Mini Brain Dumps

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Trigger Warning: This novel contains references to sexual assault and mental health disorders. Reader discretion is advised.

Chapter 35:

The council chamber lay in ruins, a testament to the power Lyra had unleashed. Quentin and Cate were among the wreckage; their hearts were heavy with the weight of what they had just witnessed. The once-still waters of the chamber had been transformed into a tempestuous sea, mirroring the tumult of emotions that raged within them.

Niamh approached Quentin and Cate with a somber expression, her usual warmth tempered. “Cate, Quentin,” she began, her voice tinged with regret. “I want to apologize on behalf of the council for the harsh use of the truth serum. Thalassa’s interrogation went much further than intended, and I regret the distress it caused both of you.” Cate offered a tight-lipped smile while Quentin nodded.

Niamh offered a sad smile, her gaze lingering on the two young mermaids before her. “I have no doubt that you will find Lyra,” she said, her tone filled with quiet conviction. “But remember, Lyra is not your enemy. She’s lost. Bring her back, help her find her way.”

Her words struck a chord with Quentin, reminding him of the compassion that Niamh had always shown. “Thank you, Niamh,” he said. “We’ll try.”

Niamh smiled and nodded her head. “Good.”

Niamh looked around and noticed the other members waving her over. She shot them an apologetic look before joining them. As the other council members left, Niamh shot a glance over her shoulder before disappearing through the doors.

Quentin turned to Cate. He wanted to apologize but knew now was not the time. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice steady despite the emotions raging inside him.
Cate nodded, “Let’s find her.”

Each alleyway they passed brought memories of Lyra showing them through the city, her energy buzzing as she showed them around. The memories stirred up a storm of guilt within Quentin. He couldn’t help but feel responsible for Lyra’s descent into darkness. His own actions had contributed to the chain of events that led to this moment.

As they passed through the gates of the city and ventured into the murky depths of the ocean, the echoes of Lyra’s anguished cries still lingered in their ears. The search for her felt like a desperate quest to find a beacon of light in the darkness, a flicker of hope in the chaos she had wrought. The once-familiar surroundings now felt foreign and foreboding, each shadowy alcove a potential hiding space for Lyra.

They searched for hours but came up empty-handed.

Cate remained silent; her guard seemingly impenetrable as she focused on the task at hand. Her stoic facade gave little indication of the turmoil raging beneath the surface, her emotions carefully concealed from prying eyes.

Quentin sensed the tension between them, a silent barrier that seemed to grow with each passing moment. He longed to reach out, to offer comfort and reassurance, but he knew that Cate’s walls were fortified against intrusion.

“Cate, I… I need to apologize,” Quentin began, his words hesitant as he struggled to find the right way to express his remorse.

Cate’s gaze remained fixed ahead, her expression unreadable as she listened to Quentin’s words. Her body seemed to stiffen, her tail swaying with a calculated rhythm. The space between them felt vast, filled with unspoken words.

Around them, the ocean seemed to mirror their strained relationship. The once-clear waters now churned with an ominous darkness, casting shadows over their conversation. The distant sounds of the city were a mournful lament, a haunting reminder of the rift that had formed between them. He reached out a tentative hand, but hesitated, his fingers hovering inches from her hand, yearning to bridge the gap, yet recoiling at the weight of her unspoken anger.

“I understand that you’re upset with me,” Quentin continued, dropping his hand to his side.

“Who is she?” Cate wouldn’t look at him as she continued swimming.

Quentin’s breath caught in his throat, his mind scrambling for an answer. “She’s a girl from Marielle,” he replied. “I’ve known her since I was five. We’ve been friends for many years, and she was my best friend before I came aboard the Sovereign. She helped me pursue my dream of going on an adventure. She’s the reason I’m here now.”

For a moment, there was silence between them, the only sound the swishing of their tails. Quentin held his breath, waiting for Cate’s response, hoping against hope that she would accept his apology.

Her words, when they finally came, felt like a knife to his heart, shattering the fragile hope he had been clinging to.

“I hope you’re happy with her,” Cate said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Quentin felt a lump form in his throat, a surge of guilt washing over him as he realized the extent of the damage he had caused.

“I… I didn’t mean to hurt you, Cate,” Quentin stammered, his voice filled with remorse.
Cate’s body tensed at Quentin’s words, her back remaining resolutely turned as she struggled to compose herself. When she finally turned to face him, her eyes were filled with a mixture of hurt and anger.

“I’m truly sorry, Cate,” Quentin said, his voice choked. “I never meant to hurt you. Please, let me try to fix this.”

Cate’s gaze softened for a fleeting moment, but then her expression hardened once more. “It’s okay… I’m used to second place.”

She turned away from Quentin, leaving him alone.

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