Away in a Tentacle Lair

28. Leo

Chapter twenty-eight

Leo

T he relatives' room is filled with Briareus family members, all sitting or pacing solemnly as we wait for news.

“This is worse than when Clair died.” Rogan paces to the door like he wants to leave but turns at the last minute and stomps back.

“That's because she was already gone.” Alice puts her arms around him, forcing the worried father to accept a hug.

“Do you know what happened that day?” Rogan turns sharply to me, and I brace for his attention. I'll listen to him if that's what it takes to help him hold himself together.

“They were looking for Kai, the kid rumoured to stay underwater for twenty minutes. That number was exaggerated, but they all started circling when their boat found where he was. Each time Clair tried to surface, they aimed at her, trying to separate her from Kai.

When she dived, she used an air tank but was determined Kai would break the curse. They were stuck under the water, buddy breathing, but when Clair passed out, Kai was stuck.

“He said she was hit by a boat.” I frown. He said he'd been scared to surface, and I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been for him as a child to watch the boats moving above him.

“She was. It would have left her dazed and confused. We saw the boats circling and knew they were out there, but it took time to suit up and get out. When we found Kai, he was still trying to drag her to the shore, but she was already gone.”

“I am sorry for your loss, but it wasn't your fault or Kai’s.”

“I don't blame Kai. But it is my fault. I should have done something about the research centre then, and my boy would be safe now.”

“Hey. We can't blame past actions for today's events. We can only blame today's actions for tomorrow's events.” I hug the man; mutual solidarity between two men who risked losing the one man who meant the world to them.

“Wise words,” Rogan approved.

“Wise grandmother,” I pass on the praise where it is deserved. I haven't had a day's hardship in my life. This job was the only thing I've ever had to work for until I met Kai. Thinking about how that young man and his family have fought for everything they have, cursed from birth to pay for their ancestor's crimes. I can't stop the few tears that escape down my cheeks.

“Whatever happens, you are a Briareus now. You have a family here.”

“Thank you,” I sob, feeling the dam break on my emotions.

My mind churns with future conversations with my parents. I came for a prestigious job and ended up being adopted by a mafia family of sea creatures.

“What happens tonight?”

“We all turn into octopus,” Alice says, a kind hand on the arm I have draped across Rogan’s shoulder.

“Including Kai?”

“Dead or alive, that boy has to be home by sunset.” Nicholas sighs. I can't help feeling he’s already planning how to pull it off.