Ocean Academy Years 1 to 3: Ocean Academy

By Sarah Elizabeth

This omnibus edition includes Books 1 – 3 in the Ocean Academy series, plus a novella from the Ocean Academy universe. With nearly 1,000 pages to read, this compendium will keep you enthralled on a fantastical journey under the sea!

Coral's life on the ocean floor is a lonely one. Being a half-human half-octopus puts a target on her back—one that earns her almost daily persecution from the "highborn" Nymphs. However, after a brawl with some underwater hooligans, Coral discovers she has access to a rare form of magic that her family had long since tried to bury. Her unwitting display of power in front of a professor from the coveted Ocean Academy earns her an invitation to attend the most prestigious prep school in the ocean.

Desperate to change her social status, Coral dives into the opportunity of a lifetime only to discover that magic is hard to master, prejudices run deep, and the powerful prey on the weak. Unwilling to give up or succumb to the pressures of campus life, Coral is convinced the only way she can survive her first year at the Ocean Academy is to unlock the secrets of her past and discover who she was born to be. But can she uncover the truth before her future is ripped away from her?

This omnibus edition includes:

- Secrets of the Past (Book 1)
- Call of the Siren (Book 2)
- Maelstrom (Book 3)

This omnibus edition takes you through the first three books of the five book series. 

Buy the Ocean Academy Omnibus today and immerse yourself in a refreshing innovative addition to the already enormously successful Academy subgenre in YA fantasy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gravemore Publishing
• Release date: Jan 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201359683

Book preview

Chapter One

Coral sat in the trenches just outside of the city where many fish, dolphins, and other underwater creatures loved to play. This was a playground for them. It was far enough away from the city they didn’t get skittish. Coral often came here to get away from the hustle and bustle of ocean life. She felt at peace here. Alone with the sea animals.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that out here she never got picked on. Out here, she could be herself and feel like she was at one with the ocean.

She whispered to a group of crabs playing on the crusty ocean floor beside her—her eyes adjusting as silt billowed up around them. She used two of her eight tentacled legs to bat the cloudy water away so she could enjoy the crabs’ revelry. They were scuttling back and forth, trying to climb atop one another. Their version of King of the Hill, she guessed.

The crabs didn’t seem to mind Coral’s presence, strange as she must appear to them. Regular sea life usually avoided the Oceanids. This was likely the first time these crabs had been this close to an Octopod like Coral. She surmised the only reason they stayed was because she had a silver-tongue—one of the Oceanid gifts. It allowed her to communicate with sea life. Otherwise, seeing a half-human, half-octopus would surely frighten the crabs away. By using her gift, she could make the crabs feel comfortable enough to play around her.

She fixated on the crabs playing in the muddy water, imagining what it would feel like to be so carefree. Suddenly, something hard slammed into Coral, knocking her completely off balance. She fell to the ocean floor and felt something pin her down. Coral craned her neck to see what had crashed into her. She waved her hands in the water, trying to grip the object that held her to the floor. She gasped. It was an Adaro. Fierce, brutal, and full of muscles.

What was an Adaro doing here in the trenches? she thought. Dazed by the attack, Coral thrashed her tentacles around, trying to grab onto any part of the Adaro to throw him off her. Although some of her tentacles smashed into the Adaro’s shark-like body, his dark gray skin was so slick that she had trouble gripping onto him, even with the powerful suckers that lined her tentacles.

The Adaro gripped her flailing tentacles with his powerful clawed hands and pinned them to the ground. He thrashed his tail violently to maintain the downward pressure he needed to keep Coral pinned to the ground. The effort was kicking up clouds of dust and clumps of mud from the ocean floor, causing Coral to choke as she struggled to free herself from the fiend.

Coral continued her attempts to shove the Adaro away, but she wasn’t gaining any traction. He was powerful, and he had caught her off guard. The Adaro held her fast. She didn’t see any way of escaping. She couldn’t get free and was confused why he had attacked her in the first place. The Adaro hadn’t hurt her—not really. So what was he after?

While she struggled, another Adaro swam up to her and grabbed ahold of her satchel. His presence startled Coral. She glanced over at him and glimpsed his face through the now-murky water. He was surprisingly handsome for an Adaro. It was strange that of all the Oceanids, the Adaro looked the least like humans, especially from the waist up. His face was human-like, but it kept much of the primal features of the sharks. His face came to a point at the nose. He had a sharp chin and his eyes sunk deep into their sockets. The back of his head was elongated, but rounded at the base. Typical of the Adaro, he did not have any hair.

This second attacker tugged at her satchel, taking the slack out of the strap. He raised his burly arm and swiped at the strap with his sharp claws. The strap ripped in two. The second Adaro shrieked in triumph and quickly darted away, satchel in hand. Once the theft was complete, the Adaro that had Coral pinned sped off behind the other, laughing menacingly.

Coral rose off the ground, rubbing her bruised arms and tentacles.

Seriously? Coral thought. This was the exact reason she came to the trenches—to get away from the prejudices that seemed to plague her everyday life.

Earlier that morning, she had a similarly unpleasant encounter with some Merfolk. True, there was no physical violence involved, but the abuse was still real. Octopods were at the bottom of the social ladder, and it seemed like every Oceanid, from the Sea Nymphs to the Merfolk to the Adaro, was determined to remind her of it.

Coral had woken up early that morning to open the salon that she and her mom ran together. It turned out to be a crazy-busy morning. Coral couldn’t remember the last time they had that many customers in the salon. Everyone in the ocean wanted to get primped and dolled-up today.

Her first customer of the day was a disgusting Merman who wanted his beard cleaned and trimmed. She got him in the barber chair and started working. She immediately had her hands full, shampooing the barnacle-filled beard of this particularly nasty Merman. His dirty beard mirrored how dirty the rest of him was. Slime covered the scales on his long tail all the way down to the large fluke. Brown muddy splotches covered his chest. Most Mermen who got this dirty worked near the surface of the water, cleaning up the trash and other filth that leaked its way into the ocean. Everyone knew the humans caused it, but no one seemed to mind. Every Oceanid revered humans down here in the ocean.

