Cove threw me in the passenger seat. I would yell but a crazy dosser woman is chasing us. I could care less if I have a few bruises from being manhandled. Everyone jumped inside the truck the moment Cove started the car. Cove punched the gas driving away from the selkie woman.

“When did she come up?” Cove asked as he took a sharp right.

“I was reading when I smelled the horrible smell. She sat across from me and called me Flann Sinna bloodline. Then she ate my book! How dare she.” Rosie said as she huffed. “After she ate my book she tried to bite me but her teeth grazed my skin.”

“Are you okay?” Shannon asked.

I saw Rosie nod from the mirror. I smiled at meself. At least she is okay and didn’t get seriously injured. I looked out the window to see something running past. The smell of fish odor once again hit me nose causing me to gag.

“What is a selkie anyway?” I asked.

“Uh, it’s basically a mermaid and human offspring. They are never full of one thing. Humans reject them because of their horrible looks while merfolks reject them because of human heritage. Very cruel fate if you ask me.” Dylan said.

“But why is she chasing after us?” I asked.

“Aibne, I told you this earlier. You are descended from Flann Sinna. All merfolks want to kill you and your family!” Dylan exclaimed.

“You sound a little too happy about it,” Shannon said.

“Sorry,” Dylan said as he looked behind him. “Don’t really know human emotions yet. Cove does though so he could share your fear of death.”

“You aren’t scared of death?” Shannon asked.

“Why would I? It’s a normal thing in life. Happens to all creatures. Take a right here, Cove I can smell the ocean from here.” Dylan said.

Cove did what Dylan said. Under fifteen minutes we made it to the ocean. I pressed me back against the seat. The memory of yesterday is still fresh in me brain. The mermaid so easily tricked me to go inside the water. They could do it again.

I can’t even swim! So it was to happen then what will I do? Drown in the ocean by meself? Breaking the promise to me Grandfather about never allowing a siren to curse me brain.

Cove grabbed me hand, “I’m not letting anything happen to you.”

I looked at him. I nodded but still fear rushed through me. Dylan hopped out the truck humming to himself. Shannon looked at me with worry written across his face. I just got out of the truck to see what was happening. Rosie followed but stared into the water.

“There are a lot of heads popping out of the ocean.” Rosie pointed out.

“What are they?” Shannon asked.

“Sirens and mermaids,” I said with me eyes widened.

“Aren’t they the same thing?” Shannon asked putting his arms out to protect Rosie and me.

“They are way different,” Cove hissed.

Dylan laughed, “Totally! Sirens used to be birds before you humans confuse them with mermaids. You can always tell which one is which. Sirens have pure black eyes no matter what form they take. Mermaids will always have pure golden eyes. Cool right?”

“I guess but why are they here?” Rosie asked.

Flann Sinna. They are after us to take us out finally. If they do that then all they have left is Aunt June. No more living descendants of Flann Sinna left meaning no more bloodshed. They are trying to corner us to make it easier.

“Three descendants of Flann Sinna.” The selkie said. “How beautiful. How easy.”

Cove hissed at the selkie. He crouched in front of me with his arms out. I watched his arms become tinted green with scales. Merman or siren, I dunno but he is one of them. Dylan crouched down behind us looking around.

“You know we can’t go against an entire pod, Cove. We won’t stand a chance.” Dylan said.

“Who cares?” Cove snapped.

“You’re right. Death is very unavoidable.” Dylan said with a shrug.

Shannon rolled his eyes, “First rule about being human: most of us fear death. That makes us ready to fight or flight. Do you have that?”

“I dunno. I never check.” Dylan said.

“Rosie hand me those earrings. Aibne you get ready to use those silver rings. Cove, you cover me as I make my plan.” Shannon said.

“What are you going to do?” I asked.

“Fight or flight,” Shannon said.

I stared at him me eyebrow raised. The selkie ran towards us with unbelievable speed. Cove ran forward pushing his hands out. Ocean water surrounded us creating a wall.

“Dylan you take care of that pod and I have the selkie,” Cove said.

“Are you sure, Cove? That could be very dangerous going against the pod. Full out civil war! People are going to die.” Dylan said.

“I’m sure. Do it now.” Cove snapped.

Dylan sighed as he nodded. He stomped his left foot on the ground causing the ocean to rise. Me eyes widen seeing how high the wave is. I can hear the mermaids hissing as the ocean began to move. Storms clouds covered the sky causing everything to become darker. There is no way where you could see the sun.

Cove arms began to shake so did the water around us. Then he fell to his knees having the water crash into the sand. Cove said a curse word and raised his arms again. I watched the water rise an inch before falling to the ground.

“Take off that necklace, Cove. It will stop killing you when you use your power.” Dylan said.

“Never.” Cove hissed.

“Stop being a dosser,” I grumbled.

