The mershark did not need further violence. Their words slammed into the Tidebreaker like fists. And Hadama absorbed them, closing his emerald eyes as he grew still in the water. He did not wish to see the mershark staring at him with resolution and fear in their eyes. Did not wish to see the tumsea that passed close to Kaiden, brushing a cratered fin lovingly over the shark's hide in a caress that was almost obscene in its obvious claim to the proud and wild Mer.
The tide had indeed turned. And with it, Kaiden's loyalty.
The hippocampus raised his head after eight long heartbeats that felt like an eternity. He set aside his pain, tucked gently deep within his heart as he met those frightened black eyes. He swallowed the words of pleading. Of bargaining. Of threat and grief. It was his first time facing a Friend of the Family so openly, and he steeled himself for what he must do.
Very well. It was anathema to let the Voidshell Tumsea swim freely in these waters so close to his home. But he would not risk Kaiden sacrificing themselves for the creature. Perhaps he could strike the tumsea without affecting the mershark--
But he did not trust his aim at the moment. Not yet.
And just because Kaiden was lost to him for now did not mean they would be lost forever.
I will not risk you. You have my word that it may go in peace.
The tide had indeed turned. And with it, Kaiden's loyalty.
The hippocampus raised his head after eight long heartbeats that felt like an eternity. He set aside his pain, tucked gently deep within his heart as he met those frightened black eyes. He swallowed the words of pleading. Of bargaining. Of threat and grief. It was his first time facing a Friend of the Family so openly, and he steeled himself for what he must do.
Very well. It was anathema to let the Voidshell Tumsea swim freely in these waters so close to his home. But he would not risk Kaiden sacrificing themselves for the creature. Perhaps he could strike the tumsea without affecting the mershark--
But he did not trust his aim at the moment. Not yet.
And just because Kaiden was lost to him for now did not mean they would be lost forever.
I will not risk you. You have my word that it may go in peace.