Coral had never seen a human or even been in shallow water. She spent all her days deep down in the belly of Glimmerfalls, which was built into the ocean floor.

As Coral worked on the man’s beard, several young Mermaids bantering near the salon’s entrance drew her attention.

I need to stand out today. I think I am going to dye my hair blond, one Mermaid said. Her current hair color was a deep shade of green. It would be difficult to change that much from green to blond, Coral thought.

That’s pretty gutsy. Only Nymphs have naturally blond hair, her companion said in return. You aren’t worried about offending the Nymph King?

That’s a myth. There are other Oceanids who have blond hair. Besides, how else am I going to get selected? I’m not very magically gifted.

That seems risky to me. I intend to have my hair slicked back and woven with flowers and sea urchins. That’s sure to help me get noticed, the second Mermaid said. This Mermaid’s hair was vibrant green and wavy. Orange and yellow streaks highlighted her skin, like the florescent stripes Coral had sometimes seen in different tropical fish.

Oh, you’d look so pretty with sea urchins in your hair. I can’t wait to see it! the first one squealed. But honestly, you don’t need to stand out with your looks. You’re already so talented at bending water; I am sure they’ll pick you to go to the Academy.

At the mention of the Academy, Coral twisted her hand inside the Merman’s beard and it got caught in some major tangles.

Mom! Can you hand me some detangler? My hands are stuck here.

Sorry, honey, Cassandra shouted from across the room. I’m in the middle of a head massage. Just use your tentacles.

Coral hated using her tentacles to grab things. Sure, it was super convenient, and because she had eight tentacles, she could multi-task just about anything. But it wasn’t very human-like. And if there was one rule of the ocean that everyone lived by, it was to be as human as you could be. After all, the Nymphs who ruled the ocean were practically human themselves. All of them had two legs, fair skin, and long, shimmering hair.

Her mom didn’t pay attention to those kinds of things, however. She was content being who she was. Just an Octopod. Coral admired it. She had even grown proud of her heritage. She just wished she could prove it to the world—that Octopods deserved as much respect as everyone else.

Refusing to resort to using her tentacles, Coral tried yanking one of her hands free of the Merman’s fussy beard. She got her hand free, but she also brought a chunk of dirty black hair with it. The Merman screeched in pain and sat upright, fuming at Coral.

You blasted Octo! Don’t you have any finesse?

Cool it. It was an accident.

The Merman was still furious. This is what I get for mingling with the lower classes. I knew it was a mistake coming here.

The other patrons in the salon stared. Coral’s mom hissed at her. You are making a scene. Apologize. Now!

Coral rolled her eyes and looked at the Merman. She cocked her head to one side and said, Sorry. My mistake. The Merman wasn’t buying it.

He quipped back. That’s no way to talk to your superior. You Octos will never learn your place.

Coral reached behind her with one of her tentacles and grabbed the detangler. She tossed it to another tentacle off to the Merman’s right. She waved the bottle in the water above the man’s head threateningly. Coral eyed him disdainfully.

Do you want me to finish the treatment or not? I’ve got other customers waiting.

Before Coral realized it, Cassandra was by her side.

Watch your tongue, she said privately to Coral.

I am really sorry, sir. Sometimes my assistant doesn’t know her own strength. I will comp your treatment today and allow me to throw in a massage as well.

The offer seemed to satisfy the grumpy Merman because he settled back down in the chair. Cassandra nuzzled Coral out of the way, grabbed the detangler out of her tentacle and began applying it into the man’s beard. While she combed through his beard, Cassandra used her tentacles to massage the man’s back and head. The sound of the suckers gripping and releasing the man’s back made Coral sick.

She hated that the upper classes treated her people this way.

Cassandra shot Coral an annoyed glance. Her mom knew what she was thinking. Coral could tell just by the look in her eye. Cassandra thrust her head towards the long line of customers, beckoning Coral to attend to them.

I don’t have time for one of your moods today, Coral. Not when we are so busy.

But Mom….

Cassandra interrupted her. Go see to the next customer. And be sure to be extra careful this time.

Coral huffed as she swam over to the other Merfolk waiting at the front of the shop.

Next customer, please, Coral said to the group.

A slim busty Mermaid lurched forward towards Coral, eyeing her from head to tentacles as she approached. Coral could feel the judgment oozing off of this woman. Coral’s blood immediately boiled, but she looked back at her mom and bit her tongue.

Follow me, please, Coral said demurely.

The Mermaid followed Coral as she glided over to another salon chair.

Please have a seat.

The Mermaid fluttered gracefully into the chair and settled down. Her hair floated in a bunch just above her head. It was as green as seaweed and just as knobby.

I want you to smooth my hair out and give it an extra shine. I need to look perfect for the selection ceremony today.

At the mention of the selection ceremony, Coral recalled that the other Mermaids mentioned the Academy. No wonder they had such a large crowd in today. Coral had forgotten all about Selection Day. Although, why would she remember? It only occurred every four years, and Octopods never got invited to attend the selection ceremony. Even if they were invited, they never chose Octopods to attend the Ocean Academy.

Cutting her thoughts short, she said to her customer, That’s no problem. I’ll get started right away.

Coral set to work beautifying the Mermaid’s hair. She grabbed two bulging sea sponges from her workstation and squeezed them into the Mermaid’s hair. Silicone spurted from the sea sponges into the green, knotted hair. Coral used her tentacles to put the sponges back while she used her hands to knead the silicone through the hair. As she worked, the hair became less clumpy. Coral grabbed a comb from her station and began combing through the hair. With each stroke, the hair became more luscious and shinier. The silicone was doing its job.

Coral twirled the woman’s hair into a spiral rising high above her head and outward, away from her back. The look was striking. Coral impressed herself. She always had an eye for the dramatic.

How’s that, ma’am?

The Mermaid looked over the hairdo and actually looked pleased. Coral saw a smile spread onto her lips. However, the Mermaid quickly erased any sign of satisfaction and merely shrugged her shoulders.

If that’s the best you can do.

Coral could slap the woman.

