Ella's Library

WHERE THE DEAD WAIT

CHAPTER FOUR

WRITTEN BY KPEXOASI

The next day was a Monday, and it did not arrive quietly. The sun had already risen with an intensity that demanded attention, flooding the sky with a brightness that felt almost deliberate. It was as though the day itself was aware that something significant was about to begin. I woke up with a strange mixture of anticipation and unease, the kind that sits deep in your chest without explanation.

This was my first official day as a teacher, and although I had prepared myself mentally, nothing could fully steady the restless energy within me. I dressed with careful precision, choosing every detail to reflect confidence and professionalism, knowing first impressions have a way of lingering longer than intentions. I wanted to be remembered, not just seen. I wanted to belong, not just arrive.

As I stepped out, I reminded myself that this was the beginning of something meaningful, something that could define my future. Yet beneath that determination was a subtle fear I could not ignore. A fear that perhaps this place held more than just a new job. A fear that something unseen was already waiting.

Trinity College of Studies stood quietly within the village, yet its presence carried weight. It was the only senior high school within the area and its surrounding communities, making it more than just a place of learning, it was a symbol of hope. As I arrived at the entrance, I paid the motor rider and took a moment to observe the gate before walking in.

My eyes instinctively dropped to my wristwatch, and I noticed it was a minute past 7 AM. That single minute felt heavier than it should have, as if it carried consequences I could not yet understand. A slight wave of nervousness passed through me, tightening my chest.

I questioned myself silently, wondering if I was already late, or if I was simply overthinking the weight of the moment. Just as I stepped forward, the gate man greeted me warmly, his voice filled with an enthusiasm that felt unusually intense. I responded politely, but something about the way he looked at me lingered longer than expected.

His smile was wide, almost too wide, and his eyes followed me in a way that made me slightly uncomfortable. It felt less like a welcome and more like recognition, though I was certain we had never met before.

As I walked deeper into the compound, I became increasingly aware of the attention around me. The students moved about in preparation for the day, yet many of them paused just long enough to glance in my direction. Some smiled openly, while others whispered among themselves, their curiosity barely hidden.

The female students, in particular, seemed unusually attentive, their eyes following my movement with expressions that were difficult to interpret.

I tried to maintain a steady pace, masking the nervousness that threatened to reveal itself in my posture. I eventually found an empty chair under a tree and sat down, using the moment to observe my surroundings more carefully.

The school environment was undeniably beautiful, organized in a way that reflected discipline and purpose.

The students appeared neat, their uniforms well-ironed and properly worn, giving an impression of seriousness toward their education. It was the kind of environment any teacher would be proud to work in.

Yet even in that moment of admiration, I felt a subtle disconnect, as though something beneath the surface did not align with what was visible. It was not enough to alarm me, but it was enough to stay with me.

While I sat there, lost in quiet observation, three young men approached me.

They were neatly dressed, confident in their steps, and carried themselves in a way that immediately suggested familiarity with the environment. I stood up quickly to greet them, returning their handshake with equal respect. It did not take long before we realized we were all new teachers posted to the same school.

That realization brought an immediate sense of relief, as shared beginnings often create instant bonds. We began to talk freely, discussing the school, the students, and our expectations for the journey ahead.

There was laughter, light conversation, and a sense of comfort that eased the tension I had carried since morning. Together, we observed the students as they went about their morning duties, supervising them occasionally and offering guidance where needed.

The experience was grounding, reminding me why I had chosen this path in the first place. Soon, it was time for assembly, and we were directed to meet the headmistress beforehand.

The headmistress welcomed us with a calm authority that commanded respect without effort. She introduced herself clearly, providing us with the essential information we needed to begin our duties.

Her words were measured, direct, and carried a tone of expectation that made it clear she valued discipline and commitment. She handed us textbooks relevant to our respective subjects, ensuring we were properly equipped for the task ahead.

There was nothing unusual about the interaction, yet her presence carried a weight that was difficult to ignore. It felt as though she understood more than she was saying, though there was no evidence to support such a thought.