I marched over and pulled down the back of his shirt. Cove shuddered from the cold or me fingers. I hope that it was for the cold. I unclicked the necklace causing it to hit the ground. Cove raised his arms causing the water to rise again this time higher than before.

I stared at the necklace. It’s a long silver chain with a small shell at the end. It looks like a good luck charm. Grandfather always said keep a good luck charm with you at all times. It will make you forever lucky.

Which is why I will always carry a Chinese Lucky Coin. Me Grandfather said it was me fathers. Have been me fathers since the moment he was born and the moment he died. Grandfather gave me the coin because it was in me father’s will.

Me eyes went back to the silver necklace. Why would Cove wear silver if he is a siren or merman? Silver is something no magical creatures can handle. Grandfather said it almost feels as if you set a flame to your arm and leave it there. Allowing it to burn until it leaves you scarred or dead.

I slapped the back of Cove’s back. Cove looked back at me with his eyebrows raised.

“What in your right mind did you think you could wear silver? You’re a merman or siren you can’t handle silver.” I said.

“Don’t start a couple fight now, Aibne,” Shannon said as he cheered to himself. “Can you shoot good?”

“Of course,” I said almost offended.

“Good. Take this and shoot it whenever one of those suckers gets close.” He said.

He put a rubber band and small pieces of broken down earrings. Shannon turned back to Rosie with another set of rubber bands. He put them on Rosie’s knuckles. Rosie stared at them then back to her brother.

“You have a really good sucker punch. You never know.” Shannon said with a shrug.

“Where’s your weapon of choice?” Dylan asked.

“I don’t know how to fight! It’s a miracle I haven’t passed out yet.” Shannon exclaimed.

I rolled me eyes. Of course, Shannon would back out of the fighting. He may be the brashest bloke you will ever meet but he refuses to raise a fist. Shannon calls himself a tree hugger, not a tree fighter.

A hand broke through the water reaching for me. I swatted the hand away making sure to use me rings. A scream of pain broke through the air. Something jumped through the wall and grabbed me shoulders. Slamming us against the sand. I gasped feeling claws digging into me arms.

Black eyes stared into me blue eyes. Long stringy black hair covered me sight from the outside world. Fish odor filled the air burning me nose hairs. I can feel the blood running down staining both the sand and me. I can see cracks along her cheeks peeling back to reveal scales.

“Get off me,” I said, moving around.

“A filthy boy who comes from Flann Sinna bloodline. Tell me why would I do that?” The selkie asked.

“I’m not afraid to hit a girl who attacks me.”

“Funny,” The selkie said with a laugh. “That's what your Grandfather told me before I put a bullet in his head.”

Anger runs through me. I screamed at her as I kicked her off. She laughed at me with a cocky smile. I jumped up from the sand. The rings on me fingers felt heavy with the new information I heard. The ring on me middle is Grandfathers.

“Do you know what his last words were when you kicked and screamed? He called out for a woman named Caoimhe then June then Aidan and his last word? Want to know, Aibne?”

I grabbed a handful of sand and threw it at her, “Shut up! Shut up! You don’t have a right to talk to me about Papa. You dirty dosser!”

“He said soon.” She said.

I looked around for something. Anything that could cause harm! An oyster shell caught me eye. I rushed to grab it but she grabbed me hair. A cheap move. I used me hand to wrap around her wrist. She let out a painful scream but didn’t let go.

“Remember, I’m half human. This doesn’t hurt me as much.” She taunted.

I grabbed both of her wrists then flipped her over me head. A trick that Grandfather taught me. Heavy breathes left me mouth lifting a grown woman makes you tired. I leaped over to grab the oyster shell. The sharp edges cut into me hand.

The selkie grabbed me leg to pull me back. I used me free leg to kick her off. She used her claws to dig into the other leg. I gasped from the sharp pains. I pulled back the oyster shell and stabbed it in her arm. Her screams caused her to let go of me leg.

“That’s for Papa!” I yelled as I kicked her in the face. “That’s for me leg.”

I looked around and saw Dylan trying to keep back the mermaids from the ocean. Arrows are raining down but being blocked from Cove’s sea wall. I took in a deep breath as I turned to look back at the selkie.

She took out the oyster shell from her arm. Her black eyes glared at me with pure fury. I raised me fist for a punch but she gave me the same medicine. She stabbed the oyster shell into me thigh. A scream of pain left me mouth. I tore out the shell and covered the bleeding.

“Looks like you can’t heal like me.” She said.

“Doesn’t mean I’m giving up.” I snapped.

“Can’t you see, Aibne? You can’t win! The bloodline of Flann Sinna will finally end with you guys. No more threats to our kind. We will rule the world as we used too. No one can stop us.”

“You bloody dosser. You are so predictable.”

“Excuse me?”

I sat up, “Always wanting to take over the world. Why can’t you have a more common goal? Like, want riches or endless food. It doesn’t matter if you kill me or me family. There will be people who fight back, wanna know why? Because everyone here on Earth is selfish and wants to protect what is theirs.