The Mermaid rose and swam towards the entry of the salon. She waved to one of her companions, an Adaro. The Adaro swam up to Coral, dropped a few small white pearls into Coral’s outstretched hand, and gestured back to the Mermaid.

My lady gives her compliments.

Really? It looks to me like you are giving her compliments.

The Adaro sneered and swam away, clearly unimpressed with Coral’s attitude. Coral couldn’t help herself. Mermaids. So pretentious.

Cassandra and Coral worked tirelessly throughout the morning to give updos to dozens of Merfolk. No Nymphs visited their shop today, which didn’t surprise her. Nymphs rarely came to visit the far reaches of the city anymore.

Just about an hour before the selection ceremony was to begin, the salon was empty.

Cassandra slowly made her way over to Coral, cleaning up the shop with her tentacles as she went. When she approached Coral, she embraced her and tucked some of Coral’s hair behind her ears. Coral’s pink earring shimmered in the water’s light.

Why do you let them bother you so much? her mother asked.

I don’t know. I just can’t stand being treated like we are inferior to them.

Mermaids have always been that way. You just have to learn to ignore them.

It isn’t just the Mermaids mom. The Nymphs and the Adaro do it too. It feels like the entire ocean hates us.

I know it seems that way to you. But don’t forget what the first Nymph King decreed.

"Ya, ya. Every creature in the ocean has greatness inside of them. No one believes that anymore."

No one? Cassandra gave Coral a wink.

Well. Almost no one.

Cassandra hugged Coral tightly, and Coral let out a little giggle.

If the first Nymph King didn’t believe that, he wouldn’t have granted humanity to all the other races.

Let’s not get into a history lesson, Mom. I don’t think I have the energy.

Very well, Cassandra said. She turned around and glanced over her empty salon. Well, what should we do with the rest of our day? I’m guessing everyone will be at the selection ceremony till late tonight. So, we can do whatever we want!

Coral was excited. She hardly ever got to spend alone time with her mom outside of the salon. If they had the entire afternoon together, she wanted to make this a good outing. Coral thought for a moment.

We could always go swim in the kelp fields.

The kelp fields? No, thank you.

OK. OK. Touchy, said Coral. Well, how about we go visit the sea life down in the trenches. There’s always loads of fish, some funny eels and sneaky stingrays swimming about down there. You know how much I love listening to them.

Says the one with the silver-tongue.

Hey, it’s not my fault you can’t talk to animals. Besides, just because you can’t understand what they are saying doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of them.

Who says I am afraid? Besides, you got that ability from your father, not me.

At the mention of Coral’s father, both Cassandra and Coral paused. Flashes of grief streaked across Cassandra’s face, and Coral instantly felt uncomfortable. They tried not to mention her dad. It was too painful for her mom. Coral missed her father so much. She couldn’t imagine what her mom must be going through.

Coral reached up and stroked the earring she wore. It was a gift from her father. One of the last things she remembered getting from him before he disappeared. That was almost ten years ago.

You go to the trenches without me, her mom said. I’ll close the shop and head home. I could use the rest.

Coral looked at her mother. She looked so frail in that moment. Coral didn’t know what to do or say, so she just hugged her mom and said, Are you sure?

Yes. You go on without me. Besides, you’re young and interesting. You don’t need your mom cramping your style.

Coral grinned at her mom’s attempt at humor and squeezed her tightly. I’ll be back before dark.

Cassandra gave Coral a kiss on the cheek and let her go.

Coral grabbed her satchel and swam out the door. She swam as fast as she could towards the trenches. They weren’t very far from the shop. As she swam, multitudes of Oceanids rushed past her at breakneck speeds towards the selection ceremony. Coral stared at the Mermaids and Nymphs as they swam past. Most swam in groups, but occasionally you’d see someone swimming alone. As much as she despised them, they each were truly mesmerizing. Nymphs especially.

A male Nymph swam just overhead, and Coral got a brief glimpse of him as he rushed past. Being in his presence, even just for that second, made the ocean feel so bright and beautiful. His broad torso was tan and sculpted. He exuded confidence and charisma that seemed to permeate the water around him. His strong, muscular legs didn’t thrash in the water as she expected. Instead, an invisible force propelled him forward in the water that left ripples in the ocean as he passed. As those ripples washed over Coral, she forced herself to look away from the distraction.

Coral looked down and realized she was on top of the trenches. It had only taken her about twenty minutes to arrive. She slowly descended into the trenches and carefully made her way towards the floor. Coral sat on the ocean floor watching as the ocean life swam past her. She closed her eyes and tuned everything out except the whispering of the sea life around her. She could hear the different fish as they swam past, chirping to each other about staying in formation. Although she didn’t see it approach, she could hear an electric eel slinking through the trench, fixated on his next prey. The eel’s thoughts were so focused. She didn’t expect that.

As she enjoyed watching a group of crabs who ventured close to where she sat, two no-good Adaro ambushed her.

Chapter Two

Coral watched the two Adaro swim away with her satchel. She had had enough. She just couldn’t sit by and be taken advantage of this way. Not again.

Anger filling her gills, she launched herself through the water as fast as she could muster towards the thieves.

The Adaro had the advantage. They were much more powerful swimmers. But they obviously underestimated Coral’s determination. She pressed forward with all of her strength, focusing all of her energy into catching up.

After several minutes of hard swimming, she heard what sounded like a crowd of people cheering. As she got closer, the noise got louder and louder.

She couldn’t believe it. Those Adaro swam right into the selection ceremony. It was the perfect getaway, since there wouldn’t be a single Octopod amongst the group. They must have assumed she wouldn’t follow because she was going to stick out like a blooming sea anemone in this place.

Coral’s frustration grew.

She had wanted to find them quickly and get her things back without too much trouble. But now she was going to have to sneak around.

Ugh! This day just couldn’t get any worse, Coral thought.

Coral swam to the edge of Glimmerfalls’ public square. She swam around the perimeter, being careful to hide behind the bigger groups of coral that grew in a ring around the square. The coral colony created an arena feeling to the public square. Coral noticed they had erected a large stage on the far side of the square against the reef.

