"Don't fucking dare!"
The words tore from Nerissa's throat with a violent force that physically shattered the delicate, bioluminescent anemones clinging to the throne room walls.
It has been a long time the ancient, composed matriarch of the Deep Spires had ever cursed since she had told Roxy who she originally was.
Nerissa was a creature of absolute, terrifying poise. She only ever broke that poise when an anger so deep, so profound, and so historically agonizing was struck directly at its core.
Now, she was completely unraveled, diverting the entirety of her rage toward the massive Merman King hovering before her.
Caspian didn't flinch. He didn't swim backward, and he didn't lower his gaze.
He stood his ground, his broad, muscular chest absorbing the crushing wave of his mother's fury. His silver tail, thick and powerful, held him perfectly anchored in the churning water.