“Everyone is a dosser! Kill me but there will be another Flann Sinna. You can’t erase a bloodline without some consequences.” I yelled.

“Acting all high and mighty like your Grandfather. Disgusting. Did you know he hid something that controls all magical creatures? Makes anyone who has it do their bidding. He hid it from the rightful owners. The seafolks. That is why I killed your Grandfather.”

I widened me eyes. I wanted to yell out again. She raised her claws aiming for me throat.

“All I need is a drop of your tears. I could find the thing and become a full mermaid.” She smirks. “So, please cry for me.”

“I don’t cry.”

“We will see.”

She brought her claw down to me thigh where the oyster once stabbed. I screamed from the pain. All she could do was laugh at me. I tried pushing her away but the pain was too much. I can only scream over and over again.

“One tear and it will be all over.” She said.

“I told you, you sick dosser! I can’t cry!” I yelled.

She used her other claw to push me head. She pressed one claw against me collarbone. I gasped waiting for her to push it down. But an arrow shot by hitting her in the shoulder. She fell off me leaving me finally free of pain. I rolled on me side gasping over and over again.

“Aibne!” Aunt June yelled.

“No! He’s my prey.” The selkie yelled as she grabbed me.

She held her claw to me neck. I stared at Aunt June. She held the bow next to her face staring at both of us. The selkie hissed.

“Tell him to give me a tear and I will let him go.” She said.

“Aibne can’t cry.” Aunt June said.

“Told you, you dosser,” I said.

“Aibne!” Cove said. He glared at the selkie behind me.

“You’re lying! Everyone can cry.” The selkie yelled.

“Not him. Can’t you feel it? The curse from a fairy. My father was a smart man and saw this happening from the beginning. You can never get a tear from Aibne unless you find the fairy who cursed him.” Aunt June said. “But I can’t allow him to cry even one drop.”

“Are you saying you will kill him?”

“If I have too yes.”

I nodded at her. Telling her that I will be fine as long as she gets revenge for Grandfather. He deserves justice. Me eyes looked around trying to find anything. Trying to find a way to tell her that I will be okay. A stick or rock to write something down.

The oyster shell right next to me leg. I grabbed it at the same moment saltwater crashed on us. The salt burned the open wounds I have. Once the water fell into the sand, I gasped as I fell forward. Me hand covered the thigh wound so sand won’t get into it.

An arrow flew past us hitting the Selkie behind us. I turned back and saw Cove glaring at us. I turned over on me back, ripping a piece of me shirt and tied it around the wound. A deep breath let me mouth. I’m not sure if it was for relief or pain.

“Aibne,” Aunt June said as she grabbed me. “Don’t close your eyes on me. Not yet.”

“I’m tired and very much hurt!” I hissed.

“Papa gave me this bow before I left Ireland. He said it would keep me safe from the creatures but I called him crazy. He told me that you would come if anything was going to happen to him,” She pulled out a small bottle. “These are healing tears from a mermaid. Use them when you get into a car because you will knock out for twelve hours. But I have to tell you something.”

“What do you mean? I thought you don’t believe in this.”

“Trust me, once your children are in danger then you believe. You need to find the Eye of Balor and destroy it.”

“Eye of Balor?”

“Manny and I can cover you as you leave but you need to go now. Those sirens can’t control the water any longer. But promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“Keep Shannon and Rosie safe. That is all I ask of you.”

I looked at her still thinking that she is insane. But I’m laying between sirens and mermaids fighting the others while a Selkie laid on the ground. Aunt June pushed back me hair with a small frown.

“I promised Aidan that I would watch out for but I didn’t. I had to leave after he died. So, take this.” Aunt June said. She put the bow on me stomach with arrows.

“I know that Papa taught you how to shoot. He taught us when we were young.” Aunt June smiled.

I grabbed the bow. Cove’s worried face met with mine. He looked at Aunt June before picking me up bridal style. I held onto both the bow and bottle of mermaid tears. Aunt June looked at me with tears forming in her eyes.

“Find the Eye of Balor before they do. Shannon knows the way to the cabin. Tell him we went there for a trip when he was five and Rosie was three. He saw the Eye of Balor and only he can tell where Dad hid it.” Aunt June said. “Find it, Aibne.”

Aunt June handed her car keys to Cove claiming her car is faster. Which it is. Cove promised to keep everyone safe. Me hearing began to give out. Me eyes began to get very heavy. I laid me head against Cove’s chest trying to keep me eyes open. Cove set me down in the car with me head on Rosie’s lap.

The bottle was ripped from me hands. The liquid is poured into the open wound. I gasped from the sudden sharp pain. Rosie kept me head in place. Then I could feel the car moving but I can only feel meself going to sleep.

“It’s too hot out here, Papa,” I complained.