Coral looked away from the distraction and considered how she was going to get her property back. She would have to avoid any direct contact with the gathering Oceanids to have any chance of finding her satchel. She crawled silently around the perimeter, watching for the Adaro who attacked her. Before she could find them, a loud trumpet sounded from across the square and two stunning Nymphs floated into view.

Bless my beak, Coral thought. That was the Nymph King himself. She had never seen him before. Truthfully, she never thought she would ever see him in person. She was a lowly Octopod. No one she knew had ever had this honor.

The King was close to six feet tall with broad shoulders and a fair complexion. His eyes were light blue and piercing. She could only imagine how many foes stared into those eyes before being vanquished or how many lovers were drawn in by the mystery in his eyes.

She could have daydreamed about his beautiful eyes all afternoon, but the King’s royal yellow tunic caught her eye as he descended to the stage to address the public. One of the King’s shoulders was exposed just like the lower parts of his brawny legs. He stood with a commanding presence.

The King took his time surveying the crowd, letting everyone take in his glory. He wore a golden crown on his head, propped up by his alluring blond hair. His hair shifted slightly in the water. He was so perfect; he seemed to glow. She had a hard time reconciling the bitterness she felt towards Nymphs when facing the King’s magnificence.

Coral tried creeping on to locate the thieves who had brought her here, but she failed miserably. Try as she might, Coral could not tear her eyes from the spectacle unfolding before her. The Queen made her entrance onto the public stage.

The Queen was even more stunning than the King. She had the most exquisite white hair that was almost as long as she was tall. Her thick, shiny hair swayed gently in the water, caressing and accentuating her curves. The Queen’s skin was a perfect tan color and gold bands, shells, and other fine jewelry adorned her body. Her beaded necklace fell between her breasts, which a pair of blue clamshells barely covered. The necklace bounced as she tiptoed around the stage, showing off to the crowd.

Coral gawked at the Queen’s legs. Her legs were long and slender, with just enough muscle tone to make every girl jealous and to make every boy swoon. Coral obsessed over legs a little because she didn’t have any. She just had long, lanky tentacles. She would die to have a killer pair of legs like the Queen’s.

Breaking her fixation on the Queen’s legs, Coral took in the rest of the Queen’s spectacular ensemble. The only other covering the Queen wore was around her hips and it draped just over her pelvis. Of course, it was made of gold.

Coral realized that the only feature that distinguished this woman from a human was her long, pointed ears that flowed back against her head, slowly disappearing into her hair. Coral didn’t think she had ever seen someone or something so stunningly beautiful in her life.

The King’s entourage interrupted Coral’s ogling by shouting, Hail to King Magus. The crowd chanted it back in response. Again, the King’s entourage repeated the chant a second time, and the crowd responded in kind. Coral scanned the group and couldn’t help but feel impressed. There were about two dozen people in the entourage—all different races, including Nymphs, Merfolk, and Adaro. Unsurprisingly, she didn’t see any Octopods up there. Similar royal apparel adorned the group, and they stood in a semi-circle just behind the King and Queen. They must be the Royal Court, Coral thought.

The King spoke. His voice was firm and deep.

Welcome one and all on this very special day. Selection Day.

He paused as the crowd gave a collective cheer. Candidates and their friends and family hugged and cheered at the start of the selection ceremony. The King waited for the excitement to dim before addressing the crowd again.

This is an important tradition for Glimmerfalls. Each race has been blessed with magical talents. Not every Oceanid can claim these talents. Only the blessed end up manifesting the gifts. These gifts were meant to benefit the entire ocean, which is why the Queen and I created the Ocean Academy—to foster the development of magic in our emerging youth. This development is important not only to create well-rounded individuals, but to maintain the stability of our way of life.

The crowd clapped eagerly at the King’s remarks.

Every four years, we open the doors to the Academy to a new group of students who we feel can help shape our culture, economy, and community for the better. Make no mistake. A life at the Ocean Academy is hard. But succeed in school and the life that could be yours—a life on the Royal Court—is a life every Oceanid dreams of attaining.

Again, the crowd of people cheered.

The Nymph King continued. One Merman has been at the helm of the Ocean Academy for the last two decades and has trained many of the powerful Oceanids in our Court today. May I present to you Jareth, the headmaster of the Academy.

Once again, the crowd cheered wildly as Jareth swam out from behind the stage. Jareth was a tall, thin Merman with a great, white flowing beard that mixed in with the white hair coming down past his shoulders. He bowed gently to the crowd and swam down off the stage and in front of the eager candidates.

Although we would love to stay to watch the ceremony, we must attend to other business. So, we have commissioned Jareth to oversee today’s selection ceremony. We give our blessings to each and every candidate and wish you all good luck!

At the King’s pronouncement, the candidates all started waving to the crowd and looking very proud of themselves. The audience clapped and cheered for their favorite candidates.

Having made their official statement, the King waved at the crowd and the Queen blew kisses. Afterwards, the two swam away gracefully, with their guards following close behind them. Before long, they were completely out of sight.

Jareth took a prominent position above the candidates and addressed them.

The Ocean Academy is the most coveted institution in all of Glimmerfalls. If we accept you into the Academy, you will train to become part of the Nymph King’s Royal Court.

The candidates began whispering their excitement and amazement at the thought of being part of something so grand.

Jareth continued. In order to qualify for selection, you must impress one of our professors by demonstrating a powerful magical ability. Parlor tricks will not suffice. You have to truly be dazzling to earn your place. Our professors will take their places in the square, and each of you will have one chance to perform. Succeed, and the most coveted and amazing opportunity awaits you—to study with the brightest magical minds of this century, and to train to become part of the ocean’s royalty. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

A group of professors descended among the crowd to interview each of the candidates. There were five of them, each with a completely unique look. Coral would never have guessed that they all taught at the same Academy.

Once the professors had inserted themselves into the crowd, Jareth exclaimed, Let the selection process begin!

Like a school of fish swarming around food, groups of potential students pushed past each other to get to the front of the line for their chance to impress one of the professors. Coral sat hidden in the reef watching in amusement at the whole spectacle.

