Breathless

MARILYN

“Bring her to me immediately,” a deep, authoritative voice reverberated, sending shivers cascading down my spine.

The mere sound of that voice drew me to the pool’s surface, and my curiosity piqued. I strained to catch a glimpse of the speaker, but distance kept him veiled from my sight. Since he arrived at the foundation, I had been eavesdropping on their conversations. Even though my healing ability had faded, and I no longer shed pearls, my sense of hearing had sharpened, allowing me to pick up sounds from miles away. It was a unique talent I possessed—one that I hadn’t witnessed in any other mermaid. Mermaids tended to flaunt their special abilities, eager to outshine their peers.

“What are you waiting for?” the voice demanded, snapping me out of my musings.

Turning my attention toward the expansive pool, a frown creased my brow. Since Alphonso unceremoniously cast me into this wretched pool, I’d spent my time hidden away, honing my skills. The pool he’d chosen for my confinement was secluded from the watchful eyes of the guards, affording me the freedom to practice without restraint. My dedication was unwavering. Yes, my scales had begun to flake off, but that wasn’t the entire story.

In defiance, I had once pulled a few scales from my body. The pain that followed was excruciating, as if a thousand needles had pierced my skin. I had intended to become the ugliest mermaid, forcing them to cast me aside. Yet, the pain had proven unbearable, and my attempt faltered. That day, however, an unexpected phenomenon occurred. Fueled by anger, I’d wished my scales to be entirely shed. Astonishingly, they fell away all at once, leaving me horrified. Panicked, I’d retreated to the pool’s depths, my tearful plea for their return going unanswered. In my distress, I’d inadvertently touched a few of my discarded scales submerged underwater. And then, something truly astounding took place: my scales regrew, gleaming and far stronger than before.

When my scales began to shed again last night, my initial terror eventually subsided as I recalled it wasn’t an unprecedented occurrence. Refusing to succumb to panic, I didn’t strive to restore them, aware that doing so would only summon more lustful and cruel werewolves to my side. My goal was clear—to make Alphonso believe I’m near death.”

Succeeding in that endeavor brought me a twisted sense of satisfaction. The mermaid doctor, whom I hadn’t expected to be so knowledgeable, had even corroborated my ruse, falsely declaring my impending demise. I anticipated that Alphonso would immediately cast me into the sea. Yet, he defied my expectations, thrusting me into this wretched water, asserting I must endure a miserable demise for squandering his resources on me.

However, even this foul pool failed to weaken my unwavering determination to escape this nightmarish realm. My practice continued unabated, and my ability to regenerate my scales became seamless. But I chose not to wield that power just yet.

Footsteps echoed around the pool, and my gaze shot toward the source. A procession of the Ocean Star Mermaid Center’s senior management was coming into view, advancing with hurried steps. My luck seemed to have taken another sour turn, vexed that even in my current state, someone was willing to purchase me. The gathering of senior management conveyed one thing—I was about to be bought by no ordinary werewolf.

“I’m done for,” I muttered, inwardly acknowledging the impending storm.

One thing was clear—powerful and wealthy werewolves were the horniest. They amassed mermaids like treasures, confining them to squalid water cages, showing no regard for their well-being. We only gained their attention when they hungered to satiate their insatiable desires. Werewolves, indeed, were creatures ruled by their primal urges.

“Marilyn,” one of the senior managers called, slicing through my thoughts.

My gaze rose to meet his, and I stared blankly, my mind swamped with apprehension.

“Once the Alpha arrives, make sure to bow and be on your best behavior,” he commanded.

Closing my eyes briefly, then reopening them, I feigned clumsiness and tumbled into the pool with a dramatic splash. I needed them to believe that my condition was dire, that I might not survive the next five months. Maybe it would deter the interested werewolf, and he’d opt for another mermaid instead.

Lying motionless on the water’s surface, I held my breath, feigning unconsciousness. Minutes stretched on, yet no one approached to investigate my condition. Slowly, I cracked one eye open. Not a soul in sight. Without hesitation, I snapped my eyes fully open. My fists clenched in frustration.

“I’ve been deceiving myself,” I hissed under my breath, and my fist struck the water, creating ripples that spiraled outwards. The senior management had deserted the pool, huddling around the so-called Alpha werewolf, performing their robotic bows.

“Foolish humans,” I cursed silently, my thoughts lashing at their sycophantic behavior.

Gazing at the cluster of senior management, I strained to catch a glimpse of the man who sought to possess me. Yet, his presence remained elusive. Unable to spot him, I shifted my focus elsewhere, determined to devise a strategy that would dissuade him from buying me.

“Listen, you dirty mermaid,” a voice rang out, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked up to find a young werewolf glaring down at me; his expression twisted in disgust. I must have been lost in my world because I hadn’t heard him approaching.

“You and your entire family are the dirty ones,” I thought defiantly, giving him an unpleasant glance before casually looking away.

“How dare you, wretched creature, look down on me,” he bellowed, his anger palpable.

Seething with frustration, I smacked my tail against the water’s surface, causing it to splash onto his clothes. Much of it found its way into his open mouth, and he promptly spat it in disgust.

“I’ll deal with you,” he growled, his voice laced with fury.

“Alphonso!” he yelled, and like a summoned puppet, Alphonso hurried to his side. It was oddly intriguing to witness Alphonso’s obedience. A smile tugged at my lips at the sight of him being bossed around.

“Sir,” Alphonso addressed the werewolf, bowing his head obediently. “Do you need any help?”

A burst of laughter bubbled within me, and I couldn’t help but let it out. Alphonso’s glare only fueled my amusement.

“This is the perfect opportunity,” a voice whispered in my head, urging me on.

I decided to play along, feigning a hurt expression and closing my eyes as if the situation were overwhelming.

I lifted my head toward the source of the commanding voice. There stood a figure exuding danger and power; his back turned to me. Even in that stance, he emitted an aura of extraordinary strength.

My heart fluttered, a sensation that both surprised and frightened me. I glanced down at my chest as if expecting to see its erratic beating. It was an unfamiliar sensation, one that left me curious and perplexed. Tentatively, I reached a hand to my chest, feeling the rhythmic thud beneath my fingertips.

Raising my gaze to the enigmatic figure, my initial reaction was inexplicably intense. His presence was captivating, his aura drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

Despite all these overwhelming sensations and the unfamiliar emotions he stirred within me, my resolve remained unshaken. I had made my decision—I chose freedom.

Suddenly, the man turned around, and I caught my first glimpse of his face.

At that moment, I lost my breath.