The twin shark boys left soon after, patting Drake and Vlad Jr. on the shoulders like they were tiny warriors parting after a grand battle. Felix's new group said their goodbyes, and Lucien nodded respectfully to the boys who had been listening to him explain sea-shell mathematics.
And then there was Sable.
Arielle's mother had knelt beside her daughter, gently calling her. Arielle turned to Sable, her tiny silver tail swaying sadly as she held his hands.
"I am sorry, Sable… I have to go with Mama now," she murmured softly. "But we will play again later, okay?"
Sable nodded, but the way his lips trembled made Alina's heart twist. He looked like a tiny raindrop ready to fall.
Seeing his expression, Arielle leaned in quickly and wrapped her small arms around him. She squeezed him in a warm little hug, then pulled back and patted his head the same way her mother often comforted her.
"I see you later, okay?" she whispered.
"Yes…" Sable breathed, barely audible.