After the brief meeting, she led us to the assembly ground, where the entire school had gathered. Standing before the students and staff, she announced our arrival with a sense of pride, emphasizing the importance of respect and cooperation.

One by one, we introduced ourselves, each of us stepping forward to claim our place within the institution. The students responded with polite applause, and within minutes, the assembly was dismissed.

We made our way to the staff room, Daniel, Sylvester, Jacob, and I, each of us settling into our new roles with a mixture of excitement and responsibility. My first class was scheduled with the final-year students, and I approached it with determination to make an impact. The lesson went well, far better than I had anticipated.

The students were responsive, engaged, and eager to participate, making the experience both rewarding and encouraging. I found myself settling into the role naturally, speaking with confidence and clarity, guiding discussions, and drawing responses that reflected genuine understanding. It was the kind of class every teacher hopes for. Yet even within that success, something caught my attention.

In the far-right corner of the classroom sat a girl who did not participate at all. She remained still throughout the lesson, her expression unreadable, her presence almost detached from everything happening around her. She neither reacted nor responded, as though the entire class existed outside her reality. It was not just quietness... it was something deeper, something that felt deliberate.

Her stillness drew my attention in a way I could not explain, pulling my focus away from the rest of the class repeatedly. As a teacher, concern came naturally, but this felt different. It felt personal, even though I had never seen her before. When the lesson ended, I found myself walking toward her without hesitation.

I stopped beside her desk and looked at her closely, searching for something, anything...that could explain what I was seeing. I asked her gently if everything was alright, if there was something bothering her, if she needed help.

My voice was calm, measured, and professional, yet inside, I felt a strange tension building. She did not respond immediately. When she finally looked up, her eyes met mine in a way that sent a subtle chill through me.

There was something in her gaze that did not belong to a student. Something that did not belong to this place. And in that moment, without fully understanding why, I realized something unsettling.

This was not just the beginning of my teaching career.

This was the beginning of something else.
Something deeper.
Something darker.
Something that had been waiting long before I arrived.

TO BE CONTINUED…

WHERE THE DEAD WAIT

CHAPTER TWO

WRITTEN BY KPEXOASI

Starting over is never as simple as it sounds.

What looks like a fresh beginning often hides a quiet loneliness that creeps in when no one is watching. And for me, this new chapter came with both excitement… and an emptiness I could not ignore.

I had left everything behind. My parents, my friends, my village. And most painfully… Ruth, the only person who made leaving feel like a mistake.

Yet I understood what this opportunity meant. It was more than a job. It was a doorway, a chance to build a future, to prove myself, to secure the life Ruth and I had dreamed of. So I told myself I would endure.

I left the village before dawn and arrived much earlier than expected. It was my first time in the town, yet something about it felt strangely familiar. The same dusty roads stretched endlessly. Women moved about with quiet purpose. Children laughed and chased one another in the open spaces.

It felt like I had not really left home.
Just… another version of it.

Since I knew no one, I checked into a small hotel, deciding to stay there for a few days while I searched for a place to rent.

After hours of wandering under the harsh sun, I finally settled into my room. The silence hit me immediately. No familiar voices. No laughter. Just the hum of the ceiling fan and the weight of my own thoughts.

I reached for my phone and called my mother.

She picked up almost instantly.

“My son! You’ve made us all worried. Your number wasn’t going through. Are you alright? Have you eaten?”

Her words came rushing like a flood, heavy with concern.

“Mama… please,” I laughed softly, “one question at a time.”

Even in my exhaustion, her voice brought comfort.

“I’m fine, Mama. I just got to my hotel. I’ll rest, take a bath, and get something to eat. You don’t have to worry.”

Then, there was a pause.

“A hotel?” she asked, her tone suddenly sharp. “Francis, I hope it’s not what I’m thinking.”

I sighed, smiling to myself.

“Oh Mama, you’re too dramatic. Have you forgotten the kind of son you raised? I just arrived here. I don’t know anyone yet. Where else should I go?”

