Page 118 of Heir of Broken Souls

“The others don’t know,” I realize.

She shakes her head, her walls cracking a fraction.

I swallow thickly at the reminder of why I’m here. “Surely there’s a way to stop it.”

“You cannot move the stars,” she says. “What is in motion tomorrow must happen. You saw what would occur if it did not.”

“No, I only saw what would happen if we told anyone, not if we tried to stop it.”

“It’s okay, child. I have accepted it.”

“How can you?” I ask, my voice cracking.

“Because the forgotten gods have a plan, and they have never failed me before.” She gives me a small tentative smile. “I also trust in my visions. Everything happens for a reason. I don’t always know the reasons, but in time they will make sense.”

Her words ring true in my heart, but the pain of what we will have to endure tomorrow makes tears sting the back of my eyes.

“For the record, I hate this.”

A small chuckle tumbles from her lips. “I’ll make note of that.”

I lower my voice. “Are they ready for this?”

“Do not underestimate the power of a mermaid,” she says firmly.

“I don’t, but I’m also not underestimating what is heading our way.”

She dips her head. “That’s wise of you.”

Taking in every detail of her peaceful expression, I ask, “Why are you so calm?”

“Because it’s what the stars have planned for us.”

I hold in the scoff that tries to escape. Fuck the stars and their sordid, torturous plans. They have never once looked out for me. My fate has never been my own to weave and I despise it.

“Is there anything left to do?”

“Just keep your lips sealed and all should be well. As well as it can be,” she corrects.

Swimming forward, the wall around her heart lowers further, allowing me to see the vulnerability shine in those radiant red eyes.

“It has been a blessing and a pleasure knowing you, Delilah.”

I do nothing to stop the tears from springing into my eyes this time.

Her words, so earnest and forthright, make the burning anger and misplaced guilt I’ve been clinging to shift. It gives way to the mermaid who has been here since the beginning of it all.

“I’m so sorry,” I blurt, a sob ringing out between us. “I’m so sorry for placing blame on you.”

“It is all right, child. There is nothing to forgive?—”

“I washorrible.”

“You were grieving.”

My lower lip wobbles. “Let me do something. There has to besomething.”

She reaches out, her webbed hand gently brushing away a tear on my cheek. “It is all right, child.”