Mermaids -Prologue (edited)

The water was biting cold, bubbles of air leaving the woman’s mouth. The globes of air held images from her family, the good memories floating up to the surface while she sank to the bottom. She struggled against the chains cutting into her skin, but it was futile. She was drowning and she was going to die. Pulled down until the dark swallowed her whole, her muffled screams couldn't be heard anymore. Blond hair fluttering above her, she disappeared into the depths of the ocean, when all the while, a mysterious form circled her with its penetrating gaze. Guarding her. From the smallest of fishes to the greatest of whales, they looked on, unable to do anything, other than wait. Waiting for a miracle to happen. And they watched on as her tears mingled with the water, becoming a part of the ocean, as it entered her mouth, into her lungs and entire being. The only thing she could think of, floating to the land of the living. Again, the form of darkness passed her by. Its many tentacles brushing against her skin. And as It telepathically spoke to the woman, time stopped in its tracks.

“Your sister. Why is she on your mind?” Dashing through the immobile water, It took a fish frozen in place and gulped it down. The burning sensation on the woman’s chest suddenly disappeared, and she no longer felt the need to breathe.

“She’s in danger.”

“I could help her. Is that something you want?” Even seconds away from the Otherworld, she felt no fear for herself, and so, she could only answer the monster in front of her.

“Yes.” It smiled at the young woman, and touched her cheek gently.

“Then you shall die in the process.”

Deal made, contract sealed, time restarted as the creature dove into the shadows, waiting. Waiting as she only again drowned, as her skin became wrinkly and her eyes glazed over. Once a deep green, they turned white as from a dead fish. Her feet were the first thing to touch the ocean floor, and suddenly the waters churned more violently, whipping her hair into her face, the sand scratching her feet and legs.

The sand scratched and tore at her clothes, showing finally what lay beneath. Bluish and yellowish bruises around her chest and belly, bruises easily concealed and carefully applied. The ropes on her wrists came apart, and it was in the darkness, where the unspeakable and impossible miracle could not be seen, that the woman became a monster, and her new Master’s bright red eyes twinkled with mirth.

“Your wish is granted. She shall not become a victim of fate.”