To Kill a God by C.S. Wilde

Chapter 32

5 Years Later…

Mera watchedher uncle through the screen in Beta Three’s chest. Once blue, the display now supported every color, building a crisp image of the palace, and the king.

Behind him, waterbreakers rushed around as they prepared the main hall for the festivities.

Every year, Atlantea celebrated the coming of the new tide, when warmer currents from the gulf graced the city for a whole cycle. Something akin to Evanora’s solstice festivities, and just like the witch’s celebration, it tended to last weeks on end.

From the other side, Uncle Barrimond shook a metallic finger at her. “You’re working too much, Councilor.”

“I’m fine.” She smiled. “The crown never rests.”

“Yes, but—”

“I’m your representative in Tagrad, am I not? That means you trust me, so believe me when I say I can fulfill my duties perfectly well. If that wasn’t the case, you would be the first to know.”

“Stubborn child,” he grumbled. “I simply don’t want you to exert yourself. Harold and I will take the express train to Aquatia to ensure you’re getting proper rest, understand?”

“Oh, don’t tell that to Captain Flint or Mr. Snipes.”

“What is it they say? ‘There is no flair or elegance in taking a train’.” He shrugged. “Still, it is faster than the Marauder 2.0.”

“The Professor loves Flint’s moonshine, though.”

“I know.” A weary sigh escaped him. “It’s a lost battle more often than not.”

“How is he, by the way?”

When Azinor died, Professor Currenter began aging normally, as he should have centuries ago. Thankfully, his body didn’t catch up at once, which meant he still had decades ahead of him, yet eventually, he would be gone, like every other living being in the world.

“Harold is busy, but fine. He can’t wait to see you, Bast, and Leon for the festivities next week.” He clapped his metallic palms, the clang coming clearly through Beta Three’s speakers—wherever they were placed.

After the war, Mera returned to Atlantea to discover that Ariella had saved her own brother, which was yet another act so unlike her. Uncle Barrimond never shared what he discussed with his sister at that time. All he told Mera was that in the end, Ariella understood, though he didn’t bother to explain any further.

Not long after they reunited with the king, Beta Three found a solution to Uncle Barrimond’s missing arms. He snatched the limbs from an inactive automaton left from the war, and with the help of Stella, they performed the first robotic implant in Tagradian history. The king even came to prefer his metallic limbs, saying they gave him a fierce aura, which to his own credit, wasn’t entirely wrong. His arms looked pretty badass.

“Well, we’ll certainly be attending, but we might not be able to stay for the full week.” Mera clicked her tongue. “Things have been busy in Aquatia, and with the due date coming up…”

“Of course! That’s not an issue, my dear. We don’t want you straining yourself.”

“All right, then. I’ll keep you updated.” With a wave she hung up, and the plates on Beta Three’s chest closed.

Once the war ended, Mera was happy to return the title of ruler of Atlantea to her uncle, but that didn’t mean her duties as princess vanished. The king insisted she become councilor of Aquatia, the new siren’s borough in Tagrad. Mera had snuck out of ruling duty, but she couldn’t escape it twice. Besides, she couldn’t oppose, not when her uncle needed her.

“Consider it your training,”he’d suggested. “For the future.”

Thanks to her training, she hadn’t worn a badge in over two years. She missed detective work every now and then—being a politician could be frustrating at times, especially when she had to argue with Mia Hammond, that thick-headed witch—but Mera had a duty to her people, and she wouldn’t let them down, nor her uncle.

Besides, acting as a link between land and sea had its perks. During the rebuild, she guided the waterbreaker integration process in Tagrad. It was on-going work, but it had been a smooth transition so far. Just the other week, she’d sent a couple of new siren recruits to work with Julian back in Clifftown.

“Detective Tiderider won’t be happy about her new mission,” Beta Three said in his metallic monotone as they followed a dirt path to the Night Palace.

His movements now flowed easily and remarkably human-like. His new engines barely made a sound, the metallic plates on his body showing no gaps. Sometimes, Mera forgot she was even talking to a machine.

“Belinda will be fine,” she replied. “Her duty is to Tagrad and Aquatia, and I decide what’s best for both, don’t I?”

“You do, but if I recall correctly, she and the Night King are not on good terms.”

“Were they ever?” Mera shrugged. “They’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

“I trust your judgement, as always.” His eyes wandered to her swollen belly, which was covered by a flowy emerald dress. “My sensors detect your blood pressure is slightly elevated.”

