Page 35 of Storm and Sea

“Even when it stops, I’m not leaving,” Nyel said, reading his mind.

“Yes, you are.”

“That’s what you think.”

Atreus glared at him, jaw clenched. The flecks of gold in Nyel’s honey-brown eyes sparkled as he fixed his face with determination. His resolve, however misguided, was set. It was plain as day, and Atreus hated that a small part of him admired it.

Stupid fish.

Nyel would get them both killed. And even if Atreus survived, he could lose it all. Everything he worked his entire life to build. He’d be alone while Nyel returned with his tail tucked to a loving family. This sireno had to go before it was too late.

“Ragazzo! Buon appetito!” Giovanni’s voice boomed from the kitchen.

Nyel stuck out his tongue rudely before ducking under Atreus’s arm and darting to the hall. Atreus groaned, pressing the heels of his hands into his eyes.

This guy is going to be the end of me.

The kitchen was small and worn. Mismatched plates and chipped mugs sat on the table, remnants of dinners shared over the years in the cozy, rickety space. The scent of basil pesto and roasted chicken filled the air, mingling with the faint saltiness that seemed permanently embedded in the walls. Atreus’s mouth watered as Giovanni served them generous portions. Only the soft clinking of forks on plates punctuated the quiet.

Atreus carefully interlaced the comfortable lull with safe topics of conversation. It worked for the most part. When Giovanni set a glass of water in front of Nyel, the sireno tensed. He stared at the cold, clear liquid like it might grow fangs and bite him. Smirking, Atreus reached for the glass and took a big sip. Nyel’s eyes went wide in alarm, giving Atreus more satisfaction than it should. He winked, then went on with the conversation about possible repairs to Signore Cicco’s boat.

“He’s been overloading the weight capacity on those cables for years. It’s no wonder that—” Atreus halted midsentence as he and Giovanni both turned their attention to Nyel, whose body suddenly lurched, stopping him mid-chew.

“Is everything alright?” Giovanni asked.

“W-what is this?” Nyel asked, prodding a pale strip of meat on his plate. Atreus groaned internally.

“It’s chicken,” Atreus filled in. “It is very healthy. Has lots of protein,” he said through clenched teeth, communicating with his eyes.

Hearing the threat in his voice, the vegetarian squeezed his eyes shut and forced a swallow. Nyel shivered as the meat passed.

“So good,” he said through a painful smile.

“What do you think about the new docks the mayor commissioned this year? They should be helpful at high tide.” Atreus directed attention away from Nyel as the sireno meticulously picked out all the chicken from his pasta.

They talked back and forth until Giovanni let out a great sigh, reaching for the bottle at the center of the table.

“I fear those blasted ships will hurt our catch this year,” Giovanni said as he poured himself his second glass of red wine.

“They aren’t allowed to fish in the harbor. Right? That’s protected?”

“Yes, but they’ve taken nearly everything outside the harbor, fishing the sea until it’s bare. That is not our way. We take only what we need. They’re taking it all. They pour their filth into the waters and have no respect for the life beneath. Soon, our Baia Vita will be empty.”

Baia Vita - “The Bay of Life.”

It provided for the people. In turn, the people only took what they needed and respected the sea—keeping it clean, nurturing it, and protecting it.

“Do you think—” Nyel cut himself off as Atreus shot him a glare.

“What is your question, ragazzo?” Giovanni asked politely.

Nyel looked from him to Atreus as though he were asking for permission. Atreus sighed and nodded, giving him the go-ahead.

“You said those ships are making the water dirty. Will that hurt the plants and animals under the water?

Giovanni huffed. “I can almost guarantee you it will. Waste like that is more than just dirty. It’s poison.”

“It’s already happening,” the sireno mumbled, almost to himself.