Page 114

Coral pauses.

I move closer to her.

She leans forward and yanks it up, exposing stairs leading to what has to be a tunnel. What is it with the merpeople and their stairs? Seriously, what’s the point?

“You first.” Bash holds up the sword.

She hesitates. “Your uncle would be so disappointed in you using his beloved weapon against me.”

“Good. Go!”

She shudders, then heads down the stairs.

“This better actually lead to my dad,” I mutter.

Bash looks at me. “If it doesn't, I’ll kill her myself—with her husband’s sword.”

He heads down the stairs, then I follow, gripping my trident. It lights up, providing the only light in the vast darkness. The tunnel is short, which is a relief. It probably does lead to the shed.

But it could still be a trap. I still don’t trust that woman further than I could throw a truck.

We come to a wooden door above us. Coral fidgets with the latch.

“Don’t try anything stupid.” I nudge the trident against her back.

“I won’t. This thing always sticks.”

I have a hard time believing her, but we have the advantage—at least until that door opens. Anything could be inside the shed. It has no windows or doors, so we have no forewarning. There could be sea monsters waiting to kill us.

Or it could actually be my dad in a prison.

“Would you hurry?” Bash snaps.

“You want to try it?”

He snorts. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Is your plan for the door to swing open and have someone jump out and murder us?”

Bash obviously has the same doubts I do.

The latch comes loose.

“Nobody’s going to kill you, nephew. Sorry to disappoint.” She lets go of the door and it glides open.

My pulse drums in my ears. “Dad!”

“Marra?”

It’s him!

I race past Bash and Coral, practically flying up to the shed. Anything could be up there, but I don’t care because now I know where my dad is. Together we can face anything. He’ll know how to use my trident. Whatever Coral and Shane cooked up doesn’t stand a chance against us.

My weapon glows even brighter to reveal my dad chained to a wall. Thick metal is wrapped around every inch of his body, only leaving his head exposed.

“How did you find me?”

“It’s a long story.” I race over and hug him. Well, the chains. “How do I get you out of here?”

“I take it you don’t have the key?”