"Ugh, my head hurts." How long had it been since they had captured me? Huh, what is this? I touched my head and looked at my blood-stained hands. Hah! my head is bleeding from the blow I received when I resisted. As I looked around, it was pitched dark, and all I could hear was the sound of the wheels. We seemed to be traveling somewhere. I need to get out right now, but how? I have a mermaid tail! And what is this? A chain on my neck! It was a hopeless situation. There was no way out for me.
Screech!
It came to a halt. When I heard the sound of a human walking over to check on me, I pretended to be unconscious.
Click!
Someone unlocked the wagon lock.
"Is she dead, Elias?Perhaps you hit her too hard a while ago," one of the men speculated nervously.
"No, she is not dead," Elias confirmed as he checked my pulse.
"That's good. But, what about her injuries? Surely, it will affect our pay."
"Hah, stop worrying! Even if they deduct 50 silvers for the healing potion, they will pay a high price," Elias reassured his comrade. "A mermaid, Hahahaha, our luck is on our side!" They laughed evilly, making me want to cry out of fear. I bit my lower lip to keep myself from crying. It wouldn't be good if they found out I was awake. They locked the wagon and laid down the black cover as soon as they finished talking.
"We are going to Lord Johannes. Keep an eye on the mermaid and make sure she doesn't escape."
"You can count on me."
I drew close to the wagon's door and tried to push the black cover aside so I could see where I was. Fortunately, I was successful. I could see houses and closed stores as I looked around. This is the empire's capital! It was helpful that I knew where I was, but no one was nearby. I attempted to open the lock, but it refused to open. Sob, sob, sob, I don't know what to do. My vision was blurry because the tears kept flowing down.
"Haah! Why did my mother make me pick up some woods from the forest? It's too early!''
Who is that?! I need to ask for help. I dried up my eyes and immediately peeked outside.
"Ma-Max, is that you? Max!''
"Huh? Did someone call me?" asked Max in surprise.
"Max, I'm here." I lowered my voice in case the man noticed. He was in front of the wagon, smoking a cigarette.
Max ran towards me and said, "Brielle, why are you he-...What happened to you? You are bleeding!"
"Shhh... he may hear you," I whispered. "Please help me, Max." Max started to try to unlock the door but he failed. Then, he tried again and while he was doing it, he noticed my tail. He was lost for words as he saw it.
"Tail...Brielle… You are a mermaid?!"
"Ye-Yeah," I confessed. How am I supposed to deny it if he saw it? The important thing right now is to plan my escape.
"Max, you go first," I said.
"No, I will not leave you! You don't know what they will do to you. It's dangerous." His eyes began to shake and tears kept falling.
"Don't cry, Max. I will be fine if you listen to my plan," I persuaded. "Go to our cave. The wolf inside there is Papa, tell him what happened to me."
"Mister is the wolf?!"
"Yes, Papa is a wolf. I know you must be shocked by all of this, but Max, you need to leave now."
"But—"
"I'm begging you. Just leave. I'll be fine."
The man guarding the wagon noticed that something was going on in the back. Max must leave immediately, or else he will be in danger. He couldn't fight an adult man and would only cause himself harm. So, I spoke with Max one last time. "Max, run right now. The man is going in this way."
"Sob, sob, I'll be back, Brielle. I'll make sure to bring Mister." He ran fast away before the man reached the back.
Don't leave me alone. It's painful to be here. These were the words I wanted to scream at Max, but knowing Max and my situation, I know it's impossible to save me. It was a risky choice. And I have no idea what it will do in the future.
I hugged my tail and closed my eyes, wishing it was all a dream. It was cold and scary. The tears kept rolling down my cheeks. Every second I spent inside this cage felt like a thousand years.
I want to go home.
Moon in the evening sky,
Shining brightly, shaped like a smile
Don't cry, my baby, don't cry
Mommy and daddy were here for you
So, close your eyes, my daughter
And the moon will wash away your nightmare
'Cause you are the daughter of the moon