by J. L. Imhoff
“Welcome,” they called, in harmony.
“Follow my lead. Go forward and kneel,” Lily whispered.
I did as she directed and knelt before them. As she bowed her head, I bent mine too.
“You may rise and sit,” one of the females invited, indicating the two lesser chairs with a simple sweep of her hand.
We got up and took our seats. I kept my mouth shut, waiting for them, or Lily, to speak.
The woman who had spoken first went on to say, “We have gathered here this morning to talk to you, Anna. We have not yet met the newest addition to our community. Lilith and Lucas give us regular updates on your development, but we have failed to make time to meet with you. We apologize.”
“No apology necessary,” I stammered, unsure of what else to say.
“You are most gracious,” she replied. They all bowed their heads to me in agreement. “We have been informed of a certain mishap and have spoken in great length to Lilith as to how to proceed in the best interest of our city here, and of all the cities, in all the oceans, all over the world.”
All the cities? All over the world? What?
“We trust Lilith has explained to you how you came to be with us. And what great lengths, and risks to ourselves, we have undergone to save your life.”
“She has explained a lot.”
“Then why is it you wish to leave us?” She walked to the edge of the platform.
“I no longer wish that.” I lowered my head and closed my eyes, swallowing a surge of nausea.
“I see.” They all turned and looked at each other, silent for a few minutes. They were communicating, likely through telepathy, amongst themselves. I recognized and understood the behavior now.
“Do you understand the risk you have put us all in? We have remained hidden, in the depths of the ocean, away from human brutality for thousands of years. We have helped humans when we can. But we know all too well, if we were ever to be discovered, they would destroy our city and claim we were the threat.”
“Yes, I see that now. It was hard to understand at first. I’m truly sorry for my immature behavior. It was an emotional and impulsive decision. I didn’t understand the gravity of it. I acted selfishly, I admit, and take full responsibility for my actions. I’ve made many mistakes and I am truly, truly sorry. I promise to not do it again, if you would consider giving me another chance,” I pleaded, nervously rambling toward the end.
They communicated amongst themselves again for a few moments. The dampness of a nervous sweat made me want to squirm, but I held perfectly still.
“We have decided. Since this is your first offense and you have only been here a short time—instead of punishing you, we shall order your sensory dampener turned up to level two. Has it been explained to you there are ten levels?”
“Uh…” What will that do?
“Lucas can perform the procedure in the Healing Center,” she continued.
I nodded my head in mute agreement.
“This is so you may be more connected to us. We want you to view us as your family. It is also so we may sense the sincerity of your words and your heart. You will have one week to prepare. Lilith will help. Do you agree?”
I glanced over at Lily, and she gave me a slight nod. “Yes,” I conceded, “I agree.” I just wanted out of there.
“You may go. We will be in contact with Lilith, and she will help you through the preparation process.”
“Thank you.” I got up with Lily and walked out. As soon as we were out of the pyramid, I said, “I need to go back to my quarters. It will take some time to absorb all of this. Are you allowed to leave me alone yet, or do I still need a babysitter?”
“I’ll walk you back to your quarters, but not as your guardian, as your friend,” she asserted.
We walked back to my quarters in silence. I quietly analyzed everything they’d said and needed alone time to process the ramifications.
At the door Lily said, “I have to meet with the security team about an issue. Then I’ll return and we can train. You’re still physically weak and need to stay on schedule.”
I nodded as the door slid open and ambled inside. On the other side of the door, I leaned my head against it and closed my eyes. My whole body shook, fearing the unknown.
Integration, so soon? Am I strong enough yet?
As promised, Lily returned later and took me to train. I ran laps around the track, faster than before. It was good to run out all the stress I’d bottled up inside. My body was growing stronger, so different from when I had first woken up here. I’d changed so much it frightened me.
Was I ready to fully let go of my need for revenge? It’s David’s fault my baby is dead.