Her voice softened immediately.

“That’s my son. I know you.”

I chuckled.

“No, you didn’t. If you did, you wouldn’t have panicked like that.”

She laughed faintly, then grew calm again.

“Take care of yourself. I’ll call you later tonight.”

The call ended, leaving a brief silence behind.

I unpacked slowly, letting the unfamiliar space begin to feel like mine. Then I stepped into the bathroom, letting the cool water wash over the stress of the journey.

As the water ran down my body, a sudden thought struck me.
Ruth.

I hadn’t called her. Guilt hit instantly.

I rushed through my bath, grabbed my phone, and sat on the bed, dialing her number.

She answered almost immediately.

“I thought you had forgotten about me.” Her voice, soft, teasing, but edged with something deeper, filled the room.

I leaned back, placing the phone on my chest.

“Forgetting you would be like signing my own death warrant,” I replied. “That’s something I can never do.”

“Then why did you keep me waiting all day?” she asked. “You left at 4 AM, and now it’s past noon. I was worried.”

Her concern was real.

“Don’t be,” I said gently. “I’m fine. I was even hungry earlier… but hearing your voice just made me satisfied.”

She scoffed lightly.
“Please, save your poetry for your students. They’ll need it more.”
We both laughed.

And for a moment… the distance between us disappeared. We talked for what felt like forever, about nothing and everything. About love. About longing. About how much we already missed each other.

When the call finally ended, the silence returned… heavier this time.

I dressed up and went downstairs to eat. The food was simple, but it filled the emptiness in my stomach, but not my heart.

Afterward, I stepped outside, craving fresh air… something to distract my restless thoughts.

And that was when I saw her. At first, it was the oranges… Bright, fresh and exquisite, almost glowing under the fading light.

Then I noticed the one selling them.
She was… striking.

“Hello, fine man. How many oranges you go buy?” she asked in a playful Nigerian accent.
I smiled.

“I must say… your oranges are as beautiful as you are. How much?”

She burst into laughter.

“Oga, abeg! No kill me with your grammar. I know your type.”

Something about her energy was different. Light, free, and Uncomplicated.

And just like that… and there a conversation began.

She was easy to talk to. Warm. Lively. The kind of person who made time move without you noticing. Before I realized it, I had bought almost all her oranges, not just because they were sweet, but because I enjoyed standing there, talking to her.

Even when some boys came to buy, I paid for theirs too.

Two hours passed like minutes.
Eventually, I stood up.

“I should head back. I need to prepare for work.”

Her face lit up with gratitude.

“Oga, you don bless my market today. God bless you!”
I smiled.

“It was nice meeting you.”

As I walked away, something pulled me back.
“Oga!”

I turned.

She was looking at me curiously.

“You be new here, abi? I never see your face before.”
I nodded.

“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Her excitement was immediate.

“I knew it!”
I frowned slightly.

“No problem. I just asked.”

Then she stepped closer, her tone changing, more confident, more refined.

“There are beautiful places here you would love. If you don’t mind… I can show you around.”

I paused.
Then nodded.
“I’d like that.”

As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice the shift in her speech.

“Wait… you speak good English?”
She smiled.

“I finished SHS. I’m just trying to save money for university.”

There was ambition in her voice. Determination in her face, and already loved that about her.
Thirty minutes later, she was done selling, her tray tucked neatly under her arm as she led me through the village.

We talked. We laughed. And somehow, in that short time… a connection formed. Simple, and effortless, yet smell dangerous.
When we returned to the starting point, she stopped.

“I have to go. My father will be worried.”
I nodded.

“Thank you… Amanda. I enjoyed your company.”

She smiled, then turned and walked away.
I stood there, watching her disappear into the night. For a brief moment… I forgot everything else.

Then reality returned. I went back to my room, trying to focus, trying to settle into the life I had come to build.

But something lingered. I hadn’t taken her contact.And for some reason… I wished I had.
Hours passed. The night deepened. Then suddenly, I heard a knock.

