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I really should’ve refused to take part in these trials. So barbaric to have to kill anything. Or anyone.

We reach the microphone, and Dad praises my efforts so far. “Clearly, Marra is a worthy modern-day Queen Sirena. I couldn’t be prouder of her. She hasn’t turned away from any challenge presented to her—and I know this third and final test will be the hardest in many ways.”

I smile and nod. I feel bad about going against his instructions on this, but he’ll understand. He’ll be alive, no chance of death.

He continues on a little longer, sharing his love of Queen Sirena’s legendary stories, and asks me if I want to share anything.

I shake my head. “Let’s just do this.”

Before the wine wears off.

We make our way to the middle of the field, and servants bring us our tridents.

You really going to try and skirt the rules?

“It’ll work,” I mutter without moving my lips.

He’s confident in his servants’ abilities.

“I’m not. Just go along with it.”

You’re the boss.

The servant who handed my dad his weapon raises three fingers. “Three … two … one!” He moves out of the way.

Dad holds up his trident and gives a slight nod, clearly wanting me to attack. I lunge for him, giving him a little of what he wants. We spar, each blocking each other’s moves. So far, he isn’t going easy on me. However, that will likely change as he wants the only end he can see more than anything.

We go back and forth, intensifying the battle but not bringing it to life-threatening levels.

Not yet.

“You trying to keep it exciting for the audience?” Dad asks.

“Sure.” I go with that. Then I pick up the pace, and swing my weapon close enough that I nearly nick his skin.

He beams. “Better!”

I want to shake him. How can he be so eager for his own death? Doesn’t he realize the guilt he’ll leave me with if this goes wrong?

Dad glances at my fists. “Nice.”

They’re glowing because I’m mad at him.

“You going to use the Ayers power against me?” Now he’s taunting me. Probably knows how much I don’t want this.

I stop mid-movement, and he crashes into me. His trident flying from his grasp.

“Didn’t see that coming.” He sounds so proud.

My stomach knots as I prepare for what’s coming next. He lifts a brow, clearly confused.

Good.

I open my mouth and take in as much water as I can. Hold onto it and burst out into song. It’s one he sang to me when I was young and thought he was my doting uncle.

He tilts his head and draws his brows together.

Thunks sound in the audience as mermen fall at my voice.