Broken Tide

By JE Hunter

Love, Fear, Blood...
Learning she was a redheaded sea-witch was just the beginning of the adventure. After a tough fall facing down a dark enemy, Nessa and her friends must now live through an even darker winter. A short trip to Vancouver shows Nessa that she hasn't yet mastered her magic. Being behind in her learning puts Nessa at a disadvantage when she's almost murdered Now, Nessa must fight alongside her friends against new enemies in order to keep the Neptunian Colony safe. Nessa's journey becomes one of blood and sacrifice, and as the days grow dark and long, hope begins to dwindle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JE Hunter
• Release date: Nov 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311052698

JE Hunter

J. E. Hunter lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, and began writing as an excuse to stay inside during the cold winters. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch was born from the author's love of the ocean, which she didn't see for the first time until she was eighteen. Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch is the first book of the Black Depths series.

Book preview

Chapter 1

My eyes opened . Fluid darkness surrounded me. I was in the ocean, so deep the light could barely penetrate. In the depths was a man, or rather, the outline of a man. He was there, and then he was gone. A deep boom reached up from the ocean floor. It came again. My heart thumped, matching it. Boom. Boom. Boom. Quicker and quicker it came, growing louder, growing closer. My eyes opened.

The boom came again. Now that I was awake, I realized it for what it was: a knock.

I sat up slowly, my heart racing in the dark. Come in.

The door creaked opened, letting in light. Good morning. Caesar, my pirate boyfriend, carried a food-laden tray into the dim room. I reached over, turning on my bedside lamp as he closed the door.

Breakfast in bed? What's this for? My alarm clock told me it was seven in the morning. It was still dark outside, the sun wouldn’t rise for an hour yet. I could hear fat drops of rain landing on the windows and roof of the house. Typical for winter on the northern Pacific Coast.

Caesar slipped into bed beside me. Because I have a feeling today's going to be a long one.

He placed the tray on his lap. I pushed up on my elbows to better see the selection: one fluffy, perfectly browned waffle bathed in maple syrup, three strips of extra crispy bacon, an already peeled orange, a large glass of apple juice, and a cup of coffee. The black liquid had become a staple in my diet ever since I'd lost the ability to sleep restfully.

Is something wrong? Caesar asked, when I didn't dive right into the food, but picked at the edge of the waffle instead, eating the crispy bits.

No. No…It’s just… I sighed, looking at the wooden tray, unable to summon an appetite. I had the dream again.

Nessa–

No. I know what you think – what Grandma thinks: that it's just a dream. I turned toward Caesar. He looked back at me, his pupils dilated to let in light. But it's been going on too long to be a dream. I think it actually happened, Caesar. The kurage got away – I know it. The anchor weighing me down lightened with my confession.

I suppose there's a small possibility that he slipped through the vodiani's seaweed trap. Caesar pulled my hand away from the bacon and held on tightly. But after the ass-kicking he and his groupies got back in September, I don't think he'll come back here – if he survived. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice. Caesar let go of my hand, picking up the fork and knife, cutting the waffle for me. Eat. It'll make you feel better. Plus, you need strength today. With all the members of the North Pacific Council arriving - along with mermaid royalty – there's bound to be a lot of running around to be done for your grandma. You know she likes to keep us busy and away from all the fun.

I opened my mouth as Caesar lifted a forkful of waffle to my lips. The sugary syrup filled my mouth, sending a tingle of delight through me, chasing away the vestiges of my nightmares. Thanks. I mumbled once I was done chewing. For making me feel better. And for all this.

Of course. Caesar stole a piece of bacon. What else is a boyfriend for?

I can think of a few things. I entwined my arms around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. Caesar was a lighthouse in what had been a very dark autumn. The past five months had been long ones. It had all begun when Dad died in a car crash. Mom hadn't been able to deal so she'd sent me to live with Grandma. Right before I moved out of the only home I'd ever known, my hair had turned electric red and I'd learned I was a sea-witch. My entire life had turned around in the blink of an eye: a new look, a new home, and a new identity. I'd thought being sent to live on a remote island was the end of my life, but once I grew comfortable using my powers to control water, and made some awesome new friends, I'd realized it wasn't so bad.

