World of Aluvia 2 by Amy Bearce Page A

lifted her chin. “I’m ready for anything.”
    “Let’s find Mina, first,” he said. “If anyone can talk their way out of trouble, it’s that girl.”
    Phoebe laughed. He took her hand and led her into the dark waters.
    With Tristan pulling her, they sped through the water faster than the quickest shark of the sea. The deeper they went, the more he glowed. If Phoebe was still breathing air, he would have taken her breath away. As even the moonlight faded around them, his skin let off an even brighter silver radiance that shimmered, illuminating the fish and sea plants as they passed.
    “During the day, this area is full of sea creatures you’d recognize, but at night, completely different fish and animals swim from the depths to enjoy the feeding,” he explained.
    Rainbow lights glittered on a rising squid and reflected against the coral.
    “Those are night hunters,” he commented. “They eat fish and crabs. We’re not their prey, don’t worry. You’re fortunate to be here at night, to see the display. We often douse our own light when traveling, but this area is safe for us and quite beautiful. You will be able to see better if I show the way.”
    Phoebe’s body relaxed as she let him pull her along. She was safe now. She was with Tristan.
    They didn’t have to look long for Mina. She found them before they swam far. Merfolk slept only briefly, so they were often looking for ways to pass the time. Mina in particular was frequently out looking for fun and adventure.
    “Tristan!” a sharp voice called, lined with both shock and mischievous pleasure. “What are you doing with Phoebe? You finally decided to take my advice?”
    Mina spun into sight from behind a wide column of coral, her eyes flashing like a cat’s as they reflected Tristan’s light and her own. Her smile was wide and demanded a smile in return, as always, and she winked at them.
    “It’s serious, Mina. She has a great deal to report to the elders.”
    “Why can’t you tell whatever it is to the elders yourself?” Mina smirked at him. “You know you’re just glad to have a reason to finally show off our home to her.”
    Tristan looked flustered, which made Phoebe hide a smile. He had wanted to bring her to his home? Warmth filled her, bubbling like fizzy apple cider.
    “You know why I haven’t,” he muttered, neck and back stiff.
    “Oh relax, Tristan! You’re going to get everyone’s tail in a twist, and I, frankly, cannot wait to see it!”
    “Phoebe’s message is serious business,” he chided.
    Mina whistled, a strange warbling under the water. “So you’re going to take a human to
all
the elders? In our home? Ha! The chance to see you finally stand up to those old barracudas makes all the tragedy almost worthwhile.”
    He rolled his eyes. “We’ll see what happens. But I cannot allow things to go on as they have.”
    Mina kissed his cheek. “It’s about time.”



ill you really show me your village?” she whispered to Tristan as Mina swam alongside them. It was one place in the sea he had never shared before.
    He nodded and gulped at the same time. She almost regretted asking.
    “I don’t want to cause any problems for you,” Phoebe said as they glided through the water.
    Mina laughed and teased, “Too late for that, little
songbird
.” She emphasized the nickname.
    “Mina!” Tristan groaned, but Mina was unrepentant.
    Phoebe looked back and forth between them, pinned as she was between their bodies. The ocean floor flashed past at a dizzying speed. “Tristan?”
    He growled in frustration but glanced at her before looking away. “What my sister means is whether or not our family approves of our friendship, it’s a choice we’ve already made, and we wouldn’t make a different one.”
    “That bad, huh?” Phoebe said, unhappiness lodging in her belly.
    Mina answered when Tristan did not. “Let’s just say that when Tristan helped rescue you, our mother and father were unhappy that he didn’t ask