The Little Selkie (retail) Read Free Page B

and destruction!
    Dylan fell to her knees, hope and despair hitting her body like a typhoon. “I am ruined,” she whispered.
    A strange light passed in front of her face, and a musical voice said, “Strange, I didn’t think I would find someone who looks even worse for the wear than I do. What is wrong, selkie lass? Why are you out of the sea and away from your colony?”
    The feminine voice sounded like hope and magic, so Dylan rallied the strength to lift her gaze. In front of her was a large…animal. She supposed it resembled something equine, but its mane and tail were made of black and blue flames, and its body was black like night and spotted with starlight. Perched on its back was a woman she thought beautiful and exquisite. She looked just a few years older than Dylan’s almost eighteen years, but every inch of her was gorgeous enough to banish the darkness laying claim to Dylan’s soul.
    The beautiful woman wore a dress, ocean blue and glittering in the dim light of the forest. As Dylan watched, it changed into a blue-green color.
    “You’re a magic user,” Dylan whispered. Relief crashed over her like a tidal wave. Good magic users—from mages-in-training to fairy godmothers—could be trusted, and consulted for advice. Even Dylan, a selkie, knew this.
    The woman smiled as she dismounted. “I am an enchantress-in-training. My name is Angelique. Can I help you?”
    Tears welled up in Dylan’s eyes, and she told her story and explained her identity. She told the Lady Enchantress about the sea witch, how she had long evaded the selkies’ traps through sheer conniving or dumb luck as humans had ruined their ranks and traps on several different occasions. And she told her about nearly catching her…and being caught in return.
    “I am ruined, Lady Enchantress,” Dylan said, squatting in front of a tree, wishing it were a rock that overlooked the ocean.
    “Couldn’t you return to your people and tell them what happened? Surely they would storm the camp,” Angelique said.
    “Yes, and my pelt would be destroyed in retribution. Although perhaps I have earned it for my careless actions,” Dylan said, her voice dry and scratchy. “It seems it is the only course available to me, for I cannot remain near my pelt. They’ll use my voice. Unless…” Dylan said, leaning forward, her eyes regaining some of their brightness.
    “Yes?” Angelique prodded, patting the neck of her impatient steed before sitting on a log across from Dylan.
    “Could you… take my voice?”
    Angelique blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
    “Could you separate my voice from my body and take it?”
    “No, definitely not. It doesn’t work like that.”
    “Oh,” Dylan dropped.
    “But…” Angelique sighed, “…I could seal your voice.”
    “Seal it?”
    “Lock it up, essentially. Make it so you are unable to utter a noise.”
    “Yes! Oh, please,” Dylan said, sliding forward on her knees. “I’ll pay any price, just please, silence me!”
    “Are you sure it is the wisest course of action?” Angelique said. “Shouldn’t you tell your kinsmen first?”
    “This is my mistake and I know I can make it right—as long as I am swift. If my voice is gone, I will be as useful as a rock to the sea witch and can wait for her and her minions to lower their guard. When they do, I will take back what is mine,” Dylan promised. “And then I will tell my clan. And tell them that the sea witch has human allies,” she frowned.
    Angelique pressed her perfect lips together. “I don’t think it is wise to do this alone.”
    “I don’t need help. Besides you locking up my voice, I mean.”
    “Sealing it.”
    “Yes, that.”
    “Are you certain? Making a decision that will have an immense consequence on all of your kinsmen without their knowledge seems unfair,” Angelique said.
    For a moment uncertainty clawed at Dylan. She’s right. Selkies will be put in danger if I fail, but this is my mistake! But perhaps…no. I can’t