To her left, one candidate—a younger Merman with a short choppy beard—began showing off his speed by zipping around the other candidates floating behind him. He swam in concentric circles with such speed that a vortex began forming around them. The professor he was trying to impress was a Nymph as tall and stately as the King. He didn’t have as much hair and his skin was a lot darker, but he was still breathtaking. The Nymph nodded in satisfaction as the young Merman forced the vortex into a tight dome around the other candidates. Satisfied that he had impressed the professor, the young Merman stopped and the vortex slowly dissipated.

Next to him was a Mermaid who was singing a song to one of the Nymph teachers. Apparently, the Mermaid was testing out her ability with the siren’s song, but her attempt to set the male professor in a trance did not work. The professor shook his head in disappointment and the Mermaid swam away blubbering like a baby. Coral chuckled at the Mermaid’s misfortune.

Coral looked over to another group and spotted a young Adaro floating in front of a curious-looking Mermaid with curly green hair and two translucent pectoral fins hugging her hips. The fins had a pinkish hue and complemented her rose-colored tail. Thick goggles hung loosely around her neck. Coral wasn’t quite sure what she used them for, but they made her look scholarly.

The young Adaro waved his hands in the water as if weaving a thread through cloth. The Adaro’s movements became more deliberate. He concentrated on a point in the middle of his hand, waving for a few moments. Then, suddenly, the water in front of him coalesced into a shape. This was hydrokinesis, Coral thought in excitement. She had never seen anyone perform hydrokinesis before. It was satisfying. A wide grin spread across Coral’s face as the Adaro manipulated the water to form a miniature dolphin. The dolphin danced around the Mermaid professor, swishing past her shoulders and fluttering through her curly hair. The professor clapped her webbed hands in approval and the Adaro beamed with pride. Taking his focus off the dolphin, it gurgled out of existence.

Coral clapped as well. She couldn’t help it. The magic was impressive, but also endearing. She wouldn’t have thought an Adaro could cause her to feel that way. However, staring at the clever Adaro reminded Coral why she had originally come to the selection ceremony. She needed to retrieve her satchel.

Coral tore her eyes away from the displays of magic in the center of the square to focus on the outskirts of the crowd where the Adaro who attacked her might be hiding. It took her several minutes of lurking inside the coral colony and peering into the crowd before she spotted one of her attackers. He had found a spot towards the back of the crowd and was rifling through the contents of her satchel. Her lipstick lay on the floor, along with a hairpin and some bracelets. He clearly wasn’t interested in those. Probably wouldn’t fetch him much of a price. Coral looked more closely at the Adaro and realized he was holding up a rather large black pearl. Coral cursed softly to herself. She had saved for weeks to get that pearl. It was going to help her and her mom travel to their homeland during the summer. The thought of losing her pearl sickened her.

Coral couldn’t delay any longer. She had to catch him by surprise and recover her things, or she could pretty much say goodbye to her pearl and her vacation. She used her tentacles to pull herself silently along the reef until she was just behind the Adaro. Her breathing elevated. Her heart began pounding in her chest. It was now or never. I’ve only got one chance at this, so I better make it count, she said to herself.

Coral grabbed the reef with her hands and twisted her tentacles around herself, winding up like a top.

One.

Two.

Three!

Chapter Three

She sprang off the coral reef and launched herself at the Adaro. At the same time, she pivoted her hips as hard as she could. The force sent her spinning through the water. The Adaro didn’t have time to react and the full force of Coral’s attack plowed into him. Each one of her tentacles uncurled and went flying into the Adaro. Coral had clenched the ends of some of them so they acted like great big bludgeons as they slammed into the Adaro. Coral’s tentacles slapped across his head, shoulders, and side, beating him like a drum. The Adaro went whirling away, helplessly trying to shield himself from any further strikes.

With the Adaro distracted, Coral bolted for her satchel and began collecting the items strewn about the ocean floor. As she got the last of her items into the bag, she heard rushing water coming towards her. She threw some tentacles up to create a shield and lunged her body to the side to avoid any oncoming threats. Her gambit paid off. The second Adaro banged into her tentacles, but missed her body. Her tentacles gave way as Coral used the Adaro’s momentum against him. She gripped his body tight with the suckers on her tentacle and spun around, flinging this Adaro into the other one. He slammed headfirst into the other and they both jetted further away from her.

She should have been satisfied with her luck so far. Not only had she retrieved her bag, but she had managed to get in a few blows and embarrass the two thieves. Everything inside her screamed for her to get away. Now.

But she still didn’t have the black pearl. It was too precious to give up on. It represented a much-needed break for her family. That, and she was sick and tired of being picked on. She just couldn’t bring herself to leave the fight. Against her better judgment, she swam after the Adaro demanding the return of her pearl.

Give me back what’s mine! Don’t make me embarrass you any further.

The two Adaro flicked their tails in unison to stop their aimless drifting and pivoted around to face her. Hatred filled their eyes. It was clear these boys wanted revenge. Coral bit her lip and braced herself for the inevitable onslaught.

The two Adaro attacked simultaneously, this time bearing their razor-like claws to inflict maximum damage. The first swam hastily by her torso and slashed at her. Fortunately, Coral used one of her tentacles to tip the Adaro’s tail so that his center of gravity shifted, forcing him to miss. The second swam upwards above the fight and then sharply down towards her head. She tried to lunge forward as fast as she could, but the Adaro was the faster swimmer. His powerful tail propelled him through the water. He came in tight and raked his claws down the length of her back. He spun away from her just before hitting the floor. She didn’t even have time to react.

Her back started throbbing with pain, and blood began trickling out of her wounds. The smell of blood—her blood—filled her nostrils. It was rich and warm. Coral knew having blood in the water would only cause a frenzy in her attackers, rustling up the shark heritage inside of them. She had pushed her luck too far.

Why wasn’t anyone in the crowd helping her? she wondered. She hoped their prejudice against Octopods wasn’t that strong. Surely, they wouldn’t allow these two humanoid sharks to pick her to pieces. Would they? Something inside told her not to expect help.

She gulped.

