Page 1

Chapter 1

Istare at the empty doorway where my mom just left. Forever. I’ll never see her or anyone or anything on land again. I almost can’t believe I chose Valora. But I didn’t choose the underwater kingdom, and I definitely didn’t choose my two-timing dad.

King or not, allowed as many wives as he wants or not, he still betrayed her. And I’m staying here with him.

No, I picked Bash and Halen. My destiny. The destiny that left me with pinkish-purple hair and whispers of a legendary Queen Sirena brought back to life. I don’t believe in reincarnation or any of that, but I can’t ignore the fact that she was said to have had her hair color changed by her trident. Just like me.

Halen rests her arm on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

I just shake my head. I’m anything but okay. When my parents first dragged me back here, I couldn’t wait to leave. My plan had been to sneak back to land at the first opportunity. Now here I am, having turned down a perfectly good opportunity.

“We should get back to the academy.”

Bash appears next to her. “I can’t believe they did that!”

I glance over at my dad and Mrs. Middlebrooks—who really isn’t a Mrs. at all. She’s not married, but widowed. And now engaged. To my father. The dean of mermaids at my school will soon be my stepmother.

Is there time to chase after my heartbroken mom? How can I let her go back and face this on her own?

“Excuse me.” I pull away from my best friend and my boyfriend and swim in the direction my mom went. The castle is like a maze of hallways, but having spent my early childhood here, I instinctively know the path my mom took.

I race as fast as I can toward her. Finally see her. “Mom!”

She whips around, her eyes red. “Marra! What are you doing?”

“Are you going to be okay?” I wrap my arms around her.

Mom squeezes me tightly and sniffles. “Yes. I’ll get through this, but I’m selling our house. That’s the first thing I’m doing. I can’t live anywhere I shared a life with him.” She glances toward the banquet hall where Dad is likely still sitting on the throne with Mrs. Middlebrooks.

“Are you okay with me staying? It’s not because of Dad.” I play with a lock of my long pink hair. “Everyone says I’m following the same path as Queen Sirena.”

Mom kisses my cheek and wipes her eyes. “No doubt you are.” Her voice wobbles. “Follow your path. I just wish I could be here to see it. But I know you’ll be amazing, no matter what you do.”

Tears blur my vision, but quickly blend in with the water around us. “Will I ever see you again?”

She looks away. Doesn’t answer my question.

I sob. I’m at the age of wanting independence, but I don’t want to lose my mom. “There has to be another way! Can’t you stay in Valora? You could stay in the city. I’d visit you as much as you want.”

“You’re making it hard to keep myself under control!” Mom sobs and leans against me. “I can’t be anywhere near your father. I gave my life to him, and now that’s over. At least I have a job I love up there. They begged me to stay, so I know I can go back to it. I’ll be happy, so you won’t have to worry about me.”

“Not worry? I hate this! How could he do this to you? To us?”

“Your dad has always had his sights set on being king. Being the second son has been a thorn in his side for the entirety of his life.”

“That doesn't excuse what he did!”

She shakes her head and swallows. “No, it doesn’t.”

I fold my arms, anger building in my chest. “It’s been a long time since a king has taken multiple wives. That archaic law should’ve been removed by now!”

“Maybe you can do something about that.” She kisses my cheek and clears her throat. “I need to get going. I’ll be fine, honey, and so will you. We’re both strong women.”

My lips tremble. “I’ll really never see you again?”

She takes a deep breath and looks away. “I can’t see that happening, sweetie. I’m sorry. Always remember how much I love you. You’re meant to be down here.”

“And you’re not?”