“Yeah, that’s what walking does to a ‘carbon-based life form’.” Patting his metallic shoulder, she offered him an assuring smile. “I’m fine. Stella said the baby isn’t due for a few more weeks.” Her hand drifted down, rubbing her round stomach. “Then again, we know how impatient nightlings can be.”

“Certain waterbreakers, too.”

“Wiseass.”

“You’re seriously still working?” Belinda’s voice came from behind, just as they reached the arched entrance to the palace’s vast gardens.

Her friend’s long, blond hair was tied in a low braid, and she wore the Aquatian detective’s uniform—navy jeans, white shirt, and a dark-blue leather jacket.

Rolling her eyes, Mera let out an annoyed gruff. “What is it with everyone today? I’m fine!”

“And also as round as a puffer-fish.” Belinda pointed at her. “I doubt Bast is okay with you working so close to your due date.”

“He is… as long as Beta Three accompanies me at all times.”

The automaton bowed his head.

“That’s because he knows how stubborn you are.” Waving carelessly, Belinda nodded toward the palace. “Anyway. Let’s get this over with, shall we?”

They ventured through the gardens, passing by faeries who bowed at them politely. They soon reached one of the many arched entrances that led to the inside of the castle.

Halting, Belinda stared up at the white construction that wrapped around the mountain like a chalky waterdragon protecting its nest. Her throat bobbed. “Why on the seven seas do you want me to work a case here in Lunor Insul? It’s not even my jurisdiction.”

“You’re my most trusted officer. Also, it seems the case might tie to one of our people, but I’m sure Corvus will tell us more once we see him.” Her attention shifted to the top of the castle, and she pointed to the throne room on the last floor. “The Night King wasn’t very forthcoming with information, I’m afraid.”

“Is he ever?” Belinda grumbled.

They went inside, their steps clanking against the vast marbled halls. When they reached a set of stairs, Beta Three lifted Mera into his arms without asking for permission.

“Hey!”

“Your husband was very clear, Councilor. No exertions.” With that, he began climbing the stairs.

Huffing, Mera crossed her arms at the indignity of it, but her belly was heavy and her feet swollen, so she didn’t oppose.

“Bel, Corvus asked for you specifically, by the way.” A knowing grin tugged at her lips.

“I don’t see why,” she countered casually as they went up, but a blush still rose to her cheeks.

Her friend was the smartest, most loyal detective she knew, but when it came to Corvus, Belinda was clueless.

They soon reached the throne room, where the Night King ran around with a two-year-old latched onto his back. The child—a boy with silver-white hair, chubby cheeks, and green eyes—giggled while Corvus trotted like a horse.

“Leon Maurea Dhay!” Mera called out in the most severe tone she could muster, which wasn’t much considering she couldn’t hide her amused smile. “I thought I told you to behave.”

“Don’t blame Leon, Councilor. This is all on me.” Corvus winked back at her boy. “Besides, a king does what a king wants, and if said king wishes to be a pony, then he shall be a pony.”

Leon giggled from Corvus’ back. “Unclie pony!”

“You have a good life, King Dhay,” Belinda remarked nonchalantly, while Beta Three set Mera down on her own feet. “From what I’ve seen, you let your councilor do most of the work.”

With a sigh, Mera scratched her forehead. “You’re provoking him.”

“Of course I am.” Belinda frowned at her, as if she couldn’t understand why that might be wrong.

“I’ll have you know that my councilor is quite happy with his assignments, Belinda.” Corvus’ yellow eyes shone with a certain wildness. “Unloading some of my responsibilities onto the Night Prince gives me time to deal with other matters.”

Mera could only wonder what said matters might be, but by the blush in Belinda’s cheeks, her friend knew exactly what he was talking about.

Kneeling on the ground, Corvus let Leon climb off his back. He ruffled the boy’s long, white hair, then motioned to Mera. “Off you go to your amma, nightling. Uncle has business to attend.”

Leon hugged Corvus’ legs before rushing to Mera with his chubby little arms wide open, his steps heavy and unsteady.

“Mommy! Unclie and me did magic today!”

“Did you?” Arching an eyebrow, she pressed her lips into a line. “Only the good kind, I hope?”

Corvus’ palm raised in a silent promise. “Rainbows and night puppies, I assure you.”

The moment Leon reached her, Mera pulled him up into her arms, kissing his forehead. “My cheeky sea monkey.”

Belinda tapped his little shoulder. “Hey, Auntie Bel deserves some love too, no?”

