The Mermaid's Mirror

Chapter 39

Lena watched her mother sleep.

The mermaid's expression was troubled, and once, her hand rose up, as if reaching out to someone.

How horrible, thought Lena. To relive your past over and over in your dreams, and to forget it as soon as you wake up.

A figure appeared at the entrance to their cave, and Lena's heart lifted at the sight of a nimbus of green and gold hair.

Nix swam close to her. "Hello," he said, his voice deep and quiet in her mind.

Lena's face warmed as she answered, "Hello."

Then a silence hung between them. Nix gazed tranquilly at her, his bare, bronzed chest just inches from her. Lena looked everywhere but at him. She had grown accustomed to the sight of bare torsos in this world, but something about the nearness of Nix's skin made it hard to think straight.

"Do you wish to stay until your mother wakes?" he asked finally.

Lena glanced up at him, then at her mother's sleeping form. "I ... I don't know," she said. "My mother and I have not been apart since we reunited."

He smiled. "I understand your reluctance. Perhaps you would be willing to allow me to keep you company?"

Lena nodded, feeling that she would be willing to try whatever Nix suggested.

"Your face is so familiar," he said unexpectedly. "How is that possible?"

Lena shook her head. "I don't think it is possible."

Another silence descended. Then a frown crossed Lena's brow. "You're in the cave for the Riven."

"Yes?"

"Aren't you afraid her dreams will be upsetting?" She pointed to her mother.

Nix made an impatient gesture. "The old ways," he said, "are full of fear and superstition. I do not fear your mother's dreams." He watched Melusina for a moment, his gaze compassionate. "Her memories harm no one but her."

A lump came into Lena's throat and she nodded, grateful for Nix's sympathy.

His dark eyes settled on Lena's face again. She forced herself not to look away in shyness. After a long moment, she felt the same dizzy rush as the last time she and Nix had stared into each other's eyes. The water between them seemed to grow warmer.

That swoon is happening again, she thought.

Nix took her hand, drawing her closer.

Lena's breathing quickened.

"We could leave a message for your mother," said Nix. "She would know you are safe."

"Really? How do you leave messages?"

Nix lowered his gaze and looked around the cave. He let go of Lena's hand while he gathered up three smooth stones the size of his palm. He positioned them on the seafloor next to Melusina, their edges touching.

Lena watched him. "Why three?"

He hesitated. "I do not know. We have always used three stones for reassurance. I suppose one or two would appear to be accidental. But three stones placed just so"—he nodded down at the trio—"appear very deliberate." He offered his arm to Lena in a courtly, old-fashioned gesture. "Will you join me?"

Slipping her hand into the crook of his arm, Lena swam with Nix through the village, curious stares following in their wake.

***

"Dearest maiden," said her mother, when Lena returned. "I felt your absence keenly."

Lena lowered her eyes, embarrassed. It seemed that mothers were overly protective no matter where they lived. "I was just out for a w—" She faltered. Not a walk, she reminded herself. "A swim with Nix. He was showing me around."

"Indeed," said Melusina. "I hope that I may trust Nix to keep you safe." She gave him a stern look.

"Mother," whispered Lena, mortified.

Instead of backing away, Nix met Melusina's gaze directly. "I will never put your daughter in harm's way. She is a treasure."

Lena's heart fluttered. Someone—a different boy—had once called her ... what? A jewel? A feeling of déjà vu swept over her.

"Nix," she said. "Your words are sweet. Thank you. I enjoyed our time together." Even though her mother was right next to her, Lena could not help falling into the depths of his eyes. She wanted to reach for his hand again—not touching Nix was becoming unbearable.

Nix must have read her thoughts, because he moved closer to her, and took both her hands in his. "Selena," he said. "I will return to you. The time apart will be long."

Oh, she thought. So this is what it feels like ... falling in love. I wish I could tell—

The image of a girl with long black hair and pink yarn around her ankle did not even take shape fully in Lena's mind before dissolving.