Stellan pressed his lips together, his gaze falling on Coral Cetus. His expression was gentle, yet complex.
His cyan tail fin sliced through the water in a graceful arc. He glanced at Buck and Arion Cetus, his voice soft. "You should both stay here. This is ultimately a matter for the Mer Clan; you shouldn't get involved."
Coral Cetus's long pink hair bloomed in the current, the pearls woven into it rattling softly.
She shoved Stellan away, her voice laced with stubborn anger. "What are you talking about? Aren't we family? Why are you separating 'us' from 'them'? I'm absolutely going with you!"
Before she could finish, her voice choked, and her eyes reddened. "I'm going!"
Montague looked at the group, then placed a hand on Stellan's shoulder. "Stellan," he said softly, "you should stay behind as well."
Stellan was already Contracted, after all. He was Coral Cetus's partner first, and a warrior of the Mer Clan second.