I checked the time. It was 10 PM. My heart tightened slightly.

Who could it be at this hour?
I walked slowly to the door, my mind racing with possibilities.

I turned the k**b. And opened it.
Then all of sudden, my breath caught.

It was her. Standing there. Dressed in nothing but a light sleeping gown… her chest rising and falling as if she had run all the way.
Her eyes locked onto mine. And in that moment… something shifted.

Something I could not yet explain. Something I would soon regret.

To be continued… only on Kpexoasi this page.

🌊 THE MERMAID WAR

Episode 5: Written by Kpexoasi

I continued descending through the vertical current shaft without stopping because going back was no longer an option and staying in one position would increase the risk of being tracked.

The water became colder as I moved deeper and the pressure increased steadily around my body. The light from above faded completely and darkness surrounded me.

I controlled my breathing and movement because panic would slow me down and waste energy. I focused only on reaching the bottom of the shaft.

After some time, my body touched a solid surface and I realized I had reached the lower zone beneath the Deep Court.

I stayed still for a few seconds to adjust to the new environment. The area was quiet and there were no immediate signs of movement.

I looked around carefully and observed that the structure in this zone was different from the upper kingdom. The walls were not made of coral. They were made of dark stone and reinforced metal.

The ground was uneven and covered with old remains of broken systems. This place had been abandoned for a long time.

I moved forward slowly while scanning every direction because I did not know what could be hiding in the dark.

After a few steps, I noticed faint blue lights appearing along the walls. They were not natural lights. They were activation signals responding to my presence.

That meant the zone was not completely dead.
I stopped immediately and listened carefully.
There was a low sound coming from deeper inside the structure. It was not the sound of water movement. It was mechanical.

I followed the sound cautiously because it could lead me to an exit or a hidden system connected to the Deep Court.
As I moved deeper, I saw a large chamber ahead. The entrance was wide and partially damaged, but something inside was still active.

I entered the chamber slowly and observed the environment.

At the center of the chamber, there was a massive structure embedded into the ground. It was shaped like a core system with multiple energy lines connected to it.

The blue lights I saw earlier were flowing into that structure.

I moved closer and realized that this was not just an abandoned system.

This was part of the Abyss Core.

My heart rate increased because I understood that I had reached a critical part of the system the Deep Court wanted to control.

I extended my hand slowly toward the structure without touching it.

Before I could move any closer, the system reacted.

A pulse of energy moved through the chamber and the structure activated fully.

The lights became brighter and the water around me vibrated slightly.

I stepped back immediately.
Then something unexpected happened.
A voice spoke.

It was not coming from outside.
It was coming from the system itself.
The voice called my name.
“Lira.”

I froze completely.
The voice was calm but powerful. It did not sound human, but it was clear.
I did not respond immediately.
The voice called my name again.

This time it said, “Core bloodline detected.”
I realized the system had recognized me.
I asked one question carefully.
I asked what the system was.

The voice responded without delay.
It said it was the primary control interface of the Abyss Core system.

It said it had been inactive for many cycles due to lack of authorized bloodline access.
That confirmed what Kai told me earlier.
I asked why the Deep Court wanted to activate it.

The system answered directly.
It said full activation would allow complete control of ocean systems, biological functions, and environmental balance.

It also said activation required a core bloodline to initiate the final sequence.

I understood that I was that requirement.
I asked what would happen if I refused.
The system paused for a moment before responding.

It said the Deep Court would force activation by extracting the required biological components from me.

That meant they did not need my permission.
They only needed my blood.
I felt a sharp fear move through me.
Before I could think further, I heard movement behind me.

I turned quickly and saw a group of armed units entering the chamber.
They had tracked me faster than I expected.
They surrounded the entrance and blocked the exit path.

I stepped back toward the core structure because it was the only space left open.
One of the soldiers stepped forward and removed his helmet.

He was not someone I recognized.
He spoke calmly and told me to surrender.
He said resistance would only make the process more painful.
I did not respond.

