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Lena watched a mermaid cuddle a tiny baby with a wee, wriggling tail. Nearby, a circle of children played what looked like a version of ring-around-the-rosy. In the distance, mer-folk were pounding kelp and stirring pots, chatting as they worked. All around her, the villagers bustled with work and play, like any community. And ah! There was the handsome Nix carrying fresh seaweed into the sleeping cave.

Melusina noticed her riveted attention, and said, "Lorelei, I must beg your patience once again. Lena has others to meet. Will you dine with us? We have not eaten for hours."

"Yes, indeed," said Lorelei. "I will set out supper for us." She swam away.

Lena and her mother swam toward the place where Nix had gone. As they approached the cave, Nix reappeared.

"Hello!" he said, a look of pleasure lighting his face.

"Hello," said Lena.

Nix moved closer to Lena and took her hand. "I have been thinking of you."

Her heart tripped and sped up.

"May I hear my name in your voice? I am called Nix." The dark pools of his eyes were endless, and his large hand enveloped hers, making her feel that no one had ever held her hand properly before.

Pausing to fix his name clearly in her mind, Lena said, "Nix."

They floated for a long moment, staring at each other.

This kind of staring would never happen on land, thought Lena. People would look away, feel embarrassed.

But here there was no self-consciousness, only a deepening connection. Nix took her other hand, and Lena felt a dizzy warmth flow through her. I think I'm swooning.

***

Brian did not look away from the waves, even when Allie sat down on the sand next to him. They no longer spoke. Allie's entreaties for him to come home had made no impression. How could they, when his heart was gone? She opened the plastic bag she had brought him yesterday ... The food was untouched, but at least he'd drunk the water. Allie lay her head on his shoulder for a moment, and Brian felt a flicker of compassion. He was sorry to leave them alone—his second wife and child—but he couldn't abandon his vigil.

CHAPTER 39

Lena watched her mother sleep.

The mermaid's expression was troubled, and once, her hand rose up, as if reaching out to someone.

How horrible, thought Lena. To relive your past over and over in your dreams, and to forget it as soon as you wake up.

A figure appeared at the entrance to their cave, and Lena's heart lifted at the sight of a nimbus of green and gold hair.

Nix swam close to her. "Hello," he said, his voice deep and quiet in her mind.

Lena's face warmed as she answered, "Hello."

Then a silence hung between them. Nix gazed tranquilly at her, his bare, bronzed chest just inches from her. Lena looked everywhere but at him. She had grown accustomed to the sight of bare torsos in this world, but something about the nearness of Nix's skin made it hard to think straight.

"Do you wish to stay until your mother wakes?" he asked finally.

Lena glanced up at him, then at her mother's sleeping form. "I ... I don't know," she said. "My mother and I have not been apart since we reunited."

He smiled. "I understand your reluctance. Perhaps you would be willing to allow me to keep you company?"

Lena nodded, feeling that she would be willing to try whatever Nix suggested.

"Your face is so familiar," he said unexpectedly. "How is that possible?"

Lena shook her head. "I don't think it is possible."

Another silence descended. Then a frown crossed Lena's brow. "You're in the cave for the Riven."

"Yes?"

"Aren't you afraid her dreams will be upsetting?" She pointed to her mother.

Nix made an impatient gesture. "The old ways," he said, "are full of fear and superstition. I do not fear your mother's dreams." He watched Melusina for a moment, his gaze compassionate. "Her memories harm no one but her."

A lump came into Lena's throat and she nodded, grateful for Nix's sympathy.

His dark eyes settled on Lena's face again. She forced herself not to look away in shyness. After a long moment,