Grandfather laughed as he picked me up. I was put on his shoulders. His laughter still filled the air. Grandfather passed me a pair of sunglasses to put on. I did. The glasses had a large seven-year-old face.

“Balor must be roaming the Earth again. Or Apollo wants to show off to another lover. Ye could also have Ra sleeping on the job. Malina could be running in the sky from her brother.” Grandfather said.

“Are those people real?” I asked.

“Of course they are!”

“I never heard of Balor or Malina. Who are they?”

“Malina was a Inuit woman who was of great beauty. She and her brother were close as children but once it came time for them to marry. Her brother looked at all the women of the village but only thought of Malina in such a disgraceful way. That night he snuck into the woman’s tent and took her purity. Malina was horrified and wanted to know who did it. The next night, she covered her hands in soot for the attacker. Her brother came in and did what he did the night before. Only this time, she covered his face with soot. She went to the men’s tent to see who was with soot and gasped when she saw it was her own brother.

“They say she walked back to the tent and cut off her breasts. She gave them to him in a bowl and told him he can have them since he loves them so much. Malina grabbed a lit torch and ran into the woods. Her brother followed behind with another torch but fell causing the torch to be dimmer. They ran so fast they became the sun and moon. Malina runs from her brother everyday as the sun while her brother chases her as the moon.” Grandfather said.

“That’s horrible.” I said.

He turned to look at the ocean.

“Balor was a giant who walked the Earth with his eye closed. They say when his eye was opened destruction was not far behind. Seven layers covered his eyes each doing a different thing. But his final layer will set the land a blaze burning everything in its path! Such a dangerous power.” Grandfather said as he sighed. “They also say that his eye could control all magical creatures.”

“But you say they can’t be controlled.”

“It was a curse set upon the eye. A Romani once told me that me grandson will be the one holding it. But it will be up to him to see what he will be doing with that.”

“So either Shannon or me.”

“Ye shouldn’t have to worry about it.”

“Why not?”

“There is no way June would let Shannon go near that eye. Not after what happened at the cabin.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing Aibne. Ye shouldn’t know just yet.”

Grandfather stopped in front of the ocean. He took me off his shoulders and sat me down on the railing. His hands rested on me shoulders so I wouldn’t fall off. The sunglasses were resting on me curls.

“What do ye see, Aibne?” Grandfather.

“Ocean,” I said.

“Yer not really looking. Ye aren’t seeing the truth.”

“Truth?”

“If ye really open yer eyes. If you really see the ocean then ye would see mermaids, sirens, muc-sheilche, eachy and so on. Ye would see the magical world as I do.”

“How pretty is it, Papa?”

“Very. But it barely holds a candle to me lover. Yer Gram.”

I looked at him seeing him smiling. I want to see what he sees. I narrowed me eyes to see what he saw. Slowly, the images unblurred allowing me to see something. I expected to see large creatures walking or the Muc-Sheilche swimming past me. Instead, I see a small boy laughing.

He is holding something looking down at it with a smile. A baby! The baby's laughter and small arms rise to touch the boy's face. The baby is wrapped in brown cloth with shells decorating it.

The boy looked at me. His brown hair is shaggy and matted from the water. His bright blue eyes stared at me. Not breaking the stare. He pulled the baby close to his chest. A hiss left the small boys mouth directed towards me. He dives into the water but instead of legs, I saw a red tail.

Me eyes widen, “What?”

Grandfather looked at me with a smile.

“See something Aibne?” He asked.

“A boy with a tail. He was holding a baby. Won’t the baby drown?”

“Seafolks are always born with legs. Once they turn five then the tail will grow.”

“What kind of five?”

He smiled, “Five hundred.”

“That’s really old.’

“They don’t age like us, Aibne. Once a magical gets their tail or wings or fangs they can change themselves. Choosing an age that they prefer.”

I look back at him, “Why did I see him instead of others like you do?”

“One day I will tell ye but now. Right now ye should be worried about more important things.”

“What’s that?”

“I just need to teach ye the most important words to mankind. Such as dosser, stook, whanker and manky.” He said as he took me off the railing.

“Dosser?”

“Ye call be dosser when they are boyo or a person who is up to no good.”

“Like you?”

He laughed, “Exactly. I’m allowing ye to say dosser first. It’s the easiest word in me thoughts.”

“Dosser,” I said with a laugh. “Can I call the boy down the street a dosser? He’s always thinking he is the best.”

“Of course! Knock yeself out. Just remember this little one.”

“What?”

“Remember who taught ye the word. Never forget me no matter what.”

I nodded, “I promise.”

“I promise,” I muttered.

“Wow, you really do talk in your sleep.” Dylan said.

“Eye of Balor? What is that?” Shannon asked.

Me hand went straight to me thigh. All I can feel is a hole in the fabric but no wound. I sat up and looked around. We are inside Aunt June’s car speeding past the signs, trees blurred from me sight. I grabbed me head feeling very lightheaded.

