Salt Storm: The Salted Series: Episodes #31-35 by Galvin, Aaron (top 5 books to read TXT) 📗

and again to kick or claw against the surrounding water, each continued failing as woeful and worthless as the last.

When Kellen did finally begin to rise, he understood it was not through the power of his own choosing.

Test thy will against us all you like, child, said Moros, his voice as loud and clear in Kellen’s mind as the primal seal voice he remembered hearing and lording over in his Selkie life before. For we be now not one part of thee alone . . .

No . . . it’s not possible! Kellen told himself, cursing for his continued failings and fight when his ascent turned faster still with him to control nothing of the swim and his limbs, not even the tilt of his head. His gaze turned toward the hints of light and the surface beyond as the ascent came faster still, leaving the Abyss behind in favor of the clearer, chlorine-laced pool water he recalled from Tiber High.

Nearing the mirrored surface separating the above from the below, Kellen glimpsed the blurred visions of all those still awaiting them upon the pool deck and in the bleacher stands.

Aye, we be not one part of thee alone now, favored one, Moros continued, his voice louder even than Kellen’s screams. WE . . . ARE . . . THEE!

As the crown of Kellen’s head broke through the watery surface and into the above, he understood that the nightmares he had endured thus far beneath the Salt had only been the beginnings of a worser torment to come.

36

MOROS

The lids of his newfound eyes fluttered open, awakening from the nightmarish dream of bondage and darkened captivity that his brother, Hypnos, had held him trapped inside for over an age. Hovering high in the underwater cavern ceiling above, Moros glimpsed the pair of doors that were both his brother’s portals and windows into the world of dreams.

Buried in the recess of his mind, Moros could hear the voice of his newest prize still screaming at the realization of that which had occurred; the powerless position and prison the one naming himself as Kellen Winstel now lay trapped within. The former owner of his new body watched through eyes that had once belonged to him, now opening and closing at the choice of another.

In time, he will come to be as still and quiet as my Selkies learned, Moros comforted himself with the thought, just as he had done with the first of his creation when giving them a second life.

Drawing on his memories of the life before and inhabiting his creations, Moros swept the boy’s continued threats and curses aside with his power, silencing the nagging voice, if only for a moment. Aye, Kellen Winstel, Moros told the favored one whose body he now shared and held sway over. Soon, you will see. Soon, you will understand our new life together.

Moros winced at the minor itch that teased the corners of his mouth, he scarcely recalling the muscled movements it took to smile. The feel of it broadened when he cast his gaze to the mated pair descending from their lofty perch upon the ledge, near his brother’s twin set of portal doors. There was the sight of questioned wonder in his mother’s eyes, the hope she had long nursed too.

Moros understood the look in his mother’s gaze for the same questions and hopes of rebirth he had long held when trapped and locked away inside his brother’s mind in order to survive. I am returned to you, Mother, Moros thought to himself. Aye, finally returned to you and this world still ripe for the taking.

His gaze shifted from her then, preferring to look upon the one beside the lady of dark and deep. And when he saw the concernment and question that blossomed upon the face of his father, Erebus, then Moros’s glee transformed further still, his smile turning to a chuckle, and it to a far reaching, cackled laughter the likes of which made the other awaiting Sancul draw back in fear.

Only one dared to swim closer to him.

His former lover, Black Keerie, was at his side before he even arose upon the bed of ebony make. Moros . . . she cried, the corners of her eyes twinging in hopeful want. Is it you, lover? Truly?

Moros ignored her for the moment, casting his gaze on all those surrounding him instead. His brother’s wife, Pasithee, the masked mother who kept her face shielded still. There was Kanaloa too. The twins, Phobetor and Phantasos, also.

All waiting.

All watching to learn what further plans he had long held in store for them and all other deep dwellers too.

Of all the familiar faces he had longed to look upon of his own choosing again, however, Moros delighted in none of them moreso than the doomed realization he witnessed in his father’s eyes.

Aye, Moros said in answer to Black Keerie’s question, though his hateful gaze never abandoned his stare of Erebus. I am reborn, lover. Moros chuckled. The old Salt finally returned to lay claim over the new.

* * *

Thank you for reading this episode of The Salted Series.

The adventure will continue in Season 8: THE OLD SALT.

A Note From The Author

Did you like these episodes?

I’d love it if you took the time to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reader feedback is very important to me — I read every review, so now is your chance to let me know what you thought.

Reviews are the best way you can help authors (and especially indies like me) to reach other readers searching for their next favorite book or series. A review does not have to be detailed or long — seriously, even one line is greatly appreciated.

Either way, thank you again for reading this story. I appreciate you choosing my book when you have so many options. I hope you enjoyed this one and that you are looking forward to more adventures beneath the Salt!

Cheers,

Aaron

Appendix

- Humans -

ALLAMBEE OMONDI,