The first Adaro came back in for another strike and ripped into her tentacles with his sharp claws. In near succession, the second one swam back around, grabbed hold of her arm, and bit down with tremendous force. Coral could feel the thief’s teeth sink into her flesh.

Pain rose inside of her.

Pain. And something more.

Something dark and unexpected.

Something malevolent.

Something . . . powerful.

She whipped her tentacles around again to spin the creatures off her. Coral knocked the first Adaro away, but the one with its teeth in her arm held fast. She used her other arm to put his head in a chokehold and tangled her tentacles all around him, holding him tight against her.

You should have taken my offer, she hissed at him. You drew first blood. Now it’s my turn.

Coral tugged at the anger and pain deep inside, and a strength awoke inside of her. Her body began vibrating with energy. She tapped into her emotions—emotions that were now mixed with raw power—and she pushed it into the Adaro. He resisted at first, sensing the attempt to invade his body. No, his soul. But her determination outmatched his, and he eventually gave in. The magic burst into him, flooding his body with discovery. In that moment, she knew him intimately. She could feel his fear as it cried within him, horrified at what was happening to him. Coral could sense the desperation that lived inside his heart—desperation that drove him to steal a purse from an unsuspecting Octopod. She had somehow tapped into his core. The sensation was exhilarating, but also unnerving. She had to stop this.

She pulled away from the Adaro, trying to separate herself from him. His soul fought against the tug, so she pulled even harder. With a snap, the power she felt rushed back inside of Coral. Unbeknownst to her, part of the Adaro came with it. She felt a renewed strength coursing inside her. As soon as the transfer happened, the Adaro went limp, jaw relaxing and teeth releasing her arm.

Now that the Adaro had loosened its clutch on her arm, she spun again, using her tentacles to throw the Adaro through the water. She was shocked at how gracefully she could spin, and even more surprised at the force she could exert on the limp Adaro. He went flying away from her, crashing into the coral colony. Large fragments splintered off and exploded through the water in all directions. Coral was too enraged to notice, but the collision commanded the attention of the occupants in the public square.

Oblivious, Coral concentrated on the threat in front of her. The other Adaro came at her, but she was too quick. Her speed now matched his, and she parried with ease. Because of her well timed dodge, his attack went wide, and he sailed past her. Using her newfound agility, she whipped a tentacle out and caught him by the tail just as he passed her. She jerked the Adaro back towards her and slammed him against the ground. Coral descended and wrapped all eight tentacles around him, contracting her powerful grip. She had never felt this strong before. It was intoxicating. She could feel her captive struggling to break free, but unable to do so. She glared down at him as fear fell across his face.

She could feel the Adaro getting weaker. Yet she continued to squeeze. She knew where this was going, but she couldn’t stop herself. All the humiliation. All the ridicule. It gushed to the surface, screaming at her to go farther. To end the persecution. To end him.

She was so consumed by her revenge that she failed to notice two burly Nymphs barreling down on her. One gripped her arms while another slammed the butt of a trident into her forehead. Everything went fuzzy and her body went limp, tentacles releasing the nearly dead Adaro.

In no time, everything faded to black.

Chapter Four

Coral groaned as she awoke. Her head ached, and her entire body felt sluggish. She tried to focus her mind on where she was, but the throbbing in her head drowned out her thoughts. She blinked a few times to focus her eyes. After a few tries, her surroundings came into view.

The walls were the color of ivory, illuminated by a bioluminescent orb floating close to the ceiling. The orb gave off a bright blue light that produced a calming sensation in Coral. As her eyes adjusted, she realized she was inside a giant clamshell. She had no idea how she got here. Her heart thumped, inviting panic to rise in her throat. The water inside the shell tasted stale and carried a scent of burning. She tried to sit up, but somebody had strapped her body to a bed of seagrass. She pulled at the ropes. Unfortunately, the incident with the Adaro had sapped her strength, and she gave up quickly. She peered around the clamshell but couldn’t see anyone else inside.

Hello? Is anyone there?

She waited for a response, but none came. The panic rose even further. She looked around for anything that might help her escape.

Hello! Where am I?

Again, no one responded.

She tussled her arms against the ropes to test their strength and see if she could wiggle free. After several attempts, the rope still bound her arms just as tight as when she started. She leveraged her tentacles underneath her and pushed to see if she could break the ropes, but the strain on her arms was so painful that she had to stop before she made any headway. It was no use. She was trapped inside this shell.

She thought back to what led her to this place. Her attack on the Adaro? She had gotten dangerously close to killing the man. Maybe this was some sort of holding cell, she thought. That could explain the ropes and the stale water. She wondered how long she would have to sit in here. Did they even know who she was? Had they informed her mother? Questions swirled in her brain.

She didn’t think she could endure staying inside the clamshell for long, so she made one more attempt to call out for help.

Let me out of here! You have no right to hold me in here! Hello!!!

This time, she heard muffled sounds on the other side of the clamshell.

She cried out again. Hello? Can you hear me? Get me out of here, please!

Coral heard a knocking sound on the base of the clamshell, and light from the ocean began pouring in as the clamshell opened wide. The bright lights stung her eyes a bit, but they quickly adjusted. The fresh scents of the ocean flooded her nose, and she felt relief sink inside of her. She wasn’t free yet, but she felt much better.

The giant clamshell opened fully and locked into place. Three people rested in front of her, examining her like she was some sort of science project. The lights shining behind them obscured their faces. She couldn’t make them out. She spoke again.

Who are you? And why have you brought me here?

That’s simple, child. We put you in here to save you from yourself.

It was a woman’s voice—refined yet airy. Coral squinted against the light to pinpoint where it came from. The woman who addressed her swam closer, and her features came into focus. She recognized the rose-colored tail and the curly green hair. Why did she recognize this Mermaid? Then she saw the goggles hanging around her neck and instantly realized who she was. She was a professor at the Ocean Academy! But why was she here?

What do you mean, save me from myself?

Surely you can’t be that naïve. The teacher looked down her nose at Coral and frowned. What would have happened to that poor Adaro had we not intervened?

Coral wondered the same thing. How far would she have gone? She gulped.

