Of Poseidon

the edge of the porch and leans on it. “I already know I’m of the Poseidon house, Rayna. I won’t tell if you won’t,” she says, smiling at Galen.
    “Stop being dumb, Emma,” Rayna yells back as they round the corner of the house, disappearing from sight. “You’re supposed to mate with Grom. Galen is supposed to take you to Grom!”
    Galen stops. It’s too late. She’s said too much. The conversation could have been salvaged up until now. He sets his sister down. She won’t look up at him, just keeps her eyes focused behind them.
    “Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” Rayna says without looking up. A tear glistens in the moonlight as it slides down her cheek. “How the fish follow her around? You thought I was too stupid to figure out why we tracked her across the big land, then stayed with her after you found out she was a half-breed? It’s not right what you did. She belongs to Grom. The decision to breed with her or not is his. It’s not fair to Emma either. She likes you. The way she should like Grom.”
    It’s kind of bittersweet in a way. His sister just ruined the best night of his life and possibly any chance of getting what he wants. But she did it out of respect for Grom. And for Emma. How can he be mad about that?
    Galen hears the front door open. Rayna stiffens. “What’s going on out here?” Mrs. McIntosh says.
    “Oh, um. Nothing, Mom. We’re just talking, that’s all,” Emma says, from the corner of the house. Galen wonders how long Emma’s been standing there, looking at his back. Listening to Rayna accuse him of all sorts of nasty, true things.
    “I heard yelling,” her mother says in a no-nonsense sort of way.
    “Sorry. I’ll be quieter.” Emma clears her throat. “Galen and I are going to walk on the beach.”
    “Don’t go too far,” her mom says. “And don’t make me come look for you.”
    “Mom,” Emma groans at the shutting door.
    Rayna visibly relaxes when they hear the dead bolt slide into place. Emma pushes past them both and heads toward the sand dunes behind her house. Exchanging a look, Galen and Rayna follow.
    At the edge of the water, the moon seems to shine down on them like a spotlight, as if somehow the universe knew tonight would be one of enlightenment. Emma turns and faces them, her face stricken.
    She looks at Rayna. “Spill it.”
    “I just did,” Rayna says. “I just told you everything I know.” She wraps her arms around herself as if she’s freezing.
    “Why am I supposed to mate with Grom? I’m of the house of Poseidon. I’m Grom’s enemy.”
    Rayna opens her mouth, but Galen cuts her off. “Wait. I’ll tell her.” His sister stares at him, doubtful. He sighs. “You can stay if you want. In case I miss anything.”
    She juts her chin out and nods once, ready for him to begin.
    Galen turns back to Emma. “Remember when I told you that Grom was supposed to mate with Nalia, but that she died?”
    Emma nods. “In the mine blast.”
    “Right. They were supposed to mate with each other because they were third generation, firstborn of each house. Anyway, the reason they needed to mate was to perpetuate the Gifts of the Generals. To make sure the Gifts—”
    “I know what perpetuate means,” she says. “Get on with it.”
    Galen shoves his hands in his pocket to keep from moving toward her. “I told you that King Antonis refused to sire an heir after Nalia’s death. Without an heir for Grom to mate with, the Gifts could disappear. At least, that’s what the law says. When Dr. Milligan told me about you, when I saw you, I knew you had to be a direct descendant of Poseidon. So I—”
    She holds up her hand. “Stop right there. Like you said before, I know how the story ends, don’t I?” She doesn’t try to wipe the tears streaming down her face. She laughs, a sharp sound, full of venom. “I knew it,” she whispers. “Deep down, I knew you had some ulterior motive here. That you weren’t trying to help me out of the kindness of your heart. Geez, I really fell for that, didn’t I? No, I fell for you. Lesson learned, right?”
    “Emma, wait—” He reaches for her, but she backs away.
    “No. Don’t you touch me. Don’t you ever touch me again.” She keeps backing away as if he’s going to attack her or something. His gut twists.
    Galen and Rayna watch as Emma disappears between the sand dunes in front of her house, taking double-size steps like she was late for something.
    “You hurt her,” Rayna says