The last of the mermaids, Thalassa, glided out of the cave in a cloud of bubbles and lavender scent, clutching a bottle of rose oil as if it were the most precious thing she had ever had.
"Same time tomorrow, Roxy!" she called back, her voice chiming like a bell. "I will bring the pearls from the Southern Reef!"
The water wall rippled shut, leaving the cave in silence.
Roxy slumped against the coral table, letting out a long breath. Her "Abyssal Salon" had been a roaring success. Piled on the table were bags of rare thermal spices, a pouch of massive, luminous pearls, and, most importantly, a jar of King Sturgeon eggs that looked three times bigger than chicken eggs.
She was exhausted. Her fingers cramped from braiding, and her social battery was drained.
A bone spear hit the sand with unnecessary force. Roxy looked up.
Someone was trying to gain her attention.
