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"Is it safe?"
The sun beat down on the picnic table and the hot concrete beneath her feet. Strains of music came from inside the café. Chattering voices filled the air. A crowd of younger girls walked by, brandishing shopping bags and iced coffees. Waves lapped the cool sand underneath the boardwalk. Nixie, as always, could feel them in her mind. The wild, rhythmic presence of the sea calmed her in the midst of the crowded dock.
Cam glanced sideways, nodding. "Of course." He smiled. "I'll show you."
Five minutes later they were striding through the deserted corridors of the high school. Cam stopped at his locker. His fingers deftly placed the key in the lock and, glancing at her, he swung open the door.
The trident gleamed inside, looking out of place in its ordinary, modern setting. The blue stone at its hilt began to glow softly as Nixie stared at it. She backed away cautiously.
"Okay…" She paused. Cam closed the door and locked it again as Nixie continued, "And… you're sure Zac doesn't know it's here?"
"Beyond sure," he replied. "He wouldn't think to look here."
Nixie took in Cam's confident grin. "And you're not going to tell him?"
"Not a chance," Cam said. He looked her in the eyes. "You have my word."
At this, Nixie finally smiled. She shook her head. "Thank you so much, Cam." Cam glanced down, modestly accepting her thanks. "And this is it," she continued. "Zac's going to be back to normal and we can finally return to the pod. This could never have happened without you."
Cam grinned back at her and shrugged. "What can I say? I'm a rare find."
His hazel eyes were steady on her blue ones. Nixie beamed. After everything that had happened, all the crazy new experiences they had on land, everything was finally going back to the way it was.
At this, she felt a small spear of sadness. The things they would leave behind.
…And the people.
Wait, she thought. No. Don't think like that. We've been trying for this for so long.
"You know," Cam said, interrupting Nixie's thoughts. "Zac might not be too happy with being turned back into a normal guy. Right?"
"We're not planning on giving him a choice," Nixie replied with satisfaction. "Right?" And with that she strode away, leaving Cam staring after her.
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