I wanted to. I did. But then… I didn’t.
Secretly, I fantasized about what the look on David’s face would be if he could see me now. Stop. It won’t bring back my baby. But I couldn’t help it or shake the feeling I needed to see him face-to-face—I wanted him to know the depth of what I’d experienced. Selfishly, I knew it was wrong and I should take the high road, but I simply couldn’t let it go. Was my wanting to return to retrieve my locket simply an excuse for a darker desire?
The next few days we trained intensely. I skipped sword training the first day, afraid to see Roman. Then, when I finally worked up the nerve to resume, he was gone.
A replacement weapons trainer took Roman’s job. A deliciously handsome Mer, named Eric, I learned he was Roman’s most trusted apprentice. He was tall—at least six foot five—and lean, yet muscularly cut with long, tousled white hair. I found myself flirting shamelessly while he taught me how to throw small daggers. The smaller knives were much easier to work with and I learned, to my surprise, I was good at it. Eric remained friendly but professionally aloof—something I sensed was out of respect, or fear, of Roman.
It was two days before my integration. Alone in my quarters, I soaked in a long hot bath, easing my tired muscles. After I emerged from the tub, I examined myself in the mirror, observing all the noticeable changes over the last few weeks. The shape of my body had changed. I flexed my bicep in the mirror and muscles rippled under my skin.
The door buzzed. I tucked the towel around me and went to open it. Lily trusted me enough now to leave the doors unlocked. I hope it’s the food I ordered—I’m starving. The door automatically slid open the moment I approached.
In stepped Roman.
I squealed and ran into the bedroom. “Don’t you even wait for someone to answer the door?” Tucking the towel tighter around me, I grabbed a robe out of the closet.
Shirtless and confident, he leaned against the doorway to my bedroom. “Why would I do that? I would miss the show.” The brown leather skintight pants he wore hugged his legs, displaying their massive strength. It was all I could do not to stare at the prominent bulge where his legs met.
Think of hot dogs. I threw a pillow at him. “Don’t follow me in here. Wait out there while I get dressed.”
“Why are you so shy? No one else here is. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I’m not ashamed. I’m just not comfortable with it. The lack of modesty around here takes some getting used to.” And I don’t want you seeing me naked.
“How’d it go?” he asked, his eyes never leaving my face.
“How did what go?” I snapped, pointing for him to return to the living area while clutching the robe to the towel in front of me.
“The High Council meeting.” He ignored my demand and stayed planted right where he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.
“That was days ago, where have you been?”
“In Atlia, my home base. King Atlas needed to see me.”
King Atlas? Shivers ran up my spine. The same strange tickle at the back of my mind and strong sense of déjà vu, hinted I knew something about what he said. Or the name sounded familiar. Confused, I lowered my hand, and the irritation at Roman’s intrusion eroded. “What is Atlia?” I rubbed my forehead, trying to sort out the d
iscord of feelings. What is wrong with me now?
“Another community.”
“There are other cities similar to Poseidia? The High Council mentioned that, but I had forgotten—I’ve been so focused on getting ready for integration.”
“Yes, ten of them, each with their own king. For integration? So soon?”
“They want to integrate me to a level two. In a few days.”
His eyes, now leaving my face, wandered down my body, lingering there. “I don’t believe you’re ready.”
“Tell me about your experience. Does it hurt?” This would be Lily’s first time adjusting a sensory dampener and she remained unsure of what to expect.
“My integrations weren’t a pleasant experience… but pain… never lasts.” His eyes darted away, filled with a sudden dark sadness he quickly hid. Or so it seemed.
Pain? I didn’t think it would be painful, only different. “What about after?” I swallowed loudly.
“You’ll feel sick. Disoriented. It’s hard to explain. Try to imagine thousands of people in your head all at once and you can’t differentiate your thoughts and memories from theirs. It takes time to learn to live like that without going insane.” He took a few steps toward me.
