Fate's Pawn: Five Jewels

Out of the Frying Pan

Eros didn't push Angel any farther and returned me to my current watery prison. "Sorry," he whispered in my ear as he eased me into the water's embrace.

I didn't reply until fully submerged. I hated how I felt relieved by being back in here. The instant I had turned it was like all of my skin was itchy and I couldn't get a decent breath.

Angel waited at the entrance of the room. He stared down his nose at us and raised a brow. "Okay, she's back in the water. Get out of here, fodder. I'm going to call the Master to handle you."

"Wait," I called to him.

Angel sighed. "No matter what you try, I'm not going to let you two out of this. I might not be able to get rid of you, fish woman, but I will not let any harm come to that i***t I'm in charge of."

"What's going on here?" Max's voice echoed from behind the doctor. "Is Coral okay, did something happen to her?" an edge entered his voice.

"Calm down, Master, I'm sure if that was the case Dr. Hayes would handle it."

Angel sighed again. "As far as I'm aware her status is fine, however, there is something strange. Her usual hour has been extended, and I couldn't possibly reason out why this would be the case."

"What? Ethan can't come up with an answer?" Quix clicked his tongue. "I suppose there is a first time for everything."

"Oli," Max warned with a disproving look. "This isn't the time for you two to needle each other."

"Apologies, Master," Quix bowed his head and put a hand over his chest. He glanced past his beloved Max and glared at me. "However, I am quite certain that Dr. Hayes will agree with me about your plans. It is simply too dangerous of an adventure for no clear purpose."

Eros smirked. "Why don't we just vote on it? I'll be voting with Coral, her little journey sounds like fun. Besides, what can it hurt? There is so much lore about those islands, I'm eager to find out what is true and what is fake, besides, I'm sure we can find plenty of new artifacts for your chambers, Maxxie."

Quix growled deep in his throat before coughing and settling on a deep glare. "How dare you call the Master such a name!"

"I don't mind it," Max interrupted. His eyes were locked on me. "Are you feeling okay, Coral? I was so worried about you."

"I'm fine," I promised with a thin smile. My words impacted this man far too much. Why hadn't he been one my past loves? Would I run into anymore?

"Ethan, Oliver, listen. I understand you two might be against this little trip, but all I want in life is to make my precious Coral smile and shine as she deserves. If this trip will bring that, then we're doing it. I've already gathered the supplies and hired a ship. The captain will meet us at the docks. You two can choose to come with us, or wait here until my return. No matter your reasoning, my mind will not be changed."

Quix grit his teeth and glared at me. If looks could kill I'd have died several times over by this point. "Very well, Master. I will follow you and will say no more. No matter what happens, I will be at your side."

Angel rolled his eyes. "And why should I lash myself to this group of fodder and a fish woman? There's no need for me to be dragged along. I'll stay and take care of the mansion."

No! What if things didn't work if Angel didn't go with us? Would he get his memories back too, or would he be too far away to retrieve them?

"Wait!" I cried. "Dr. Hayes, please come with us!" I clasped my hands beneath my chin. The show wasn't for him, I already knew this display was doomed to fail.

But he wasn't the one I was trying to convince.

Max smiled warmly at me and faced the scowling doctor. "I know this isn't what you want to do, Ethan, but we're going to need you. I do not trust anyone else to take care of my health like you can, and when it comes to Coral, you are the only one worthy to take care of her."

"She's a fish woman, you don't need a doctor, you need a vet," Angel corrected. "You're asking too much, Master."

"I'm not asking you to do this for free, Ethan. No matter your price, I will pay it. This is important to me, and since Coral is so determined for you to join us, I beg you to go with us and keep us safe."

Angel's scowl made me flinch. If he got a chance at it, I was going to suffer for my place in this little play. "Master, if you insist on this, I will accompany you. No extra deals need be made. This is a stupid idea and will likely get us killed, but without me you'll all die for sure."

Max grinned. "Thanks, Ethan!" he grabbed Angel's hand and pumped his hand up and down. "I'll never forget this, and I will reward you with as much as you ever want."

Angel waved him off, his eyes stayed locked on me. The warm gold in them promised that this little encounter was far from over.

"Now that we have all of that taken care of, let's get ready and get this party started," Eros suggested with a grin my way. "I actually have some pre-made sea snacks for us to take with us. I always wanted to go out and find more mermaids like Coral and her gem."

"This is such a mistake," Quix complained softly. Max had already moved off to the side with Eros and prepared for our journey. Quix walked over to my side and glared down at me. "I promise, you're not going to make it back from this little trip alive, Coral. You might have fooled Max, but you'll never pull that off with me. The minute I get you alone, your life is over. I'll never let you drag Max into your trap you siren. It's over, you should have retreated when you had the chance."