Just when everything was going great, the kurage, an evil jellyfish-like creature showed up and kidnapped Shia – a mermaid classmate of mine who just happened to be a princess. I'd been with her in the woods when the kurage attacked us. I’d been stung and knocked unconscious. When I’d come too, Shia had disappeared. It had taken almost the entire population of our small island to rescue her from the boat of black market traders. But we'd done it, though not before they’d managed to chop off a good chunk of Shia's leg. Apparently, eating mermaid flesh is akin to the fountain of youth.

You know, I think you taste better than the food, Caesar said, pulling me out of my reverie.

I laughed, turning my attention back to my still half-full plate. Nothing tastes better than bacon, I teased. Maybe they should just serve this at the banquet tonight.

I can always eat bacon, Caesar said, swiping another piece from my plate. When are they supposed to arrive? Caesar nuzzled closer to me as I slid the tray to the side of the bed.

I wrapped my arm around his, burying my head in his shoulder briefly before lifting it to glance toward the window. I couldn't see anything since my curtains were still drawn. But I knew all I'd see were grey skies, rain, and rough waves. Hopefully not until this afternoon; I want to spend more time with you before things get crazy around here.

I can arrange that. Caesar's voice was low and husky. I'm pretty sure I can block the doorway with your desk. That'll keep your grandma out. At least for a little while. He leaned over me, locking his lips with mine. In the three months that we'd been together, the kissing had only gotten better. My body melted into Caesar's as he held me tightly. His hands slipped over my clothes, down to my waist, and then slowly up under my shirt. I moaned, pressing closer to him, wanting more. But the internal conflict I'd been fighting for the past month reared up: did I actually want more?

We were still kissing - and I was still trying to figure out how far I wanted to go - when I heard the front door open. A rush of voices floated up the stairs. I groaned, pushing Caesar away. There was a small part of me that was thankful for the interruption. I wasn't sure I wanted to go all the way, and I didn't want to do it accidentally. I wanted to be really sure. I think they're here.

Caesar sat up, pulling a hand through his shaggy brown hair. Already?

I bounced off my bed, heading for my closet. I'd better get dressed. Grandma will probably want me to clean or show them around or something before this meeting tonight.

"Why are they here anyhow? I mean, why now? Shia was kidnapped three months ago, and nothing has happened since we rescued her. We already have Barry – as annoying as he is – and more of the Tiderunners acting as guardians, not to mention the numerous myrmidons the merking sent just to guard Shia."

I grimaced, pulling the clothes I wanted to wear from their hangers. Don't even mention the myrmidons, those guys give me the heebee-jeebies. I've never met such...cutthroats in my life. I can't lay eyes on one without feeling like my skin's separating from my bones. The thought of the myrmidons caused me to shiver, and the memory of the first time I’d seen one of the creatures came to mind. I'd been swimming, and I'd seen a sharp, black forked-tail whip through the water. For a moment, I thought it was a harpoon, heading straight for my head. Then I’d seen his face, the sallow, green colour and the scaly skin and the sharp pointed teeth. I'd later learnt that myrmidons were a distant off shoot of merfolk. They were known for their battle skill, warrior nature, and powerful physique. In their culture, everyone became a solider. They began drills and mock-combat scenarios at the age of three. At the age of ten, a myrmidon was cast out alone, and forced to survive a whole month without any assistance, all the while being hunted by their clan. The best won such challenges, becoming leaders. The worst, those who were captured, were put through another ten rigorous years of training. Myrmidon's used their skills to aggressively defend their lands, and lands that others hired them to protect.

The very best of the myrmidons were hired into the merking's guard, and by extension, Shia's. She'd told me they made her a bit uneasy, and that her trick was to, Forget they're there. The Tiderunners, a large family of Orca whale shapeshifters who lived on the Northern half of the island, and had been there for hundreds of years, were positively friendly in comparison. And Barry, mine and Grandma’s new roommate, a selkie, and a recent arrival from Ireland - was the friendliest security guard of them all.

Exactly, so why do we need more security? There's already a housing shortage. The way Caesar's eyes narrowed, I was pretty sure he was referring to Barry and the fact that he lived in my house.