“Here you go. Mermaid tears tend to take everything away from you when it heals.” Dylan said as he passed me fries.

“Cabin,” I said.

“What?” Rosie asked.

“Cabin has the Eye of Balor. Aunt June said that Shannon knows the way. Only he can find the eye.” I said.

Cove looked at me through the rearview mirror. His bright eyes made me think of the small boy holding the baby. That’s impossible. There is no way he could be the merman from me memory. It just wouldn’t make sense.

“So, no one is going to explain what this Eye of Balor is?” Shannon asked.

“Papa once said that it can only be controlled by his grandson,” I said.

“Still not telling me anything.” He said.

“The Eye of Balor has the ability to bring destruction to Earth if the wrong person has it.” Cove said as he turned right. “It was also said that with the tear of Flann Sinna has the ability to turn it on and control all magical creatures. Making them do anything.”

“It can cause a whole new World War,” Dylan said.

“How did you guys control the water back there?” Shannon asked.

“And are Mom and Dad going to be okay?” Rosie asked.

Dylan turned around, “Oh those are really simple questions! You see, Cove and I were merfolks, mermen, sirens, and seafolks. Whatever you want to call us. But we are what you call mutts, like dogs you know? Cove and I are both siren and merman. We have a daring alluring voice that brings you to your death and has the unmistaken beauty with the blessing of a mermaid. Isn’t that cool?”

“How is that possible?” Shannon asked.

“Well, much like how you guys come into life just a tad bit different. Eggs, thousands of eggs!” Dylan said as he looked at Rosie. “There is a good chance that your parents are either dead or alive. If they are alive then they are greatly injured.”

“We have to turn back!” Rosie yelled.

“It was Aunt June who sent us away,” I said.

“Who cares? Those are our parents, Aibne. We have to go back.”

“Your parents, Rosie. Not mine.”

“Don’t you care about them? They saved us and we are going to leave them behind so they can die?”

“Did I say too much? I always tend to do that.” Dylan said.

I shook me head. I looked out the window. The Eye of Balor has the ability to control all magical creatures but you need a tear of Flann Sinna. Grandfather said it could only be controlled by a grandson of his. So either Shannon or me have to cry.

I can’t cry. I was never able to cry not even when Grandfather died. Everyone thought that I was insane or wrong in me brain. I just couldn’t cry. I wanted to cry very badly. Grandfather was the person who taught me everything. I wanted to cry for him.

But I just couldn’t.

So, the tear is up to Shannon but is he cursed just like me? Did Grandfather make a fairy take away his tears also? I never saw Shannon cry before. That doesn’t mean he can’t cry, it just means I never have seen him cry before. But is that a good sign?

Shannon groaned, “So what are we going to do? Drive until we are out of gas? Or until someone pulls us over and wonders why we are being piled in the car. With one bruised boy, a small hyper boy who has a black eye and someone whose clothes are ripped!”

I finally noticed what Shannon was talking about. Something I never noticed before. Dylan has a black eye. Cove arms are bruised from his wrist to shoulder. But how? And why am I seeing it now?

“Don’t worry about us, Shannon. We will heal fast.” Dylan said. “By tomorrow these wounds are going to be gone.”

“This is insane. This has to be a dream.” Rosie said to herself.

“This is real, Rosie. You are guys are descendants from Flann Sinna. An Irish king who broke a mermaid’s heart. All the seafolk swore revenge on him and his bloodline. They are not going to stop until every single one of you is dead and buried.” Cove said.

Rosie raised her chin, “I need proof.”

I turned to look at her. I wanted to say something but Cove swerved the car. He parked right in front of the ocean. He told all of us to get out of the car. We did. I watched Dylan’s face looked bored while sighing. Cove pointed at the ocean.

“Tell me what you see,” Cove said.

“Water,” Rosie said.

I stared into the ocean. For the first time in my entire life, I’m not seeing just the ocean or a merboy. I’m seeing everything that Grandfather talked about. I can see creatures jumping in and out of the water. I can see fairies flying above the ocean and jumping on top of elves heads. I can see dwarves walking along the sand and all around me. I can see every single magical creature Grandfather ever spoke of.

I finally understand what he means how beautiful it is.

“Then you aren’t seeing,” I said.

Rosie huffed, “This doesn’t make any sense. How could you believe him, Aibne? You hate everyone.”

“That’s true,” I said but turned to look at her. “Me Papa told me about this. He said fairies can bless newborns. Dwarves can give you any kind of information. Elves can be helpers or little demons. Papa told me everything!”

“I can’t believe in this. Mom said none of this is real.”

“Then why did she give me mermaid tears? Why did she give me . . .” I stopped and turned back to the car.

“Bow?” I asked meself.

