Chapter 1

Ever since Asher Vance learned that a mermaid heart could cure all illnesses, he had my heart surgically removed nine times to treat his beloved Blair.

The ninth time, I wept and begged him.

"Please, no, I'll die."

But he kicked me aside like I was nothing more than a stray dog, his eyes brimming with undisguised contempt.

"Don't mermaids have infinite healing? You bounced back the last eight times. Who are you putting on a show for now? And if you dare run to Grandpa Edward, you'll regret it."

With that, he glared at me in warning, then wrapped an arm around Blair and turned, walking away, utterly uncaring if I lived or died.

When Grandpa Edward found me, my entire body was slowly beginning to fade, becoming translucent. I looked up weakly at the trembling old man and whispered, my voice faint:

"Your ancestors saved me nine times. I promised to protect your family for nine generations. But now, my power, built over nine lifetimes, is completely depleted, and my life is fading fast. Please, let me go."