She had no proof of their motives, only her suspicions. It was too big of a coincidence that the merpeople were under her boat at the same time it sunk beneath the waves. But, she hadn’t meant to say the words, they just came out, much like the rage she was feeling now. Tears burned her eyes and she wanted to yell, or hit something, or dent in the wall with her foot—something, anything, just to end the ache. She thought to hear footsteps behind her, but she didn’t see anyone when she glanced over her shoulder. It didn’t matter. She ran faster, trying to escape the confines of the palace. One of the halls had to lead outside the palace. Seeing a bright light, she moved toward it, knowing it had to be an escape. Soon she found herself outside. No one stopped her as she moved toward a long wall. It stretched around the side of the palace. Bright yellow lines ran along the glowing blue stones. Images of sea creatures were depicted along the walls, rising off the flat surface. Finding a narrow gate, she jiggled it until it opened and slipped beyond the palace wall.