I walked back to the car and opened the backdoor. Where is it? Where did I place the bow? Or where did Cove put it? I rushed to the trunk of the car. I pressed the button. I started to count but it’s going to slow. Why is it going so slow?

“Stupid car door. Stop being a dosser and open!” I yelled.

The trunk door opened. I started to check underneath everything and anything. Anything that can give me back the bow. The blue blanket was tossed behind me and I saw it. The shiny silver staring at me. I pulled the bow close to me chest.

Cove stood next to me. He stared inside the car. I glanced back at him then back to the car. I set the bow down between us.

“You were the boy I saw,” I said.

“Depending on what you mean?” Cove asked grabbing at his shell necklace.

“I didn’t figure out your connection with the ocean.”

“You didn’t.”

“Am I going to get answers?”

Cove smirked, “You want answers, don’t you?”

“Of course, I do. Me entire life is going into the gutter.”

“Our deal, Aibne. I would love to answer your questions but the deal.”

I looked at him. He is frowning as if he is upset not being able to tell me anything. I back down at the bow. Great, I blew me chance to ask him anything. I can’t have any answers to anything. Me hand went straight to me hair trying to think.

“Three questions,” I whispered.

The small deal we made back in the circus. I won against him because me poor flirting. I looked at Cove who was smiling at me. Me hand fell to me side.

“I have three questions. Remember our other deal?” I asked.

He nodded, “But you only have three. You have to use them wisely.”

He is right. I will only have three answers from him. And yet I have so many questions for him. I need to know so many things but how can I narrow it down to three? I looked behind us to find Dylan talking to Shannon and Rosie. Rosie looked back at me. Her face looks as if she is going to lose her lunch.

“What are you thinking, Aibne?” Cove asked.

“They are losing their minds. They have no idea what is happening and if their parents are going to be okay.” I replied.

“We just need to go find the Eye of Balor and their lives will return to normal.”

“And what happens to you and Dylan?”

“We will have to return to the sea or hide away from the pod.”

I took in a deep breath, “You don’t have to.”

“And what will we do, Aibne? Hideout in your bedroom.”

“If you must.”

Cove sighed, “We can’t. The pod will kill you no matter what.”

“So, that’s it. You are just going to get up and leave me?”

Cove smirk at me question. Me face burned realizing what I just said. I cleared me throat hoping I could make up an excuse. No excuses came into me mind. I turn back to him shaking me head back and forth.

“I meant us. Shannon, Rosie and me.” I quickly said.

“Of course you did,” Cove said.

I rolled me eyes, “Dosser.”

Shannon rushed over and grabbed me by the shoulders. I raised me eyebrow towards him. He jerked his head towards the ocean. I finally notice his eyes widen. He looks completely scared or shocked.

“Eye of Balor. Some pixie thing yelled at me about it! She said my full name, Aibne. No one knows my full but my family. How did she know that?” Shannon asked.

“Pixies love gossip. Papa would always say be careful what you say around them.” I said.

“He wasn’t wrong. Pixies were known for starting many wars against magical creatures. They were also known for helping humans against their enemies all for the right payment.” Cove said with a nod.

“Help humans?” Shannon asked.

“Yeah! They helped King Arthur from Morgana.” Dylan said.

Rosie walked over, “Why did the pixie keep calling Flann Sinna?”

“It’s what most magical creatures know your family by.” Cove replied.

Shannon turned around letting me go. His head moved around trying to find something. I watched him with me eyebrow raised. Shannon's eyes stopped on the road. He turned back to Cove.

“Hand me the keys.” Shannon said.

“And why would I do that?” Cove asked.

“I know the way to the cabin, you don’t.”

“Good point.”

Cove handed Shannon the keys. We all got inside the car. Rosie sat in the front leaving me to sit between the sirens. Dylan started to ask them questions about random things. Rosie answered best as she could but I could tell her mind wandering. Shannon just drove without looking away from the road.

I looked over at Cove. He is staring outside the window. The sun bounced on his brown skin revealing the green veins inside his arms. I could see the traces of scales from the sunlight. Cove looked at me with bright blue eyes. His hair is tied back but some strands are poking out. His pink tips are fading revealing the bleach blonde.

Cove raised his eyebrow towards me. I darted me eyes down to his arms. His eyes followed mine. He turned over his arm so I could see the green veins clearly. I watch the bruises that once covered his arms turned yellow.

Me shaky hands reached forward to touch it. Cove flinched but didn't move his arm. I trace me finger down the green vein. He laid his palms out revealing something I never noticed before. Between his fingers are webbed. The webbing is clear, so you could only see if a light is reflecting on it. Showing a glitter appearance.

I took a quick glance up at Cove. He is staring down at me hand. I looked back down at me hand. I began to zigzag across his arm. Goosebumps raised against his skin. The small bumps hit me finger. I froze once I reached his elbow.

