Eric clutched Ariel to him tightly when James finished transforming. The men watched each other challengingly, waiting for one to make a move. James glared at Ariel, threatening, "You know this won't stop me from trying again."
She couldn't stop the tremble that ran up her spin even with the Prince's arms around her. His grip became even firmer, and he narrowed his eyes over her head, "Touch her again and I'll kill you."
The merman smirked, "I don't think so. Something tells me you don't have it in you."
"You under estimate me," His voice was dark and growling.
The whole time they argued Ariel thought about the look on Brynn's face when the knife was at her throat. She remembered the way it felt to watch the frightened tears roll down the young girl's throat. Perhaps she was numb from everything she had just been through, but she knew in her heart that James would never give up. Ariel would never live with him in the background.
"Ariel, enough, come along." James snapped.
Slowly she pulled herself out of Eric's arms and stood, walking into the water as she did.
"What are you doing?" He demanded.
Glancing over her shoulder she shook her head, "He won't stop. It has to end."
"No!" Eric tried to grab for her but James snaked forward and gripped her to him before her got the chance. As she knew he would, the merman couldn't resist one last taunt before he ran off with her.
"I told you before, Prince, she is mine."
Her free hand slipped out and snatched the dagger he'd used to hold both her and Brynn earlier. Eric started to drive forward to stop James from taking her and froze in shock when Ariel slid the knife free and drove it into the merman's chest.
Both men looked down at the wound and back up at her in horror. Her hand held firm, and she ripped the blade out and drove it in again. The look on James's face was one of complete disbelief, and as he slid into the water, crimson spread wide around them.
"Why?" He asked simply just before he sunk down entirely.
Ariel felt no regret as she watched the life fade from his eyes. Instead she raised an eyebrow and said simply, "I belong to no one."
James continued to keep his eyes locked on her as his head descended under the waves, never to be seen again.
When she looked up Eric's eyes were wide. Straightening her shoulders Ariel held her head high, refusing to feel insecure for defending herself.
"I didn't know you'd be able to do that," The Prince said.
Nodding her head ever so slight she answered, "I don't always need you to save me."