James watched the small human from the town square walk to a farm house with her parents. Once she was indoors and the lights had burned out he sprung into action. The barn near their home was full of hay, and though he had never encountered fire before, he understood how it worked. Carrying a torch over to the dry wooden building he tossed it in, watching it go up in flames. In moments the family was out of their beds and running outside.

When the palace guards showed up in time to help put out the fire he slithered forward and grabbed the little girl from the back of the crowd. Her parents were distracted and assumed she was out of range of any danger. She kicked and screamed against his hand but Brynn couldn't break free. James carried her toward the castle he knew would now have almost no one but Ariel and the Prince.

Grim woke Eric up, doing his best not to disturb Ariel. In hurried whispers he informed him what had transpired. Yanking on his clothing the Prince kissed her lightly. Ariel opened her eyes to hear him say,

"I've got to go, I'll be back soon. Keep sleeping." Kissing her forehead again he darted out of the room before she could ask any questions.

"Grim?" She called, pulling the sheet tight around herself. He had been about to follow and looked back awkwardly. His eyes stayed focused respectfully on her face. "What's happened?"

"There's been a fire at a family's farm." He replied.

Fire, she thought about the word. The flames on the ship that night came to mind and she understood the danger. "I want to help."

The old man shook his head, "That's not necessary. Stay here." He ran off before she could protest.

Standing she yanked on one of Eric's shirts. She was pulling her hair back when the door opened again. Running out of the bathroom, she expected it to be someone informing her as to what was going on. "Eric?" She asked before stopping in her tracks. James had an eerily calm look on his face as his eyes settled on her. His jaw clenched when he took in her appearance. Her mouth dropped. "What are you doing here?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Did you really think I'd let you go that easily?"

She'd known that he would try something one day, but his hatred for humans had led her to believe he would never choose to become one.

"Get out." She snapped.

He chuckled, "I don't think so. Come on now, Ariel. It's time to go home. You've had your fun."

"I'm not going anywhere with you." She stood her ground, ready to put up a fight.

"Oh I think you will." He smiled cruelly and yanked something inside the room from the hall.

The little girl had tears down her face and a gag in her mouth. Her hands were tied but she appeared otherwise unharmed. Ariel's heart stopped.

"Brynn," She took a step toward her, but froze when James brought a knife down next to her throat.