We both looked at each other at the same time. Two sets of blue eyes meeting. It was almost as if the ocean was finally meeting a river. Neither of us had the strength to look away. So, instead, I moved me finger down and stopped at his wrist. I can feel his heartbeat, it was faster than any human.

It felt as if he went running for three miles without stopping. I’m not sure if that is how it usually goes or because of how close we are. I finally blinked bringing me back into the world. I turned away with me face burning bright red.

But I didn’t move me hand away. It stayed right on him, feeling his pulse.

“How is it that you know where this cabin is?” Cove asked.

“Went there a bunch as kids.” Shannon said.

“And you remember the exact way to get there?” Dylan asked.

“Oh yeah, I have an eidetic memory. Meaning I can remember everything I see and sometimes things I hear.” Shannon said as he tapped his head.

“As if that is really real. Those are just claims you have.” Rosie said.

“How many times are we going to fight about this, Rosie?” He asked.

“Until it has been proven to be real.” She said with a smile.

I leaned back in the car seat, “Shannon?”

“Yes?” He replied.

“Can you cry?”

He looked at me through the rearview mirror, “What?”

“Can you cry?”

“Of course I can. Everyone can cry.”

I looked away. I can’t.

Dylan turned to look at me, “What did June mean by a fairy taking away your ability to cry, Aibne? I never heard of that kind of wish being made.”

“I dunno. Papa never told me about it before.” I said.

“You never questioned that you couldn’t cry?”

“Of course I have. I chalked it up to being a bloody dosser.”

Dylan sighed, “So, your Grandfather ever spoke the Eye of Balor to you?”

I nodded, “Just a bit.”

“What did he say about it?”

“He told me about the giant who had the power of destruction once its eyes opened its seven-layer. That’s all he told me about him.”

“He told you about others?”

I nodded, “He told me the stories around the world. His favorite were the sun and moon people. He would say that Gram was brighter than all the sun people in the world.”

“What kinds of people did he tell you about?”

“Apollo and his sister Artemis. Ra and the many moon gods. Malina and her brother. And many others. I could barely sleep at night because of the tales.”

Rosie looked back at me, “Are Mom and Dad going to be okay? If we find this Eye will they leave them alone?”

“I’m not sure, Rosie.” I said.

She turned away with a frown. I pressed me lips together as I looked down. Shannon turned into a parking lot. I looked out the window to see the sun is setting. Shannon rubbed his face as he leaned against the wheel. Me stomach growled.

I took me hand off of Cove’s wrist to clench me stomach. I prayed that the growling would stop with pressure. And it did for a moment. Me face heated once again. I wish I did eat those fries Dylan gave me. I heard Shannon starting to snore from in front of me. Rosie took out her wallet and turned back to me.

“Will you go inside with me, Aibne? I have to use the bathroom.” Rosie said.

I nodded. Cove moved out of the way so I could get out. Rosie walked forward in the small eating place. A small part of me hoped that it was Nandos because I miss its chicken but it’s not.

I waited at the booths as Rosie went to the bathroom. My hands pressed against my stomach praying it would stop growling. It didn’t. Rosie walked out with her hair tied back. I jumped to me feet glad that she was out. We went to order our food. Rosie got fries and a drink while I settled on a burger combo.

I thought we were eating it in the car but Rosie shook her head. She says that Shannon needs some more sleep before we head out. I just nodded. A person asked me if me accent was real. Of course, I called him a dosser under me breath.

Everyone has an accent! I wanted to scream but instead, I just nodded. I wanted to be nice as I could. Me kindness could only be so stretched. Our food came out with smoke raising giving me stomach another growl. Rosie took the tray and walked towards a table in the back.

I sat across from her taking me combo. I started to eat the fries as she bowed down for grace. I would have also bowed me head but me stomach is eating itself at this point. I was half way through me fries before Rosie spoke up.

“Mom didn’t really speak about Grandfather Alasdair.” Rosie said.

For a brief moment, I forget what Grandfather’s real name is. I only heard it a few times. Such as when the sailors called him a crazy old man or just picked on him. I refused to listen to his real name for a long time. It’s so strange to hear it now.

He always told me that it was the Irish form of Alexander. The greatest Greek commander of all time. He always said that he knew what he wanted and knew how to take it. It was one of the few stories I could listen to without getting nightmares as a child. He asked me why me middle name is Alexander. For the greatest Greek commander of all time.

I used to boast about that until I saw me Grandfather be teased for his beliefs. See how they mocked his name as if it were a curse word. I would hide the fact me middle name was Alasdair for fear it would happen to me.

“You can call him Papa, Rosie.” I said.

“I know but . . . it feels weird. I have never met him before, you know?” She asked.

“Aunt June would always hide her Irish roots. I could see the moment I came.”

Rosie smiled, “You know her accent still slips through. She could never hide it truly we just become so used to hearing it.”

I just nodded.

“She always kept a picture of both Grandfather and Grandmother on the shelf. She never spoke about Grandmother though. She would always tear up when she walks past it.”