The professor smirked at her, obviously reading the expressions on Coral’s face.

Ah, so you do understand. Good. Now that we have the obvious out of the way, the real question you should ask is, what are we going to do with you? We can’t have Octopods running wild assaulting Adaro in public squares.

But they started it! Coral interjected. They stole my things. I was just retrieving what was rightfully mine.

Does that really matter? the professor offered. The entire display was quite unbecoming of a citizen of Glimmerfalls.

Coral gritted her teeth. Have you ever been mugged? Have you ever been bullied mercilessly because of what you are? I don’t think so. What would a high-class, privileged Mermaid understand about it?

The professor clicked her tongue. Temper, temper. If you ever hope to make it in the Academy, that’s one of the first things that will have to go.

Coral started her retort but choked on her words. Had she heard that right?

Academy? What are you talking about? I’m not in the Academy.

Well, certainly not yet. But you could be, if you wanted.

Coral’s face twisted in confusion. She stared at the professor, stunned by what she had just heard. The professor smiled in amusement and swam back to the others waiting outside the clamshell.

She’s no longer a threat. Please untie her.

The two burly Nymphs swam over to Coral and snapped off the ropes that bound her to the bed. They backed away, always monitoring Coral. Once they had cleared the clamshell, the professor motioned for them to leave.

Come swim with me, the professor commanded.

Not sure what else to do, and still reeling from the invitation she had received, she obeyed.

The two swam slowly away from the clamshell through a rocky ravine. In each bend and turn, she saw another giant clamshell—some open and some closed.

I’m not sure I ever introduced myself. I am Professor Calypso. I teach the class on the Siren Song at the Ocean Academy.

Hi, I’m Coral.

Coral, it is a genuine pleasure to meet you. Calypso grinned at Coral. There was something odd about her smile. It was full and bright, but, to Coral, it also felt a little sly at the corners.

Why would a Mermaid ever be pleased to meet an Octopod, especially one who apparently almost killed someone?

Oh, I don’t think you would have killed that Adaro. I believe you were just overtaken by magic. It can sometimes feel like adrenaline. Actually, more like adrenaline on steroids.

Magic? What magic?

You don’t have to be coy with me. My whole life is magic.

Coral looked at Calypso hesitantly. She really did not know what Calypso was talking about.

I’m sorry, professor. But I can’t see how that is true.

Well, for starters, you exhibited super speed, which is usually a natural magical ability found in Nymphs and Merfolk, not Octopods. Then, you showed super strength and agility—magical traits innate in most Adaro. Because they rarely breed those qualities into the Octopods, I readily assume you have been gifted with magic.

Coral looked down at the ocean floor, jagged rocks rising and falling around them as they continued swimming out of the jail yard. She remembered feeling extra fast and powerful during her fight, but magic? It was impossible. She had never experienced those magical abilities before.

Professor. I don’t have super speed or super strength. There were dozens of candidates out there today. You must have mistaken me for one of them.

Child, you know that’s not true. You were the only Octopod at the square today. And you are no match for two older, bigger, and more experienced Adaro. At least not without the aid of magic.

Coral was still having a hard time wrapping her brain around the concept. I don’t feel fast or strong now. I couldn’t even break free of those ropes. Isn’t that proof that I am not magical?

Calypso sighed and stopped their advance out of the yard. She took Coral by the hands and looked right into her eyes. I believe you are no longer fast or strong. But that still doesn’t mean you don’t possess magic.

Now Coral was really confused. How could she have magic one moment, but not the next?

I’m lost, she admitted. What am I not understanding?

Calypso’s smile widened. I believe you possess a very rare form of magic. No one has seen it in the ocean for many years—decades, perhaps.

Really? What is it?

Well, it doesn’t really have a formal name. I think because no one really understands what it is or what it can do. However, most people have nicknamed it essence manipulation.

Why do they call it that? Coral asked.

Do you remember your fight with the Adaro?

Unfortunately, yes.

I’m guessing there was a point when you were close to one of them, perhaps touching skin to skin?

Coral thought back to her ocean brawl. Yes. One of them bit my arm, and I locked down around him so he couldn’t rip free and tear a big hole out of my arm.

Calypso nodded in satisfaction. During that exchange, I believe you used your magic to take some of the Adaro’s essence—namely his gift of speed, agility, and strength.

Coral remembered how she had broken into his thoughts and feelings. That moment when they were connected. She also recalled the tugging sensation as she tried to break the bond between them.

So, is this a temporary manipulation? Because, like I said, I don’t feel quick or strong.

That’s correct. To put it another way, your magic allowed you to borrow his life energy for a time. When my guards knocked you out, that energy returned to the Adaro.

Is he going to be OK? I didn’t permanently damage him by doing this, did I?

Calypso looked at her quizzically. As I said, this magic is very rare, so we aren’t sure of its long-term effects. The Adaro is still unconscious, but it is too early to tell if that is related to the magic or to you throwing him into the coral reef.

Coral didn’t know how to feel about that. On the one hand, he deserved what came to him after stealing from her and trying to dismember her. On the other hand, she hadn’t intended to cause so much trauma to anyone.

I’m sorry to hear that.

The two began moving again, not saying anything to each other. They swam another forty feet before Coral asked, So you really believe this rare magic lives inside me?

I do. It is the only way to explain your triumph over the Adaro and your present physical condition.

Coral considered her words. And based on that rare magic, you are inviting me to attend the Ocean Academy?

That is correct. Calypso gave Coral an encouraging smile.

Will they really accept an Octopod into the Academy? I thought that was unheard of.

Nonsense. The Academy has had its share of Octopods attend the school. In fact, our potions teacher, Kaia, is an Octopod.

Coral’s mouth opened in surprise. Really?

Really, Calypso said, amusingly.

Coral couldn’t believe it. Why had she not known about this? How did she not know that Octopods had been invited to attend the Ocean Academy? This was too surreal for her.

Mind you. Your attendance won’t be universally accepted. You will need to prove you belong, not just to the teachers, but to your classmates. I wouldn’t be asking you to do this if I didn’t see something special in you tonight. I believe you have all the right qualities to not only survive at the Academy, but thrive.

