beauty left me speechless.

I smiled.

Joseph: You're even more beautiful than last time. I can't believe I finally found you.

She looked slightly surprised.

Zenti: Is that how you talk to women?

Joseph: Oh... sorry. My name is—

Zenti: Joseph.

I stared at her.

Joseph: How did you know?

Zenti: Just a guess.

Joseph: I know this sounds crazy, but I've been looking everywhere for you. Ever since we met, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind.

She smiled.

Zenti: Was it because of my kiss?

Joseph: What? I mean... the kiss was nice, but I just wanted to see you again.

Zenti: Well, here I am.

I smiled.

Joseph: Your voice is amazing. Where did you learn to sing like that?

Zenti: Let's just say it's a natural talent.

I took a breath.

Joseph: I know our first meeting was strange, but I'd like us to start over.

She considered it.

Zenti: Hmm... okay.

Joseph: What's your name?

She smiled softly.

Zenti: Call me Zenti.

And just like that, the mysterious woman who had occupied my thoughts finally had a name.

Zenti.

But neither of us knew that this meeting would change both our lives forever.

TO BE CONTINUED...

NEXT EPISODE ➡ LOVE IN THE STARS 🌟