I don't know, but if I did, I'd tell you, I replied. Now get out of here while I change. I swatted at Caesar with my blue t-shirt. He dodged out of the way, gathering up the tray of dirty dishes, leaving the room before I could swat him again.

Every time Caesar left my sight I missed him. I felt smaller, somehow, when he was gone. I'd thought about saying, I love you, but I wasn't sure I knew what love was. Did obsessive compulsive daydreaming and feeling like there was nothing better than being with him count? Was that love? One of my best friends, Amynta, a passionate siren, told me I should have said it months ago. Colleen – my other best friend, and a much more level-headed selkie – had given me the opposite advice, saying I should wait.

I dressed quickly, thinking I would miss Caesar less this way. I slapped on my favourite t-shirt and ripped jeans, and a hooded sweatshirt that would fit snuggly under my rain jacket. I let my long red hair cascade over my shoulders, proudly showing it off. Things had really changed since I'd transformed from a brunette to a redhead. But a few things had stayed the same: my love of fashion, my taste for chocolate, the way my heart ached for Dad everyday – Mom too – although I'd get to see her in a couple of weeks during Christmas break.

I opened my bedroom door and walked out into the hallway, glancing over the railing to scope out the new arrivals in the entryway as I headed for the stairs. Below me, Caesar was holding the dirty breakfast dishes and talking to a beautiful, tall, dark-chocolate woman with a halo of dark red hair in the foyer. Obviously a new arrival.

Who invited you? You don't belong here, Caesar said vehemently, before I even made it to the top step.

I've come to help, Caesar, the woman said, her thickly accented voice carried up the stairs. Her speech reminded me of Juan’s, a pirate classmate of mine, and one of Caesar’s best friends. Juan was from Cuba, and I wondered if this mysterious woman was from somewhere in the Caribbean, too.

"Oh, you want to help, do you. After all this time? What's wrong with you? He's been gone for nearly a year and now you decide to care?" Caesar's face was red. I bit my lip, briefly debating going downstairs before thinking better of it. Whatever was going on, it was private, yet I couldn't tear myself away.

I always cared. Don't you dare accuse me of not caring. The fact that I didn't want to be reckless, doesn't mean I don't care. This wasn't the first time your father disappeared on one of his treasure hunts.

So it's about the treasure? I should have known. Just because –

Scary, isn't it? Someone said from beside me.

I jumped, having not heard Barry come out of his room and join me at the railing. He was Colleen's selkie cousin. He'd come over from Ireland after his own father disappeared, and had moved in with Grandma and me because there was no room left at the York's house and we had lots. Plus, neither Grandma or I minded having someone around acting as our own personal security guard. Especially one who was as good-looking as he was. I didn’t mention that bit to Caesar.

Barry was on the tall side of average and had the trademark pale skin and deep brown eyes of a selkie. He kept his hair buzz cut, so only a tiny bit of the dark black showed. He was extremely fit. I couldn't stop my eyes from drifting over his ripped, bare shoulders and the black, round Celtic knot tattoo on his left bicep. He had a second tattoo of a mermaid on his right bicep, which brushed against mine as we watched the scene below. Needless to say, Caesar did not get along with Barry, mostly because of the fact that Barry refused to wear a shirt when hanging around the house. I didn't mind his clothing choices in the slightest. A girl could be loyal and still enjoy the view.

Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, Barry said in his lilting Irish accent. He nodded at the woman down below. She's a fiery one.

Do you know who she is? I asked, keeping my eyes focused on Caesar.

No idea, Barry replied.

I don't need to listen to this. I'm not going to forgive you. You might as well go home! Caesar stormed away from the woman and out of my view.

I'd better go find him. I gave Barry an apologetic smile before running down the stairs.

The fiery woman was angrily digging through her purse when I reached the foyer. I didn't say a word to her as I stepped off the stairs, speeding through the hallway. I didn't want to upset Caesar by talking to the woman who appeared to be his mortal enemy.

Caesar was in the kitchen, standing at the sink. He turned on the faucet and picked up the soap bottle, squeezing it hard enough that the top popped off, dropping a gigantic dollop of soap into the water.

Hey, how are you doing? I reached for the bottle. Caesar slammed it back onto the counter before I could grasp it. In the sink, bubbles were quickly piling up.