Coral was truly speechless. She had no idea what to say or how to react.

So, are you accepting my offer to attend the Academy? I wouldn’t be your only teacher, but because I am extending you the invitation, I would act as your mentor while at school. It would be an honor for me to help you discover and master this essence manipulation that you possess.

Nothing like this ever happened to her. Depths! Nothing like this had ever happened to any Octopod she had ever known! She wanted to jump on the opportunity before they ripped it from her, but an image of the black pearl pushed its way to the front of her mind, deflating the excitement she felt at the possibility of going to Ocean Academy. Coral thought about her mother and the plans they had made to visit their homeland. Her expression grew dim.

I am honored. Really, I am. And I never thought a day like this would ever happen to me. But I can’t just leave my mom to fend for herself. We’ve been a team for as long as I can remember. She needs me and I can’t abandon her.

Calypso frowned and shook her head. You understand that this opportunity doesn’t come but once in a lifetime, right? Although the next selection ceremony is in four years, there is no guarantee that your magic will re-manifest or that you will be the only one to have it. Your time has come. Don’t let it slip by.

Coral fought with her emotions. Let me at least talk it over with my mom. I can’t do it without her consent.

That’s a fair compromise. But remember. This offer is not open-ended. If I don’t hear from you by the end of the day tomorrow, I will extend the offer to someone else. Understood?

Understood.

The two had cleared the ravine and were swimming in open water back towards the public square.

How will I get in touch with you? Coral asked.

I’ll send one of my guards to retrieve your answer. Where will I find you?

At the Cephalo-Salon down in the lower east side of Glimmerfalls. My mom and I own the shop. I’ll most likely be there when your man arrives.

Perfect. Don’t forget, Coral. You have twenty-four hours to decide. Do not let me down.

With that, Calypso sang a quirky song and her two bodyguards came swimming up to her. They each placed an arm behind her back and hoisted her up. After another phrase sung by Calypso, the Nymphs sped off through the water, carrying her away as if on a chariot.

Coral sat stunned for a few minutes, trying to take it all in. She still couldn’t believe it. She had actual magic. And she had an invitation to the most exclusive prep-school in the entire ocean. Her mom was going to freak when she found out.

Chapter Five

Coral swam home as fast as she could to tell her mom the news. She was so shocked by the invitation that she didn’t give a second thought to her satchel, which she never recovered. It was past her bedtime when she finally arrived home. Her home was on the backside of the reef on the lower east side of Glimmerfalls, not too far away from their salon. It was a small cottage built right into the side of the reef. She swam up to the door and gave it a gentle push.

As soon as the door opened, her mother bounded on top of her, hugging her in a powerful grip.

Oh, Coral! Thank the depths you are safe!

Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?

Well, when you didn’t come back, I had a bad feeling. I was so worried something happened to you out there in the trenches.

Oh . . . actually something happened to me out in the trenches.

I knew it. I just knew it. Are you OK? What happened?

Can I at least come inside and sit down?

Cassandra chuckled to herself. Of course, sweetheart. Of course. Sorry. I was just so worried about you.

Coral and her mom went into the den. Cassandra nervously stroked Coral’s shoulders. Coral crept over to the far side of the den where her favorite pink pillow sac lay on the floor. It was puffy and leathery like oarweed. She carefully wrapped her tentacles underneath her and nestled in. Her mom elected to kneel in front of the pillow sac, holding Coral’s hands in her own.

Don’t think I haven’t noticed those scratches on your back. You better tell me what happened before I lose my mind.

OK. OK. So, I went to the trenches just like we discussed, and I was minding my own business—enjoying the sounds of all the sea life—when these two Adaro ambushed me.

Adaro? Those monsters. Is that how you got those scratches? Coral, you are lucky to be alive!

Well, obviously, I am fine. Just let me finish, mom.

Sorry, honey. Go ahead.

So, they ambush me and steal my satchel. I had some valuable things in there, so I swam after them. And do you know where they tried to disappear? Somewhere I never, ever thought I would go.

Coral paused for dramatic effect, but it only annoyed her mother. Get on with it, girl!

Coral rolled her eyes and continued. You’ll never believe it. They led me to the middle of the selection ceremony! Mom, you should have been there. I actually saw the Nymph King and Queen. It was amazing! They were so beautiful.

Coral thought mentioning the Nymph King might excite her, but she didn’t react. She just wore a concerned expression.

Anyway, once the candidates began showing off their magic, I continued the search for my bag. I found it. Unfortunately, my two attackers still clung to it.

Cassandra frowned. Don’t tell me you went after it.

Actually, I did. I couldn’t just let them take my stuff, so I kind of got in a fight with them.

Her mom’s face grew stern, and she started shaking her head. Coral! What possessed you to be so reckless? Why would you pick a fight with two Adaro? You are a young girl—barely sixteen years old. You are lucky to be alive, you silly girl.

You keep saying that, but I’m here, aren’t I? So nothing terrible happened.

How did you survive? Surely someone from the selection ceremony stopped the fight.

Actually, mom, I won the fight. Coral beamed with pride at the statement. Look at my arm. I have a pretty nasty battle wound.

Coral’s mom leaned closer and peered over the bite marks lining Coral’s arm. Bless my beak! Coral! This is serious. They could have killed you. In fact, they should have killed you. How in the world did you stop two Adaro?

Prepare to have your mind blown, because this next part is epic.

Cassandra just stared at Coral. Enough with the drama. Just give me the details.

I used magic. Coral felt strange saying it even now. How weird to think she had actual magic. She couldn’t even imagine what her mom must be thinking.

What? Your silver-tongue? her mom asked.

No mom. I’m talking about genuine, mystifying, perhaps even deadly, magic.

Cassandra looked at Coral more directly. Describe it to me.

That wasn’t the reaction Coral had expected. It’s hard to explain.

Try.

"Let’s see. There I was. Wrapped in a deadly embrace with the Adaro. And something just clicked inside. A surge of energy filled my body, and it had to go somewhere. So, I pointed it at the Adaro and it . . .