“It doesn’t sound pleasant at all.” Slowly, I stepped backward as he predatorily advanced while I tried to clear my head. Hot dog…
“It’s only to a level two. It shouldn’t be so bad. The higher levels are a much more difficult adjustment.” He closed the space between us.
Clutching at my towel and robe, I tried to stay covered. My back hit the cold wall, shocking my bare skin and I jumped forward.
He placed both hands against the wall, trapping me between them.
I leaned back, pressing my body solidly against the cold barrier and fought the heat surging through my body. “Excuse me.”
Roman leaned in, placing his nose right below my ear. “What is it you want?”
“Nothing—nothing at all,” I trembled.
“I thought you wanted me to help you accomplish a certain mission?” Changing tone so quickly it left me speechless for a moment, he pulled away and released me from his entrapment.
Now, unsure if I was relieved, or disappointed, he let me go, I quaked, “Oh, I forgot,” feeling dizzy and lightheaded.
“You forgot. Sure,” he teased. Roman retreated to the doorway, grinning.
“I want to find my locket, if possible. You promised,” I mewed, regaining my composure. “But…”
“But what? I thought you would change your mind.”
“I didn’t. But the High Council and Lily. I shouldn’t go—I could be thrown out and I promised I wouldn’t try to escape again.”
“You’re not escaping. Let me deal with them.”
“O… kay. I also wanted to see someone. But… I know… with all the changes. I thought I could see him from afar. I don’t know, I wasn’t thinking it through.” Roman’s presence made me nervous. I tried to block the dark fantasies I’d had of running David through with a knife.
“You want to see the lousy lover? You can’t.”
“I know. And I didn’t say he was a lousy lover,” I flushed, my face heating to at least ten shades of red.
“Do you want to kill him?” he quipped, regaining his serious demeanor.
I shook my head. “I couldn’t kill anyone.” Could I?
“Then be clear on what you want. The universe has ways of giving you what you ask for… but it may not be what you truly want. Killing someone changes you forever. Now—you’re pure. If you kill him—you’ll be forever broken. Never give anyone that kind of power. Think and be clear on what you… truly desire.”
Revenge may sound sweet in your head. But actually going through with the act is a whole ‘nuther story. “I want to go and see if he’s home and then—I don’t know—go in and find my locket. Without being seen, of course.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do,” he affirmed.
“How will we get there? How do we get out? Do we swim?” I asked, afraid it was all too simple.
“We’ll use this.” He pointed to his ear. A small grey clip about the width of a wedding ring was cuffed to the upper part. “We have to be back before dawn.”
“What? We’ll use your ear? Is that some kind of magic hearing?” I gawked at the tiny clip, confused—I’d never noticed it before.
“You have much to learn. This,” he explained, pointing to the clip, “is a key to activate the portals. They connect the city to houses we have all over the world.”
Portal? Key? “What?” Houses all over the world? My heart raced in excitement. Did this mean I could leave and not have to swim? Why hasn’t Lily ever told me? I knew the answer before I finished asking myself. She knew I would have used it to leave. “Tell me more.” My mind raced with ideas. Freedom. If I could get my hands on my own key, the possibilities were endless.
“It’s easier to show you.”
“How often can I use it?” I implored, feeling an onslaught of hope.
“No one said you. But—I leave all the time. What part of the world do we need to go to?”
“Have you ever been to San Francisco?”
“I’ve heard of it. I haven’t been there, though. In order for the portal to work I’ll have to retrieve the location of the city out of your head.” Roman advanced on me, his eyes smoldering with a hint of mischief.
“What? What do you mean?”
“I haven’t been there, but you have. I can pick it out of your brain.” He walked over to me, and placed both of his hands on either side of my head. He gazed into my eyes while holding me steady. “May I?”
I nodded, still unsure of what exactly he intended.