My mind was racing.
If they captured me, the Abyss Core would be activated.

If the Abyss Core activated, the entire ocean would fall under control.

That meant everything would end.
I looked back at the core structure behind me.
Then I made a decision.

I turned toward the system and moved closer.
The soldiers reacted immediately and ordered me to stop.

I ignored them.
The system detected my movement and activated again.

The voice spoke once more.
“Authorization available. Awaiting command.”
I raised my hand toward the core.

The soldiers moved faster toward me.
They were seconds away.
I had only one choice.
I gave a direct command.

I said, “Initiate override sequence.”
The system paused briefly.
Then it responded.
“Override requires full core bloodline integration.”

I did not hesitate.
I placed my hand directly on the core structure.
The moment my skin touched it, a powerful surge moved through my body.
The entire chamber lit up.

The soldiers stopped moving for a moment as the system reacted to my contact.
Pain spread through my body instantly, but I did not pull away.

The voice spoke again.
“Integration in progress.”

I realized what was happening.
I was not just activating the system.
I was becoming part of it.

The soldiers rushed toward me again.
But it was already too late.

The chamber filled with intense energy.

And the Abyss Core began to respond to me.

To be continued…only on this page.

🌊 THE MERMAID WAR

Written by Kpexoasi

Episode 2

I survived the attack because I was pulled under the coral bridge by one of the palace healers. I did not see who saved me at first. I only felt strong hands dragging me away from the open water where soldiers were killing everyone.

I lost consciousness for a short time. When I woke up, I was inside a hidden tunnel beneath the kingdom. Many injured mermaids and young ones were inside the tunnel. The air was low and tense. Nobody was speaking loudly. Everyone was afraid.

I asked about my mother immediately. Nobody answered me directly. One of the healers finally told me that my mother did not survive the attack. I refused to believe it at first. I kept asking again. The answer did not change.
I stayed silent after that. I could not cry. I only felt pressure in my chest.

A few minutes later, I asked about Kai. The healer hesitated before answering. He said Kai was seen leading part of the attacking soldiers but he disappeared after the main strike on the central palace.

That information confused me. Kai was not acting alone. Someone was giving him instructions. That was clear from the way the soldiers moved. They were coordinated and focused only on specific areas of the kingdom.
I asked who gave the order for the attack. The healer refused to answer at first. He said the information was dangerous. I insisted because I needed to know the truth.
He finally told me that the royal council gave the command.

That statement shocked everyone in the tunnel, including me. The royal council was supposed to protect the kingdom. They were not supposed to destroy it.

I asked for proof. The healer brought a sealed coral scroll. It contained a command signature from the royal seal. The seal was real. There was no mistake.

The order was written clearly. It commanded the royal soldiers to eliminate specific sections of the Mermaid Kingdom because of what was described as “internal corruption and hidden rebellion.”

I did not understand what that meant. Our kingdom had no rebellion. We were living in peace before the attack.

Another survivor in the tunnel spoke up. He said the royal council had been acting strangely for weeks before the attack. He said soldiers were being replaced quietly. He said communication between different parts of the kingdom was being restricted.
This meant the attack was planned long before that night.

I asked why Kai was involved. Nobody had a clear answer. One elder said Kai was part of the royal guard elite and had direct access to council commands. That meant he could have been used as a tool to execute orders without questioning them.

I did not accept that explanation. Kai was not someone who followed blindly. He always questioned things.

I decided I needed to leave the tunnel. I needed to see what was left of the kingdom myself. I also needed answers that no one in the tunnel could give me.

A healer stopped me at the exit. She told me it was not safe outside. She said remaining soldiers were still searching the area. She also said anyone caught alive from the royal bloodline was being targeted.

That statement made me pause. I asked her what she meant by royal bloodline. She said the attack was not only against soldiers. It was also directed at specific families connected to the royal system.

