The Tides of Loss and Longing (Love from the Deep #1)

Chapter 13

Aurelia

A urelia could barely contain her excitement. The day was beautiful, with the sun warm on her face and a gentle breeze teasing her hair. The ocean was calm, perfect for a human to join her in the water.

She watched from the cove as Drake stripped to just his undergarments. She couldn’t help but admire his body—the strong arms that held her tightly and the warm chest she’d nestled her face against in the night. Quickly, she averted her eyes before he caught her lustful gaze on him. Today was for innocent fun, she reminded herself.

“What are you smiling so sweetly about?” Drake asked as he waded into the water.

“Just basking in how perfect today is.” Aurelia twirled in the water, her excitement bubbling over.

“So, where do we begin?” he asked.

“How strong of a swimmer are you?”

“Reasonably strong. I’ve done my fair share of diving, searching for treasures of my own.” He smiled at her teasingly.

“Then come, let me show you the reef! It’s magical. It’s one of the main reasons I chose this island as my home—besides the well-hidden grotto, of course.”

“Lead the way, little mermaid.”

Aurelia led Drake from the cove toward the reef that encircled half the island. She kept her pace slower so he could keep up, but she was pleased to find he hadn’t exaggerated—Drake was indeed a strong swimmer. But still, he was only human. If she were to swim at her usual speed, there’d be no way he could match the powerful strokes of her tail.

Upon reaching the reef, Drake took a deep breath and plunged beneath the surface. Aurelia eagerly followed, descending into the vibrant, dazzling world beneath the waves. They glided through the crystal-clear waters of the lively coral reef. The bright sun painted everything in hues of golden light, casting dancing patterns on the sandy floor. Beneath the cloudless sky, the ocean felt serene and inviting—a perfect day to swim side by side through the tranquil depths.

Aurelia spent the morning guiding Drake to her favorite spots along the reef. She pointed out schools of colorful fish darting in and out of the coral, sea turtles gliding by, and even the occasional jellyfish drifting past. Whenever Drake needed to rest, they floated on their backs, gazing up at the endless blue sky and exchanging lighthearted stories.

“I’ve sailed all over the world, but nothing compares to this,” Drake said, breaking the comfortable silence as they floated. “It’s so peaceful here, far removed from everything. I can see why you chose this island as your home.”

Aurelia smiled softly. “Ever since becoming human, I’ve begun to feel the opposite. This place feels too secluded now... lonely, even. It's a prison cell I might need to break free from.”

Several times throughout the day, she caught Drake staring at her, his green eyes thoughtful. Whenever she met his gaze with a questioning look, he simply smiled or distracted her with another question. She sensed something stirring in his mind but decided to let it go for now. She wanted to savor every moment of this day with him.

When Drake began to tire, she led him back to the shallows of the cove.

“Wait here a minute,” she said, excitement building in her voice. “I’ll find the dolphins and coax them into greeting you.”

Before he could respond, she was off, eager to introduce him to her oceanic friends. She swam beyond the reef and called out in her native tongue. It wasn’t long before their excited calls echoed back. Aurelia grinned as they approached and motioned for them to follow her. Thankfully, they did.

Drake waited in the cove, the afternoon sun gleaming on his tanned torso. A smile spread across his face as the first dolphin swam up to greet him, the youngest of the pod, full of playful energy.

“I must admit,” Drake laughed as more dolphins surrounded him, “This is not a scenario I ever imagined happening to me.”

Aurelia grinned gleefully. “Welcome to life as a merfolk.”

Time passed too quickly as they swam and played with the dolphins. The day felt like a dream to Aurelia—one she wished could last forever. Sharing the ocean with Drake, discovering new wonders together. This playful side of him enthralled her. She’d seen glimpses of it before, but today, he seemed to have let go of all his worries, living entirely in the moment. She wanted more of these moments. She wanted him to stay with her—forever.

She chased the thought away as soon as it came. She could not keep him. He was a man, not a pet. Drake had a crew, a ship, and a life he seemed determined to return to—a world she knew little about.

But what if his crew never came? What if they gave up looking?

The hope that flared in her chest sickened her. Since when had she become so selfish? Drake once again stirred feelings in her that were not her own, turning her into someone she didn’t recognize. Aurelia had to accept that her time with Drake was limited and savor whatever she had left with him.

Drake suddenly appeared before her, snapping her out of her despondent thoughts. “I think it is high time we gather some dinner, little mermaid,” he said.

“Yes, of course,” she said, forcing some cheer into her voice. She worried Drake might somehow sense her selfishness. It would disgust him if he knew she dreamed of him never being found.

“Is something wrong?” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his comforting embrace.

She looked up at him, the familiar crease forming between his brows. “The sea is so full of wonders. It saddens me that you humans can not fully embrace it.”

Drake smiled ruefully. “I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean. It’s why I joined the Navy. Its vastness and raw power excited me. It can truly humble any man. I could only ever dream of experiencing the sea as you do.” Drake grabbed her chin, placing a chaste kiss on her lips. “Thank you for today.”

“You’re welcome, Drake. I’d happily share any part of my world with you.”

Drake was silent for a moment. “I have a surprise for you tonight. You know that bonfire I’ve been working on—my wood pile?” He grinned.

“How could I forget that massive stick pile on my pretty shoreline?”

“Well, tonight we’ll light it. If you were amazed by the torch, this will blow you away.”

Aurelia felt her heart sink. “But... isn’t the fire meant to signal your crew?” She tried to sound nonchalant, but she was crumbling inside.

“Yes, but it could be days before they see the fire.” Drake gently brushed a pink strand of hair behind her ear. “Come,” he leaned down and nipped her ear before whispering, “I have plans to explore your beautiful body in the firelight tonight.”

Her sorrow was shoved to the back of her mind as heat traveled through her body, tightening at her core. “I—okay,” she breathed. Aurelia motioned to the fishing supplies on the beach. “Can you retrieve the supplies to catch dinner?”

While Drake waded to shore, Aurelia bid her farewells to the dolphins. They would also be leaving her soon, moving on to other waters.