“Cern saved his life,” Aurin said. “I watched the whole ceremony and still can’t begin to describe what I saw.”
“Looking a bit green,” Hendrix said. He grinned at Aurin. “Hungover, huh?”
“Ugh,” Aurin said, pressing his hand to his stomach. “Please don’t. The words ‘honey mead’ are forbidden forever. A swim would fix me, I’m sure of it.” Then his gaze darted to Kellan before he smiled at Hendrix and Dylan. “Congratulations, by the way. I’m so happy for you. All of you.”
Then he grinned at Otis and Pania. “And you both, as well. I’m sorry if I seemed insensitive before. I was... worried to the point of distraction over Salem.”
Salem didn’t miss the way Otis’s eyes went to Ciaran before he smiled at Aurin. “It’s okay, brother. Glad to have you home.” Then Otis looked at Salem. “And you. Though you’re more human, less feline nowadays. Look a little different. Except for the eyes. They’re cool.”
Ah yes, his cat-eyes. Something he could never hide.
Salem smiled at that and conceded with a nod. “I will explain everything,” he said before looking at Aurin for some moral support. They’d always said they’d explain it together.
But Aurin wasn’t listening. His attention was drawn back to the jetty. “What’s wrong with the water?”
“It’s lost its sparkle,” Sawyer replied. “You know how it would shine like a galaxy, and how it was so dark it was almost black? Well, it’s clearing up.”
“We don’t know if Lusca had anything to do with it,” Kellan added.
“No,” Salem said, smiling to himself. “It’s me. My absence will return the water to its natural state. I uh, I’d forgotten that might happen, and so quickly. I’m sorry?—”
“You,” Ciaran said sceptically. “You’re the reason for the water being...”
“Sparkly,” Sawyer added.
“Yes,” Salem replied. “And dark. It’s a defence mechanism to camouflage me. The cove has been my home for so long, I forgot how my absence would affect it.” He sighed, needing to put an end to the chitchat and focus on Aurin. “If we could save this conversation for a later time. Aurin isn’t well, and he’s been too long out of saltwater. He needs to swim.”
“Yes,” Kellan said, studying Aurin. “Get him into the water. We can talk later. We’ll fix some food for you both as well.”
“Thank you, Kellan,” Salem said. He’d always liked Kellan. “We shan’t be long.”
Aurin looked at Hendrix and Dylan. “When I resurface, I’ll need you to please distract Otis so I can raid his fridge, thanks.”
Otis gave a belly laugh. “No need, my friend. I’ll prepare your favourites,” he said. “Pizza and pasta for Aurin, and Whiskers for Salem.”
There were a few bursts of laughter. Fray and Hendrix were the loudest.
Aurin smiled at Otis. “Any food would be most appreciated, brother. I’ve missed your cooking. But you can hold the cat food.”
Salem rolled his eyes at the cat food comment, but he was secretly pleased they seemed placated and were joking around. There’d been no pitchforks at any rate, so he considered it a win. He took Aurin’s hand. “Come on, my love. Let’s get you into the water.”
They headed toward the jetty, and Salem could hear the conversation behind them.
“So does the water change immediately?” Fray asked.
“Let’s go watch,” Tobin said. “I wonder how it works. Is it a Mimic thing?”
“It’s an old god thing,” Aurin said, and he clearly didn’t care if they heard. He simply shed his clothes as he walked, and withoutso much as a pause, he plunged straight into the water. Salem was quick to follow to make sure Aurin was okay.
He was more than okay. He was glorious.
He was floating, suspended with his eight arms outstretched, his eyes closed.Oh, this is so good. Oh my goodness, is this heaven, Salem?
Salem chuckled.Heaven is wherever you are. So yes, since you are here, it must be.
Aurin opened his eyes slowly, giving him a shy smile.You are the sweetest talker.
It’s the truth.