My mother’s work as a healer was connected to the royal system. Kai was a royal soldier. That meant our family was on the list.
I left the tunnel anyway.
I moved through broken coral paths. I saw destruction everywhere. Buildings were collapsed. Sea gardens were destroyed. Dead mermaids were floating in many areas. The water was still carrying traces of red from the attack.

I avoided open spaces and stayed close to hidden structures. I was careful because I could hear movement from patrol units still active in the kingdom.

While moving through the lower section of the kingdom, I saw something that stopped me completely.

I saw Kai again.
He was not alone. He was standing with three royal officers. They were speaking in low tones. I stayed hidden behind a broken coral wall and listened.

One officer told Kai that the mission was not complete. He said there were still survivors in the hidden tunnels and they needed to be eliminated.

Kai did not respond immediately. He stood still for a long time. Then he said the survivors were not part of the target list.
The officer disagreed. He said the royal council issued a full clearance order after the main strike. That meant no survivors were supposed to remain.

Kai looked angry for the first time. He said the original order did not include children and healers. He said something had changed after the attack began.

The officer told Kai that questioning the order was considered betrayal.

That was when I understood something important. Kai was not fully in control of what he was doing. He was following instructions that were changing during the attack.
The officers then left Kai alone. He remained in the same position for a long time. He looked down at his weapon and did not move.
I had the opportunity to escape, but I stayed. I wanted to understand what would happen next.

Kai suddenly spoke out loud, even though no one was near him. He said the name “Abyss Commander.”

I had never heard that name before.
Kai then turned slightly and spoke again, this time quieter. He said the real order did not come from the royal council alone. He said there was a hidden command layer inside the kingdom that even the council reported to.
This meant the attack was controlled by something above the council.

I felt fear for the first time since the attack. If the royal council was not the highest authority, then the enemy was not just external or internal. It was deeper than both.
Kai suddenly stopped speaking. He looked around as if he felt something. I stayed completely still behind the coral wall.

Then he spoke again, and this time his voice was different. It was calm but empty.
He said, “If Lira is alive, she must not be allowed to reach the deep court.”
That statement hit me directly. It meant Kai already knew I survived. It also meant I was now part of the target list.

Kai left the area immediately after that.
I stayed hidden for a long time before moving again. I understood something clearly at that moment. The war was not finished. The real structure behind the attack was still active. And I was now part of it.

I made a decision that night.

I would not return to the tunnel.

I would not wait for rescue.

I would go deeper into the kingdom where the royal court was located.

Because the truth about the war was not in the destruction I saw.

The truth was inside the system that ordered it.

And I was going to find it.

To be continued…

🌊 THE MERMAID WAR

EPISODE 1 written by Kpexoasi

The day the ocean turned red… I lost everything.

Even now, as I swim through the ruins of what used to be my home, I can still hear the screams. I can still see the bl00d.

And the worst part?
We were not killed by our enemies.
We were betrayed… from within.

Before the war, life in the Mermaid Kingdom was peaceful. Too peaceful.

We lived beneath the glowing coral towers of Azmara, a kingdom so beautiful that even the surface dwellers told stories about us in whispers. The water shimmered like liquid diamonds, and at night, the sea creatures lit up the darkness like stars.

I was just a simple girl.
My name is Lira.
I wasn’t a warrior. I wasn’t royalty. I was just the daughter of a healer. My mother was known across the kingdom for her gentle hands and kind heart. She could heal wounds no one else could.

And my brother…
Kai.
He was everything I was not.
Strong. Brave. Admired.

He was a soldier of the royal guard, chosen to protect the kingdom. Everyone loved him. Everyone trusted him.
I trusted him the most.

“Lira,” my mother called that evening, her voice soft as always. “Come help me with these herbs.”

I swam quickly toward her, my tail brushing against the glowing plants that lined our home.

“Did Kai return yet?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

She smiled faintly. “You worry about him too much.”

“He hasn’t visited in three days,” I said. “That’s not like him.”

My mother paused for a moment, her hands still.
Then she sighed.

