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I did not know how binding my soul to Benigno’s would feel. I expected to meet him in the ether between our hearts—that our natures would touch but resist each other. Instead, my spirit joined his readily and with powerful need, winding around his passion like an anemone. A tide courses through Benigno unlike anything I have ever felt, older and deeper than a seabed, and it consumed me as a storm swallows vessels upon the waves. The elders of our harmony could not fault me my transgression, for I felt the whole of the Atlantic sing in his heart for me. His love is so sublime I thought it might turn me to foam.

How is it possible to soar in ecstasy and the next instant, be plunged into icy despair?

Benigno is betrayed by the woman who stole his kiss. That he might save himself—and me—he engaged me in a falsehood I fear shall bring about my end. He delivered my compliance to the Shark as if it were a gift, and though I trust Benigno not to harm me with intention, the harm is nonetheless done.

The burning tremors that wrack my fins have not ceased since the Shark’s return, Mother. Desperate for relief, I reach for the joyful memory of Benigno’s love in hopes it will quiet the wrath in my skin, but when it is not enough, I try to smooth the sensation away with my palms.

My scales come off in my hands.

Merciful Neptune, without the Currents’ call, I pray for guidance some other way. For if Benigno cannot free me from this cage with haste, I will be foam in earnest soon enough.