So it was brought to my attention that the last chapter was too "feminist". It's just meant to hint at the past. On another note sorry posting took so long; I went back to school and finals really kicked my buttowski. I hope all of you are doing well and enjoy the chapter!
At half till midnight, before the Blue Moon will be at its highest, Kaia and Jazlee begin their ritual.
They take turns drawing each ring of the magic circle, placing a single moonstone or seastone upon the correct rune. Jazlee sends her worried looks the entire time, but Kaia's wound had sealed long ago, and her magic is strong enough that her blood has already replenished.
When they finish, Jazlee gently wraps her talons around Kaia's arms and lifts them to the center of the circle, placing her down with more gentleness than she though her friend capable of.
The world around them is quiet, almost as if creation itself is holding its breath.
Slowly, so slowly, Kaia feels her magic flow around her and when Jazlee starts singing, she knows the Siren feels it too.
She waits until the song reaches its crest before driving the knife into her tail.
Kaia expects the pain, but there is none, so she waits.
She waits for the warmth from her spilt lifeblood…
Waits for the burst of magic that will consume and transform her…
Waits for the air to brush against her human legs…
But there is nothing.
When she finally opens her eyes, she is met with darkness.
Kaia calls for her friend, but the darkness swallows her voice and panic grips her heart.
She is alone.
No. She thinks. No! Jazlee!
They shouldn't have done this. They should've let humans be humans while they stayed siren and mermaid. They are meant to keep this world alive, never to walk along side these creatures. Yet she tried to defy the laws of creation, to satiate the curiosity burning within her, thinking there'd be no consequences.
Thinking there'd be no price to pay.
I'm sorry! She screams into the darkness, but it's as if she hadn't spoken at all. I'm sorry! I'msorryI'msorryI'msorryI'msorry-!
And then there are two voices, both asking the same question.
"Do you forgive him?"
She doesn't know a "him". Doesn't know why this question is important. But she does know she was asked this before. Knows her answer will lead her back to the sea.
Kaia opens her mouth and prays the darkness doesn't steal her voice.
She opens her eyes to find the first rays of sunlight bleeding into the sky. And relief courses through her.
"Oh my seas…" Kaia sits up at her friend's voice, but Jazlee is looking into the water, unadulterated wonder radiating from her.
Kaia looks down.
She blinks in surprise.