“The kingdom is changing,” she said quietly. “There are things we don’t understand.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

But before she could answer, a loud horn echoed through the ocean.

Everything froze.
The horn.
That sound…
It was not for celebration.
It was a warning.

“MOTHER!” I gasped.

Her eyes widened in fear.

“Stay behind me,” she said immediately.

Outside, the peaceful glow of the kingdom began to flicker. The water trembled as shadows moved rapidly through the streets.
Then came the screams.

“THEY’RE ATTACKING!”
“RUN!”
“SOLDIERS! WHERE ARE THE SOLDIERS?!”

My heart began to race.

“This doesn’t make sense…” I whispered. “We have no enemies…”

But deep down, I knew something was wrong.
Terribly wrong.

We rushed outside, and what I saw…
…still haunts me.

The beautiful coral towers were burning.
Creatures fled in every direction.
Bodies… floated.
Lifeless.

And through the chaos, armed soldiers swam into the kingdom. But they weren’t strangers. They wore our armor.

“No…” my mother whispered.

“This… this can’t be…”

They weren’t enemies.
They were us.

“TRAITORS!” someone screamed in the distance.

“They’ve turned against the kingdom!”

My head spun.
Nothing made sense.
Why would our own soldiers attack us?
Why would...?

Immediately, a figure moved swiftly through the water.

Fast. Precise. Deadly.

He struck down anyone in his path without hesitation.

And when he turned, my heart stopped.

“No…” I whispered, my voice breaking.
“It can’t be…”

It was him.
Kai, my brother.

He didn’t look the same. His eyes… were cold and empty, like the brother I knew had died long before this moment.

“KAI!” I screamed, swimming toward him.
But my mother grabbed me tightly.

“NO!” she shouted. “Don’t go!”

“That’s my brother!” I cried. “He’ll listen to me!”

But deep down… I wasn’t sure anymore.

Kai turned slowly. His eyes met mine, and for a moment... just a moment, I saw something flicker. Hesitation... Recognition... Pain...

“Kai…” I whispered, tears forming in my eyes. “It’s me…”
“Lira…”

Everything around us faded. The screams... the chaos... the bl00d. It was just us... brother and sister.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Why are you hurting our people?”

He said nothing. His grip tightened on his weapon.

“You need to leave,” he finally said.

And his voice… It was cold, and unfamiliar.

“No,” I shook my head. “Not without you. Come back home. Please… we can fix this.”

His eyes darkened.

“There is no home anymore.”

My heart shattered.

Behind me, my mother stepped forward.

“Kai,” she said gently, like she used to when we were children. “My son… whatever they told you, whatever they made you believe, this is not you.”

For a second, looked like he was going to break... like he was going to drop his weapon and run back to us.

But then, a sharp voice echoed from behind him.

“FINISH THEM.”

Kai’s expression changed instantly. Cold. Hard, and within a second, everything was gone.

“No…” I whispered.

He raised his weapon, and pointed it at us.

“MOTHER!” I screamed, pulling her back.

But she didn’t move. She stood still looking at him. Not with fear, but with sadness.

“My son…” she whispered.

Everything happened too fast. Too fast for me to understand. Too fast for me to stop.

Kai moved.
A flash of steel.
A scream,
Mine.
And then…
Silence.

The water around us began to change. Dark. Red.

I looked down slowly. My hands trembling.

My mother’s body floated in front of me lifeless. Her eyes… still open.

“No…” I choked.
“No… no… no…”
I turned to Kai.

My whole body shaking.

“You… you killed her…”

He said nothing. But I saw it. Just for a second, a tears ran down the chicks.

Then he turned away, and disappeared into the chaos.

That night, the ocean turned red, and the Mermaid Kingdom fell.

But that was not the end. It was only the beginning. Because I made a promise that night.

A promise written in bl00d.
I will find out the truth.
I will uncover why my brother betrayed us.

And if I have to, I will be the one to end him.

To be continued…

WE ARE BACK NOW MY DIAMOND READERS 💞💞💞