Thalina barely had time to compose herself before reaching the outskirts of the kingdom. Her mind was still racing, her body buzzing with the thrill of what she had seen. The humans. The surface. Their voices still echoed in her ears, strange and fascinating. But excitement turned to unease the moment she slipped past the reef. Marina was waiting. Her aunt stood near the entrance of their dwelling, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Thalina's stomach clenched. Had she been seen? Had someone told Marina she had wandered too far? She forced herself to act normal, swimming forward as if nothing had happened. "Aunt Marina." she greeted, her voice carefully neutral.
Marina's sharp eyes studied her. "Where have you been?" "Just exploring," Thalina replied, keeping her tone light." Near the coral fields. A beat of silence. The-"Don't lie to me, child." Thalina stiffened. She had heard that tone before, edged with a warning. A lie would only make things worse. But telling the truth? That was just as dangerous. Marina sighed, rubbing her temples." Thalina, do you ever stop to think what your actions might bring?"
"It was just a swim,"Thalina said, unable to keep the irritation from her voice. "I wasn't hurting anyone." "You don't understand," Marina snapped, her patience fraying. "The ocean is not as free as you believe. There are rules that keep you safe,"
"Safe from what?"Thalina shot back. Marina's expression darkened, but she said nothing. A familiar frustration boiled in Thalina's chest. It was always the same. Rules, warnings, but never answers. "you never tell me anything," she muttered. "You just expect me to obey without question." Marina exhaled,shaking her head. "Because there are things you are not meant to know, Thalina. And the more you push, the more dangers you invite." Thalina's fingers curled into fists."What danger?"
Her aunt hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. It was the briefest moment,but it was enough. She's hiding something.
Marina's gaze softened. "Promise me, Thalina. No more wandering beyond the reef." Thalina wanted to argue, to push for answers. But something in Marina's eyes-fear, maybe even sorrow-made her falter.
"Fine," she said at last." I promise."
But deep down, she already knew it was a promise she would break.