Giggling, Leon threw himself into Belinda’s chest. He wrapped his arms around his auntie’s neck, but accidentally kicked Mera’s stomach in the process.

“Be careful with your sister, baby,” Belinda warned as she held him.

Leon blinked, his big eyes glistening. It was uncanny how much he resembled his father. If Leon hadn’t inherited Mera’s green eyes, she doubted anyone would guess he’d come out of her.

“Sorry, Mommy! I didn’t mean to.” He bent down, almost throwing himself off Belinda’s arms to kiss Mera’s belly. “Sorry, Ruth!”

Pushing himself away from his auntie’s embrace, he reached for his mother. Mera took him, quickly kiss-attacking her boy.

His giggles filled the room, when the popping sound of winnowing suddenly came from behind them. Leon’s eyes immediately widened, and the largest smile bloomed on his lips. Practically throwing himself over her shoulder, he shouted, “Pappa!”

A despondent sigh escaped Mera. Leon worshipped his father. In fact, whenever he was around, their boy barely paid her any attention.

The charms of Sebastian Dhay, she supposed.

“There’s my nightling!” Taking him in his arms, Bast spun him around twice before blowing on his belly. Leon laughed loudly.

Still holding him, Bast leaned closer and stamped a soft kiss on Mera’s lips. “Did she behave, Beta Three?” he asked without turning to the automaton, who watched them from the left.

“Other than a slight spike in blood pressure, her levels are perfect, Councilor Dhay.”

“Good.” He turned to Corvus. “I struck a deal with Harry today. He wants to import Ben’s wine, and since Lunor Insul distributes it to Tagrad, we agreed on a nice little margin.”

“Splendid! That’s why you’re my councilor, broer. Without you, I would never be able to go on my little adventure with Detective Tiderider.”

“You mean a case,” Mera chided. “You need Belinda to help you solve a case. By the way, you still need to explain what’s going on.”

“Surely.” He clicked his tongue. “See, someone stole the Crown of Land and Sea from its vault in the Library of Night.”

Mera’s blood chilled, and she exchanged one worried glance with Bast. “That’s not good.”

“You think a siren did it?” Belinda asked, stepping closer.

“Quite right. I believe we’re dealing with one of Poseidon’s remaining loons.” Straightening his spine, he cleared his throat. “I trust you and your work, Belinda. You know your people like the back of your hand, and since Councilor Maurea Dhay has retired from the force, you’re my best chance at catching the culprit.”

Staring at him, Belinda seemed surprised at the sudden compliment. “Thanks, I guess.”

“It looks like you two have a lot of work ahead.” Bast held Leon against the left side of his body and wrapped his free arm around Mera’s waist. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ve had a long day. Good luck.”

With that, he winnowed them out of the castle and back to their home in Aquatia. They landed in their large balcony, which offered a magnificent view of the ocean. Far ahead, Mera could spot Lunor Insul.

“I wish you wouldn’t have done that.” A slight pout puckered her lips. “I wanted to know more about the case.”

“No, you wanted to see what would happen between Belinda and my brother.”

“Stupid soulmate bond,” she grumbled under her breath.

“You have to let them find their own path. In any case, you and Ruth had a long day. It’s time to rest. Also, I’m sure Belinda will fill you in later.” Bast lifted their boy and smelled under his armpits. Quickly turning his face, he stuck out his tongue. “You stink, nightling.”

A loud, carefree laugh burst from their son. “Stinky kitty!”

“Time for a shower, then.” He pecked Mera’s cheek, the tip of his tongue lingering for a second longer, hinting at what might be waiting for them once Leon went to sleep. With a wink, he smiled. “See you inside, kitten.”

“Wait, Pappa!” Leaning over, Leon followed his father’s example, giving her a peck on her cheek. “See you later, Mommy!”

With that, they went inside. Her precious boys.

Inhaling the salty tang of the ocean, Mera watched the sun lower on the horizon, drenching the sea in a warm glow.

Once she finally defeated Azinor, her whispers vanished, and so did the hidden runes in her skin. Maybe the magic rush that had killed Mother used all of Mera’s newfound power; maybe the whispers had fulfilled their purpose. The fact remained, she wasn’t a soulbreaker anymore, and it was blissfully, wonderfully quiet now.

Caressing her belly, she appreciated the silence broken only by the rolling waves in the distance, and the soft breeze that caressed her russet locks.

Ariella’s voice echoed in her memory.

“Be happy, child.”

With a smile, Mera went inside to fix supper.

* * *

THE END