Author's Note: Hey y'all! I'm so glad you're liking Into the Deep :)

I'm starting to plan future works! I'd love to hear what you'd be interested in reading. As my bio says, I love dark romance, fantasy, mythology, and yandere, so my next story will probably relate to those themes.

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Days have passed, and the soreness radiating from her limbs has slowly subsided.

Conflicted.

That's precisely how Y/N feels right now. And a little guilty. Guilty that she doesn't truly regret that night. Guilty that she liked it.

Since then, she hasn't had a moment alone. Lysanthir hasn't been quick to forget her escape attempt, and ensures there is always someone to watch over her. Usually, he assumes that role.

This afternoon, however, he has entrusted her to Vesryn—who promptly announced that she has work to do in the library. So, Y/N is tagging along.

The orange-tailed murdukann now sits at a desk, scribbling away on a scroll. Occasionally, she'll glance at Y/N out of the corner of her eye.

Reclining in an armchair, Y/N has been trying to read a book. Emphasis on trying. Frustratingly, she can't help but think about Lysanthir, about that night. It's infuriating.

Closing the book in a huff, she goes to put it back on the shelf when movement near the library door catches her eye.

Katerina is there, leaning against the doorframe.

Y/N lifts a hand to wave to her friend, but falters when she sees the mermaid's foul expression.

Katerina's brown eyes, previously so mellow, are narrowed into slits. Lips curled inwards, she stares at Y/N.

The mermaid crosses the threshold, making a move towards her. But spotting Vesryn, she turns away, tail flicking in annoyance as she swims back down the hallway.

Y/N's brows furrow in confusion. She hasn't seen Katerina since the failed escape. Is the mermaid angry she had left without her? No, she couldn't be. She has to know that the only hope for escape is on land, and with her tail—

"You got her mate imprisoned," Vesryn's nonchalant voice rings out, "that's why she's in a tiff."

The murdukann bobs her head in the general direction of the doorway.

Incredulous, Y/N protests, "But Ryfon's the one who—"

"I know, but Katerina doesn't see it that way," Vesryn continues, still busying herself with her parchments.

"Does she know he tried to—"

"Look," Vesryn swivels around to face her now, "Ryfon has always been like this. This isn't the first time the scum has tried to have his way with the mate of other murdukann. Katerina knows this."

Y/N stiffens, feeling the ghost of Ryfon's hands inching up her thigh. She thinks scum is a perfect way of describing him.

"Ever wonder how he got those scars in the first place?" Vesryn leans forwards, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly, "I gave them to him. A couple hundred years ago, when I caught him trying to touch my mate."

The thought of Ryfon forcing himself on another makes Y/N clench her teeth. Those scars are well deserved.

"The truth is, as much as Katerina claims to hate Ryfon," Vesryn shakes her head, "she can't bear to think he would want anyone but her."

Vesryn's tone is factual, to the point. Y/N likes that she's straight with her, doesn't conveniently dance around the truth like Lysanthir does.

"So, she blames me for what happened?"

Y/N bites her lip.

Katerina thinks it's my fault Ryfon can't keep his hands to himself?

Vesryn arches a brow, "Otherwise, she'd have to blame the one person she's bonded to for eternity."

Y/N looks down, wringing her hands. From the brief conversations she'd had with Katerina, the mermaid had always seemed...understanding? Reasonable?

But the mating bond works in nebulous ways. She can't imagine being tied to Ryfon like that. As much as she is frustrated Katerina won't just face the truth, she pities her. At least Lysanthir isn't anything like that.

An heavy silence fills the library, prompting Y/N to change the subject.

"Does he live here in Athtar, your mate?"

Vesryn pauses, as if debating how much she should divulge. Then, she seemingly decides that there isn't any point withholding this information.

"Yes, he does," she smiles, her icy features melting slightly at the mention of her mate.

"Maxim's a painter," she proudly gestures upwards, "He's the one who did all the ceiling murals you see around Athtar."

Y/N looks up, taking in the dazzling display of blue skies and green pastures. Definitely created by a human—or at least, someone who used to be one. The mural is painted with such intimate knowledge of the earth.

"They're beautiful," Y/N says, "I remember seeing one with constellations, in the domed pavilion."

"That's one of my favourites," Vesryn replies, her eyes lighting up.

Y/N can't help but smile back at her. The murdukann, despite her stony shell, has a true soft spot for her mate.

Does Lysanthir have that same weakness for me?

She knows in her heart that he does. She can see it when he looks at her, feel it when he touches her.

It scares her a little. It scares her to think that Lysanthir has gone hundreds of years with a part of him missing, that he has waited his entire life for her.

Absentmindedly, she goes to touch her mark.

And pulls back in shock.

The small patch of scales on her hip is now beginning to stretch down along her thigh. Iridescent, they twinkle in shades of azure, turquoise, and midnight.

How hasn't she noticed this? When did this begin?

Vesryn tries to stifle a snort.

"Calm down, it's just the turning. You've noticed you have gills too, right?"

Well that wasn't particularly helpful.

"Yes, thank you," Y/N responds, trying to keep her tone from sounding too snarky, "It's just the first time I've seen the scales spreading."

A smirk plays on the mermaid's lips.

"That makes sense, seeing as they only start appearing once mating happens," she says pointedly.

Oh.

Y/N's cheeks immediately start to burn.

Just because she doesn't regret what happened between her and Lysanthir doesn't mean she wants her mark announcing it to everyone.

"How long does it take...to turn?"

"It's different for everyone," Vesryn shrugs, now examining her pointed nails, "Once you feel ready, Lysanthir will take you to the ceremony. That's where the final turning takes place."

Y/N feels her gills flare nervously.

A ceremony to turn her into a murdukann.

After that, there's no going back.