He then leaned in, closed his eyes…
Oh no, is he going to…
And brushed his lips against mine. My heart slammed against my chest, the short stubble of his beard tickling my face, as I raised my hands to cover his, the robe only loosely hanging on my fingers. The towel around me came loose, and worked its way to the floor, piling around my feet in a crumpled heap while seconds ticked on.
Roman pulled back and gazed longingly into my eyes. “Got it, we can go now. You’ll need to put something on though. You can’t go naked,” he murmured, glancing, for the briefest second, down at my body. Releasing his hands, he took a step back.
“That’s… all it took?” I quickly picked the towel back up and covered myself. My hands shook and butterflies fluttered in my belly. Actually a bit lower than my belly.
“No. I’ve been there. I’ve been everywhere. I lied because I wanted to kiss you. Come on, get dressed.” He walked backward to the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest, and leaned back against the wall.
My mouth hung open in shock. “Jerk.”
“Time is ticking. We have to be back before dawn,” he said, snapping his fingers.
“So you’ve said. Are you sure it’s okay to leave?” Turning to the closet, I opened the door, but stared at the dresses without seeing anything, as if I was in a daze. I shook my head to clear the emotions he’d stirred. Focus. “You can’t go around shirtless,” I retorted, looking at him.
Roman simply nodded in response to my question. “You don’t appreciate the way I dress?” He indicated his bare chest.
“That’s not what I meant.” I returned the robe to the closet and picked out a simple blue dress, wishing I had jeans or sweats to wear.
“We’ll stop in at the house and change clothes.” He gestured for me to hurry.
“You have a house in San Francisco?” I slipped the dress over my head. As it fell to my knees, I dropped the towel from underneath and kicked it to the side.
“Yes, a small house.”
“You’re kidding? Where in San Fran?” Hyperaware of him watching me intently, I squirmed under his stare. “I’m still mad at you.”
“It’s right on the coast, of course. Easy access.” He chuckled, the same sly smile blooming across his face. The one made
my heart go wild. A smile that said he wanted to do things to me which may involve more than that tease of a kiss. “Let’s go, we’re wasting time.” Roman turned and walked into the front room.
Feeling an unfamiliar rush of feminine power, I fluffed my hair and then followed.
He grabbed my hand, walked over to a blank portion of the front wall, and touched the clip on his ear. A doorway appeared within the wall, filled with a swirling, black pool of velvet tar. Ripples ran through it.
“Has that been here the whole time?” My mouth hung open in surprise.
“Yes.”
“Would have been good to know,” I marveled.
“That’s why you didn’t know.” Roman tugged on my hand to lead me through, but I hesitated. “Come.”
“Am I going to get dirty walking through that stuff?”
“One can only hope.” He pulled me through before I could utter another protest.
Chapter 14
We walked out of a closet door in a long, darkened hallway. “That was so cool,” I exclaimed, looking at where we’d come through. It was a solid door now and my body didn’t have a speck of molten tar on it.
“Let’s change clothes. In the bedroom down the hall, you’ll find women’s clothes. And put makeup on your face or people will see your iridescent skin. Long pants, long-sleeved shirt, gloves… got it?”
“Yeah, yeah, okay, okay.” I hurried to the room and found jeans, a bra, and some underwear. They felt good as I slid into them. Yes. Real clothes.
I glanced around the room. This isn’t a small house—this bedroom is enormous. Why did he say it was a small house?
A mahogany dresser sat against the wall opposite the bed, matching the bed frame. In it, I found a large assortment of cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions. I applied a thick layer of foundation, some blush, and mascara.
My eyelashes were long and thick—at least I’d had one asset when I was human. Familiarity with my old way of life boosted my confidence. As I explored the bedroom, I found a scarf and gloves in the closet, and covered up any skin I hadn’t camouflaged with makeup.
The bathroom connected to this bedroom was different from the ones in Poseidia—lovely, and familiar. It had beige tile on the walls and in the shower, and a fancy, darker brown ceramic tile on the floor.