Great, he muttered under his breath. Everything's just great. He plunked the dirty dishes into the water, loudly.

Why don't you let me do this? I reached for the plate Caesar was holding. He grasped it firmly, pulling it from my reach.

I don't need any help, Nessa. I'm fine. He faced me; his eyes dark. He grabbed the silverware from the tray, dropping it into the sink. Or don't you trust my judgement either?

I took a step back in surprise; I'd never seen him like this.

Come on, Mate, there's no need to snap at your girlfriend. Barry swooped into the kitchen with a powerful stride and a friendly, disarming smile. Why don't you go calm down; we can handle the dishes.

Caesar spun round, fixing Barry with a cold glare. He tossed the wet dish cloth to the floor. "Perfect timing, Mate. I was just thinking how great it would be for a shirtless selki to guard my girlfriend for me because no one thinks I can do it myself."

No one said that, Barry said, but Caesar just shook his head, stormed passed the selkie, out the back door past the laundry room attached to the outside of the house, and into the forest, without so much as a goodbye.

Chapter 2

I 'm sorry Nessa , but he's not here. Amynta looked apologetic, grabbing my arm to pull me out of the cold rain and into the warm kitchen of the boarding house. He came back about an hour ago in a foul mood and then stormed off. Markus and Juan went with him though, so I am sure he's alright.

I nodded and kicked off my shoes, following Amynta into the kitchen where she would make us a pot of tea, like always. Juan and Markus were Caesar’s best friends and fellow pirates, I knew if he was with them, I didn’t need to worry - too much. Likely they were out treasure hunting and blowing off steam.

Amynta was one of my best friends on the island. We'd bonded quickly at the start of the school year, over tea and fashion magazines. Like most of the students at the school, Amynta wasn't from the island. She was from Greece, but because she was a siren, she didn't have an accent or any problem speaking english. She could speak any language anywhere in the world, and she would be understood. She was also dating Markus.

Did something happen between you two? she asked, brushing her long, curly blonde hair over her shoulder.

No. I sat down on one of the long wooden benches at the table closest to the stove. The kitchen in the boarding house was built for forty people, and these days was often overflowing with guests. But at that moment, early on a Saturday morning, Amynta and I had the place to ourselves. Someone arrived today, I'm not sure who she is but Caesar was pretty upset to see her. They argued about something. Then he just...stormed out. He didn't even say goodbye to me. I had to admit, it still stung.

You have no idea who she is? Amynta filled the teapot with water from the sink and then brought it to the table. I took it from her, using my powers to boil the water while she found us two mugs and a jar of honey.

No. I mean, Caesar wasn't expecting anyone, and I know his mother isn't like us - a Neptunian - she’s fully human, so it definitely isn’t her. But it was a sea-witch - I think - guessing by her hair. She disappeared after the argument. I didn't get a chance to talk to her. Barry didn't know who she was either. You didn't happen to learn anything when Caesar was here, did you?

Amynta shook her head. Caesar was a bit too busy punching his pillow to talk.

I frowned. That was a little bit out of Caesar's nature. Or did I just not know who he was? We'd been dating for three months, I thought he'd told me everything I needed to know - but just now I was realizing that I'd been naive; there was a lot more to people than kisses and fancy words. I just hope he hasn't gone out and done something stupid, I muttered, thinking of Caesar's desire to set sail and find his father, who’d been missing since the previous summer. What if he's run away?

I'm sure he'll be fine. He'll explain once he gets back. Markus and Juan wouldn’t let him run away. You know them. Amynta sat down across from me, dropping two tea bags into the pot.

I know. I just wish he hadn't left like that. I can't help but worry about him. You know, after everything. After losing my father so unexpectedly. After almost losing Shia. Do you... Do you think we'll ever stop looking over our shoulders? I didn't have to elaborate for Amynta, she knew what I was talking about.

The kurage almost took one of us - one of our friends. He almost killed her. I know I'll never forget that. A pained look crossed her face, pinching her green eyes and tightening her lips. And I know I'll never forget that some people out there see magical beings as a way to obtain immortality and greatness. But I'm not going to spend every moment of every day worrying that someone is out to get me, and you shouldn't either.

I sighed. I don't.

Amynta raised an eyebrow.

