Chapter 18: The ArrestAs Joe approaches Nerissa, the echoes of Queen Eria's summons begin to fade, leaving a sense of urgency in the water. Uncertainty hangs heavy in the depths, and Joe can't shake the feeling that time is slipping through their fingers. He doesn't know the purpose of the rulers' meeting, but a lingering unease fills his heart, whispering of imminent capture and upheaval.Determined to leave no words unspoken, Joe reaches out and gently takes Nerissa's hand in his own. The touch is tender, a silent reassurance of their connection amidst the turbulent currents surrounding them. He raises her hand to his lips, planting a soft, lingering kiss upon the back of it. The gesture speaks volumes, conveying his devotion and the depth of his feelings.With a gentle turn of her hand, he kisses the palm, savoring the delicate touch against his lips. He then places her hand gently against the side of his face, relishing the warmth and connection it br
Dear Readers,I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your continued support and for giving Merturned a chance by reading this far. Your enthusiasm and presence in this early stage of the book mean the world to me.I have some exciting news to share with you. As of June 13th, 2023, the recent edits and revisions that were in progress have been approved. This means that any inconvenience caused during this transition has now been resolved. One of the original chapters was quite long, and in order to better fit the story's flow, it had to be divided into two separate chapters. This required some reorganization, resulting in scenes being temporarily missing or repeated.However, I'm thrilled to inform you that with the approved edits, all chapters you have already accessed will now reflect the new changes. I kindly request you to revisit the chapters numbered 7 through 13, as these are the ones most affected by the recent updates. You'll find that missing scenes have been
Chapter 19 The Trial pt 1Tritan, loyal and steadfast, chooses not to take his place beside his parents but instead remains faithfully beside his friend, a symbol of unwavering support and solidarity in the face of uncertainty. Together, they brace themselves for the imminent proceedings, their hearts beating in unison, prepared to confront whatever verdict awaits them.The grand doors of the throne room burst open with a rush of water, their imposing presence giving way to the arrival of Aros, the head Merguardian, leading a group of his mermen in a synchronized procession. The echoing sound of their strokes reverberates through the vast chamber, drawing the attention of the assembled merfolk. Among them is Joe, flanked by Nerissa and Selena, their expressions a mix of curiosity, trepidation, and unwavering loyalty.As Aros guides Joe forward, the circle of six other merguardians forms a protective barrier around them, creating a corridor o
Chapter 20 The Trial Pt 2As Neptune descends and resumes his seat, his nod indicates his readiness to proceed, and Posiden lowers his hand, signifying the continuation of the trial. With a solemn expression, he signs the crucial question that now lingers in the water, demanding a response from Joe and Bryan."How do you respond to Neptune's assessment?" Posiden's signs were clear and direct, his gaze focused on the accused, awaiting their defense against Neptune's damning accusation. The fate of Joe and Bryan, as well as the delicate balance between two worlds, now hung in the balance.Bryan's expression tightens with resolve as he swallows his apprehension. Closing his eyes briefly, he meets the rulers' gaze and begins to sign his response with purpose. "On land, I serve as a marine biologist. It is my duty to study and protect the creatures and flora of Aqualearia. Yes, when I first arrived, I held those hopes, as I was in awe of the merfolk's very existence. However, as I adapt to
Chapter 21 Prison As King Poseidon raises his hand, a signal for the Merguardians to approach, the water surrounding them shimmers with anticipation. With graceful movements of their tails, the Merguardians elegantly glide forward, ready to fulfill their duty. They reach Joe and Bryan, their hands encased in intricately designed copper cuffs. These cuffs, wider than their modern counterparts, bear engravings of ancient merfolk symbols, symbolizing strength and captivity. Joe and Bryan's wrists are securely bound by the Merguardians, the cool touch of the metal resonating through the water. These sturdy cuffs are crafted to withstand the depths' pressures and the strength of the wearers. Additional, smaller cuffs are fastened above their lower fins, restricting their movements. A robust copper chain connects the two sets of cuffs, serving as a tangible reminder of their confinement. In a poignant exchange of glances, Joe and Nerissa's eyes
Chapter 22 Restoring The Cell’s Airgarden Suddenly, Joe's hand grazes over a small crystal sticking out of the wall near the door. To their surprise, as Joe runs his hand along it, a soft whale-like sound emanates from above the wall. Moments later, the sound of chains clinking reaches their ears, and the guards arrive to release them from their confines. The first guard, signs "Back!" The second guard is just behind him to the right and is armed with a long spear. After being instructed, Joe and Bryan move to the rear of the cell. With caution, they comply, their eyes locked on the guards, unsure of their intentions. The first guard then signs, "That is for emergency use only! What is the emergency?" Joe, relieved to have a chance to communicate their dire situation, responds with urgency, his hands swiftly forming the signs, "The air garden is dead! We don't have enough air!" The guard, understanding the gravity of their predicament, decides
.Chapter 23 TensionMeanwhile, burdened by the weight of betrayal, Nerissa desperately sought out Tritan, intercepting him on his way to training. The profound hurt of betrayal was etched on her face as she signed, her hands trembling with emotion, "Did you turn them in?" Tritan's expression hardened, his eyes reflecting a mix of pain and determination, but he maintained a calm demeanor as he signed back, his hands firm and resolute, "No, I promised you I wouldn't! I would never break a promise, Nerissa." Tritan held her gaze, hurt that she would question his unwavering loyalty. After a moment of silence, Nerissa nodded, her eyes brimming with understanding, acknowledging Tritan's steadfastness.Feeling the weight of their shared burden, Tritan and Nerissa exchanged concerned glances, their unspoken worries hanging heavy in the air. Silently, they swam towards Madissa, who was diligently tending to the Pinna Nobillis farm. Maintaining a careful distance, they communicated through soft
Dear Readers,I would like to express my sincerest apologies for the delayed inclusion of this glossary in the book. As I reviewed the content, I realized the importance of having these terms and definitions available right from the start. They provide valuable context that can enhance your reading experience.Here, you will find a compilation of terms and their corresponding definitions that may prove useful as you journey through the pages of this book. However, please note that certain terms have been deliberately omitted from this glossary. This exclusion is intentional, as their inclusion would reveal crucial plot points and serve as spoilers. Rest assured, these terms will be explained in due course as you encounter them in the story, adding intrigue and surprise to your reading experience.Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delayed inclusion of this glossary. I hope that these definitions, along with the anticipation of discovering the omitted terms with