“Yeah, Papa would also. The neighbors told me that Gram died by a drunk driver.”

“Mom is a sleeptalker just you are, Aibne. She would mutter things from her childhood and something about Balor. How Shannon is the key, you were the chancer and how I will be the reason if it fails or not.”

I looked at her. The burger that hovered over me lips now stayed there. It just hovered over them. Aunt June called me a chancer? How is that possible? I was just someone who did things for themselves. I always looked out meself even when Grandfather warned me against it.

“What should we do?” I asked. I took a couple of bites waiting for her answer.

“I still can’t believe any of this but the proof keeps slapping me in the face.” She shook her head. “I mean the selkie attacked me. She left me a wound! And a part of me still wants to deny it. Deny that it never happened and that this is all a bad dream.”

“But?”

“But it’s not. What are we going to do, Aibne? What happens if we find this Eye of Balor? Run with it, bury it, or burn it? What are we going to do? Tell me, Aibne.”

“I dunno.” I looked down at the fries. “We could ask Cove. Or Dylan.”

Rosie smirked, “You said Cove first.”

“I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did. I heard you.”

I shook me head, “Shut up, you dosser.”

Rosie laughed at me. We went to eat a few moments in silence. I finished the burger and me drink. I told her that I was getting a refill. She nodded towards me. I got me favorite drink then went back to the table. Rosie is eating her fries almost done with hers. I started with me own fries before Rosie pressed her lips together.

“Do you think we should call them? Like to see if they are alive and well.” Rosie suggested.

“We could.” I replied.

“Aibne, why do you believe this?”

“Papa told me and I always saw these things. It’s just a small little trust you need.”

“Trust. That’s a big meaningful word.”

I looked at her, “Papa used to say that a lot.”

Rosie licked her lips, “Really?”

I nodded.

“Aibne, did you even know Uncle Aidan and Aunt Mirain?”

“Me parents?” I asked as she nodded. “Not really. I have no memories of them. I mean, I see videos from Papa’s video camera but none of them are in me brain. All I know about them is from stories others say.”

“You don’t sound sad about it.”

“I have no memories of them. How can I mourn for someone who I never knew.”

Rosie looked at me with sad eyes. I finished me fries as I stood up. Rosie followed me movements. She told me that she is getting the others something to eat and drink. I walked to the bathroom real quick.

I stared into the mirror to see meself worn out and very tired. Me hair is messy and me clothes are dirty. It looks as if Rosie picked me up from the side of the road and offered to buy me food. I tried to brush the knots but me fingers got caught. I washed me face to get the dirt away.

I look back into the mirror. I jumped seeing Kezia standing. I turned around to see if she was there but she’s not there. Kezia is only in the mirror. Me heart raced looking at her.

“You five are on the search for the Eye. Only one grandson can awaken it. The girl will be the rise or fall. And two mutts shall protect all three of you with their lives. But you, Aibne. I can see many paths for you but only one will lead you to happiness.” Kezia said.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Protect the Eye no matter the cost. Even if it costs your life.”

“That’s just bloody great, huh?”

Kezia smiled, “Use your three questions wisely, Aibne. They can very much help you when you least expect it.”

I looked at her. She just nodded her head. I watched her image fade away with her words ringing in me head. I pressed me lips together tasting the salt. Me pocket felt a little heavier. I reached me hand inside me pocket feeling paper. I pulled the paper out seeing the cash. A whole bundle of cash.

I looked around again. The bundle of cash was shoved inside me pocket once more. I walked out of the bathroom to see Rosie standing next to the door with the food bag in her hands. We both walked outside to see Cove standing outside with his arms crossed. Dylan is sitting in the back playing with his fingers.

Rosie handed Dylan and Cove their food. Dylan started to eat with a smile but Cove looked at me. I just stared at Shannon seeing he was still sleeping on the wheel. That can’t be good for anyone. The bundle of cash began to feel heavier. I pulled it out and looked at Cove.

“We need to find a motel.” I said.

“Nice cash waddle.” Dylan said through the window.

“Who gave you that?” Rosie asked, clearly confused.

“Kezia.” I said.

“That seer?” Cove asked.

I nodded. He stared at the cash before nodding. He set his food back in the bag and handed it to Rosie. Dylan opened the door next to him and slid in the middle. Cove opened the driver's seat and carried Shannon to sit in the back. Dylan allowed Shannon’s head rest on his shoulder. Rosie went to sit next to Dylan. Cove looked at me with a smirk.

“Sitting with me again, Pretty Boy.” Cove said.

“Don’t be a dosser.” I said.

“Would you like to open your door for you?”

“Me arms aren’t broken.”

Cove smiled, “Then shall we be going?”

I rolled me eyes at him. A small smile played across me lips as I walked to the other side. Only he would be able to turn me brain scarlet. Or make me become a dosser meself.