Page 66 of The Kraken's Queen

“Why?” I croak. It’s the one thing I can’t figure out. Why Allarick forced me away.

Atina sighs. “Because men are idiots?” she supplies, and I know it’s meant to lighten the mood, but it falls flat. “I suppose he did it because he loves you. He wanted to keep you safe, and he knew you could protect his people if he failed.”

Part of me understands it. My music can counteractthe Leviathan, and if our people need another layer of defense, they are going to need me here. But Allarick needs me too. War rages inside me, not knowing how to feel other than devastated.

“I’m sorry for what my brother did. He should have communicated with you better. Whatever you decide to do next, know you have my support,” Atina says.

“And mine as well, my queen,” Iris says. Having the support of both of these women means everything to me. I just wish I knew what my next moves should be.

“Before we make any decisions, let’s get Erin to my cabin. I’ll fix supper, and she can sleep in,” Atina looks around the small space and scowls, “something that doesn’t resemble a broom closet.”

Atina stands up, dusting off her black pants. Iris tucks a strand of blue hair behind her ear and offers her hand to help me up. I nearly decline, but instead I lean into her touch and allow her to guide me. When I’m finally standing, Iris leads me out.

“I just want you to know, when Delmare brought you here, I made him go back down and get your harp for you. I thought you’d appreciate something that reminds you of…” Iris trails off, suddenly realizing her mistake.

Fresh tears form in my eyes, but I blink them away. Apparently, I still have more to shed. My maid is sweet, but that damn harp is the last thing I want to see right now. It’s a symbol of Allarick and what I lost. So even though the gesture is sweet, it’s not something I want or need right now.

Iris picks up on that and rubs my back soothingly. “I’ll keep it with me until you’re ready for it. Let’s just get you something to eat.”

Conversations stall as she leads me out of the small room and off the boat. We follow Atina in silence, and I count down the minutes to when I can close my eyes and leave this pain behind me for a few hours.

Chapter 38

Allarick

Ican still hear her screams echo through these empty halls. See and feel the hurt and betrayal in her expression as I pushed her into Delmare’s arms so he could carry her out of the castle, away to safety. My girl fought to stay, which only solidified my decision to send her away. No matter how much it hurt me to do so.

Erin is strong. She’s a fighter, and our people need that. They also need her to keep them safe from the Leviathan’s song. If this goes south, I need to know Tetria is in good hands. Even if that means breaking the heart of the woman I love most in this world.

I plan to make it up to her. I plan to survive. But if I don’t…

“King Allarick,” Nori’s voice booms behind me, grounding me back in the present.

When everyone left for safety, Nori stayed behind. He’s our best bet on tracking down the Leviathan’s prison and eliminating the threat once and for all.

“Are we set to leave?” I ask, anxious to start ourjourney while the waters are quiet. It’s only a matter of time before the Leviathan’s song starts up again, putting us at a disadvantage. Like sirens, they can’t sing for prolonged periods of time, so once they rest, their deadly song will reach us again. We’ll have the noise cancelers Nori brought, but who can tell if they will be effective the closer we get?

“We are. It will be a few days’ journey, give or take,” he says and then hesitates. “Allarick, sealing the prison isn’t going to be an easy task.”

“I figured.”

“There is a good chance you won’t survive. You’re alone without family to help you.”

My jaw clenches. “I’m aware.” It was the whole reason I sent Erin away. Only those born into the Eldridge line can close the gate. Which is why it was important to send her with our people.

“But what other choice do we have, Nori?” I ask when the man looks like he wants to argue. “We knew it would come to this. The gate needs my bloodline in order to be sealed shut. I’m the only person who can do that.”

It’s not entirely true. There’s one other person who could assist, but my sister has not set fin in the ocean for decades. I’m uncertain if she could even take on her mermaid form anymore if she tried.

No, it has to be me.

And I’m ready.

“Prepare the hippocamps. Pack provisions. Each guard needs to have their noise cancelers,” I instruct.

“All of that has been done. Your steed is awaitingyou. I’m here on behalf of your sister and to make sure you understand that we could all be walking toward our death,” Nori says.

“And doing nothing is also a death sentence. Not for us but for the entirety of Mescos. If the Leviathan are free, the Nephilim will have free passage of the seas. We have to try.” My only regret is that innocent men accompanying me might meet their end. I don't say that though because they know. It’s written across their faces.

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