I don't. Really. I reached for the teapot and poured myself a cup now that it had had time to steep. You don't think...You don't think that maybe the woman was one of Caesar's old girlfriends, do you?

I thought you said she was older?

She is, but, well, maybe Caesar likes older women? She was very beautiful.

Amynta giggled. Oh, Nessa. Don't even go there. Caesar’s in love with you. Even if an old girlfriend did show up, I doubt he would even look at her once, let alone twice.

Now I flushed. I don't know about that. I mean, I know he likes me, but love?

Amynta shrugged, filling her own cup and adding a generous spoonful of honey. Why shy from it? Embrace it.

Do you and Markus love each other? I teased, knowing full well that they did since they declared it every five minutes.

Amynta pointed a finger at me and wrapped her other fist around the handle of her mug. Don't you try to say I’m fickle, too. I get that enough from Colleen with her, You can't be in love after five days, mantra. That girl, if she isn't careful she'll waste her entire life waiting to fall in love while opportunities continually pass her by.

I smiled, absentmindedly drawing invisible images on the table with my finger. I knew Colleen's secret: that she'd had her heart broken by a pirate a year and half ago and hadn't been able to trust anyone since. But Colleen hadn't told Amynta, and it wasn't my place, so I kept my mouth shut.

Amynta had just begun to tell me about the fashion books her mom had sent her from Greece ahead of time for Christmas when Caesar, Markus and Juan came through the door. Caesar saw me and stopped on the threshold, one foot inside the kitchen, the other outside. Markus and Juan ploughed forward, heading straight for the fridge.

Hey, Caesar said, nodding in my direction but not meeting my eyes. I opened my mouth to return his greeting, but before I could, he disappeared up the stairs, heading to his dorm room. I put my mug of tea on the table and followed him. There'd been enough running away for one day.

Caesar. Caesar, wait. He kept walking, all the way to his bedroom without acknowledging me.

By the time I got there, he was closing the door. I stuck my hand out, catching it just in time to keep it from latching. What's your problem?

Caesar glared at me through the crack, sighed loudly, and then let go. I almost fell into the bedroom, when all the force I’d been applying suddenly had no counterforce. I stepped inside and closed the door, watching as Caesar walked to his dresser, idly picking up something, turning it over in his hand once before chucking it back down. I don't have a problem, he grumbled, falling onto his bed.

Yes, you do. And it has something to do with that woman who just arrived at my house. I let out a hot breath of air. I sat down on the bed next to my impatient and frustrating boyfriend and talked myself into speaking calmly. You have to let me in Caesar, or this isn't going to work. You can't just start ignoring me.

Caesar's dark eyebrows narrowed over his tanned skin, which was slowly growing paler under the grey skies of coastal British Columbia. I'm not ignoring you.

Then tell me what's going on. I gripped his bedspread with one hand. He met my eyes. I was startled at the darkness in his.

It's been three months and you want me to tell you my life's story? I'm not really sure it's any of your business.

I bristled. Three months sounded like plenty of time to decide if you liked someone enough to tell them your secrets. "I want to know you. I stood up, brushing my long red hair over my shoulder as I did. But if you don't want me to know you, maybe I'm in the wrong place. I thought I'd found someone who understood me, accepted me even though I'm a sea-witch with a crazy grandmother. I thought I understood you: my pirate boyfriend whom goes running off to sea whenever he feels the tide pull – but apparently I was wrong. You don't want me to understand you, you just want me when it's convenient. Apparently, I'm just a bit of fun while you're stuck on land going to school."

Stuck on land is right. Caesar turned away from me, looking at the wall. I waited for him to contradict me, to say that I was wrong, that he really did care about me. I knew he did. But he said nothing.

Fine, then. Once you realize you're being an idiot and are about to lose the best thing that's ever happened to you, come talk to me. But until then, stay out of my way. I turned on my heal and walked out, brushing past Amynta who looked startled. For once I was glad I lived at Grandma's house on the other side of the island, instead of in the dorm with my friends. I wanted to be as far away as possible from Caesar right now, which was the first time in our relationship I hadn't wanted to be right beside him.

I'd been on the island for four months now, which meant that I’d also known I was a sea-witch for just as long. Most days it amazed