This time, when I went back to Rosewood Manor, I had a secret agenda. While still completing my... tasks for Tiger Shark, I was also going to break into his study and try to find out anything that I could about the magic he somehow possessed. Luckily, everyone seemed to be otherwise occupied as I swam inside Rosewood. No one even spared me a second glance. Good. The less attention I drew to myself, the better.

I knew without even trying that the door was locked. Luckily, I had anticipated this by pulling my hair into a bun. I gently pulled one of the pins out of my hair and used it to pick the lock. After seeing Mom do me and my sisters' hair over the years, doing my own now was instinctual. When I'd spied on Tiger Shark earlier, I'd also learned how to pick a lock. I swam inside the study and down the flight of stairs, somehow seeing the study in a completely new light.

The shelves against the wall were stuffed with books, the tips of the pages yellowed with use. I grabbed a random book from the shelf, skimming it. My eyes flew across the pages as I read, trying to fight the knot of disappointment forming in my gut.

Just as I was about to put it back on the shelf, a passage caught my eye. 'The Lost Soul Pendant is one of the rarest pieces of jewelry known to mermaids and mermen. Should the wearer wish it, the pendant can be used to suck the life force out of any bodies he or she may come across. But, as always, it comes with a price. The use of too much of its power at once could cause severe fatigue and exhaustion to the wielder. It should only be used in extreme circumstances.'

My hands shook as I grabbed my notebook, copying the passage. I'd never seen any type of jewellery on Tiger Shark, but, then again, maybe I'd just never looked close enough. That must've been why he looked so exhausted that day I'd caught him in here.

My heart thundered like a war drum as I swam out of the study and down to the kitchen. I grabbed an apple and scarfed it down before heading outside. I knew without even asking that Tiger Shark would have more tasks for me.

And sure enough, I was right. Mermaids and mermen dotted the seafloor, eyes either closed or frozen open. I made quick work of the bodies, trying to keep my hands steady. Thanks to the shock coursing through me, I barely spared them a second glance. As soon as I was finished, I swam back to my room.

I shut the door behind me before scribbling a quick note to Jay. Found out how Tiger Shark is able to practice magic. I'll let you know more when I'm home. Send the others my love. I miss you. Love, Nerissa. I cupped my hands, whispering Jay's name onto the paper and watching it float from my hands and through the water until it was out of sight.

Instinctively, I reached for the necklace hanging on my chest, gently opening each of the flower's petals. Familiar, smiling faces stared back at me, the love in their eyes evident even through the photos. I numbly stared at the pictures, my heart pounding.

I was so focused on the necklace that I didn't notice someone coming up behind me until a hand clamped down on my shoulder—painfully. I schooled my face into neutrality as Tiger Shark and I met each other's gazes. He was furious, his jaw clenched and teeth bared. Without letting go of my shoulder, he handed me a piece of paper with a message on it.

I noticed my study door was open. Funny, seeing how it's never left unlocked and the only key is on my person at all times. You wouldn't have anything to do with that, would you? I could see the anger in his script as I held the paper in my hand.

My heart stopped as I realized that, in my haste, I must have left the door ajar. I swallowed hard, shaking my head as I prepared to respond.

He pulled a pen out of his pocket before I could, adding to his message. And to think, I was considering letting you go home to your family early. Well, I guess you'll just have to wait to see them until the end of our 'visit'. He had a smile on his face, but there was nothing happy in his gaze.

The smile faded as he wrote the rest of his message. You will not speak of what you saw to anyone. Your life, and that of your family, depends on it.

I was shaking with restrained anger and tears as he released my shoulder. I spent the rest of the day locked in my room, staring at the flower. My heart was broken as I laid in bed that night, staring at the ceiling. I finally dozed off around midnight, visions of Jay and my sisters running through my head.

Read and review!