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Chapter 25

The next few weeks go by in an uneventful bliss other than the kisses Bash and I keep stealing. Earwyn even leaves me alone—yes, I called her Earwyn—aside from throwing me scowls and glares. I wouldn’t expect anything less. All my wounds heal and I regain my strength. I glide through my classes, easily learning and catching up on what I’ve missed over the years. I don’t know why my parents never bothered to teach me what I’d need to know since we could’ve returned despite the banishment, but my mom’s spell on me has more than made up for their oversight.

I’ve spent every free moment either practicing with my trident or singing with the band. Much to my relief, Neva doesn’t hate me for singing with them. I also haven’t tried replacing her. She’s even taken me under her wing—I mean, fins—and taught me how to read music.

Aside from wanting to call Ivy and tell her all about my new life in Valora, I don’t even miss the surface all that much. I wish I could bring my friends down for a visit or a lifetime, but obviously I can’t have both worlds. And it’s crazy that everything has changed so quickly.

Halen puts her mace back in the cabinet. “You ready for the weekend?”

“You know it.” I return my trident to its spot. I wish I could say that I’ve mastered it, but I honestly haven’t made that much progress. There’s a reason everyone says it’s such a difficult weapon. Either that, or there’s something wrong with me. Maybe I’m too distracted by my new boyfriend or the band. I love singing with them, and so far, no hidden cameras have popped out. I think I legitimately have a decent voice.

Despite all the good things, I still have to get to the bottom of the plot against my dad. Bash wasn’t able to hack into his aunt and uncle’s accounts. But at least my dad has easily a hundred guards around him at all times. I haven’t let it bother me too much. It’s not like he’s exposed and vulnerable. Plus, I could never forget the power he yields when his eyes turn yellow.

At least I know Bash isn’t involved. That’s a relief, especially since I’m falling in love with him. I’d spent every waking moment with him if I could.

“Are you bummed that your weapon is still giving you trouble?” Halen’s voice brings me back to the present.

We wave to Mr. Brant—the jerk who keeps pairing me with upper-years—as we leave. If it weren’t for Halen and me looking up information on how to use it, I’d be sunk. The “teacher” hasn’t helped me learn one thing other than to avoid getting the tar beat out of me by older, more advanced students.

I’ve had no time to look into Queen Sirena, who some have whispered I’m the reincarnation of. I don’t believe in any of that, but my hair is still long and pink, and the new roots are just as pink as the rest of it. I’m dying to know the link we share.

“Ocean to Marra!” Halen waves her hand in front of my face.

“Sorry. What did you ask?”

“Are you upset about not mastering the trident?”

“Oh, that. No, because the books say it can take years.”

Her eyes light up. “I have an idea!”

“What?”

“You should have your father train you! I’ll bet Mr. Brant hasn’t done anything for you because he doesn’t know. The trident has been in the cabinet longer than he’s been on faculty. People have been wondering who it would choose for decades! Your father is the only living person I know of who uses one.”

“He’s too busy.”

“Are you sure?”

“He’s the king, Halen.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t say? But he’s also your father! Does he even know the trident picked you?”

I think back. “No, I haven’t seen him since then.”

“You should get a weekend pass and go to the castle! Tell him. It’d be the perfect father-daughter bonding experience.”

“Or I could just spend the weekend with Bash. That sounds like a lot more fun.”

“Yes, but he can’t help you with the trident.”

“Do I really need to master it this weekend?”

“The sooner, the better. You can finally face off with Earwyn again.”

“I don’t want to set off the beast again. She’s left me alone since she kicked my butt.”

“Yeah, but—”