Things almost go back to normal.
Almost.
At night she sleeps in her cave, just like before.
When she wakes she tends to the reef first thing, just like before.
Afterwards she helps the other mermaids if they need it, just like before.
And when she meets with Jazlee, they talk about things, just like before-
But that's the thing… before…
Now she pretends there isn't a ritual knife buried in the far corner of her home.
Now she shoves half-formed dreams of a cocky grin and a deep voice to the back of her mind.
Now the other mermaids look at her with eyes full of pity or wariness.
Everything is different, and Kaia's not sure what to do about it.
A/N: My muse is being a brat again.