Chapter 2
For mermaids, aside from the gift of granting wishes, the most precious things were the 108 scales on their tails–the source of their physical strength.
In Charlie’s hand was the Scaleshield. I made it for him when I loved him most, forging it from every single one of my scales and my heart’s blood, just to keep him safe.
To craft it, I was unconscious for three months. When I woke up, my body had lost its natural defenses. I was no stronger than any human.
Now, Charlie toyed with the Scaleshield, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Adriana, I remember you said this shield’s made from your tail scales, tied to your soul. If I destroy it…”
The Scaleshield was indestructible. Blades, bullets, fire, water- nothing worked. Only one way could destroy it. And I’d only told Charlie.
“No… Charlie, please, I’m begging you. No…”
Terror made me tremble. I knew what was coming.
Ignoring my pleas, he had someone bring a dagger. The cold blade pressed against my chest–and pushed.
“Ouch!”
The knife cut my skin. The wound healed. He cut again. Over and over. Slowly, cracks spread across the Scaleshield.
Since it was forged from my scales, only my flesh and blood could break it.
The shield was soaked in blood. As it melted, my soul felt like it was being torn apart. My body shattered. My mind blurred. Only one thought remained.
“It hurts.
“It hurts so much.”
“Ms. Jones has given birth! It’s a boy! Congratulations, Mr. Sullivan!”
My body jolted. My mind cleared.
The curse would take effect in three hours. I had to stay alive–to watch them fall into hell with my own eyes. Maria had given birth safely. Charlie finally breathed easy
“Maria! Thank you for giving me a healthy son!”
A sharp pain struck my chest. Six years ago, to save Charlie, I sacrificed my unborn child. After the wish came true, I struggled to give birth to a stillborn–half–human, half–demon.
Charlie knelt by my bed the whole night. The next day, he personally buried the child. I thought, even if he didn’t love me, at least he loved our child.
But seeing his joy as Maria gave birth, I finally understood. He had always despised both me and our child…
Suddenly, a nurse’s scream came from the delivery room. “Emergency! Ms. Jones is hemorrhaging! She needs blood, fast!”
“Draw Adriana’s! Her blood matches any type–and has healing
33.78%
properties!”
Without hesitation, Charlie yanked me up, dragging me to the nurse’s station. The thick needle pierced my vein. In moments, the bag was
full.
“We’ve drawn 800ml already. She doesn’t look good… Should we keep going?”
Charlie glanced at my pale lips. A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes but was quickly interrupted by his mother, Julia Nilsson, rushing over.
“Keep drawing! That’s my grandson in there!”
Julia slapped me hard. “If you had made the wish, my grandson would’ve been born safely already! This is all your fault!”
Charlie nodded. “Everything for Maria and the baby!”
The nurse nodded and drew two more bags. The blood loss made my head spin. My body went limp and fell backward.
My wrist hit a chair with a sharp clang.
Julia’s eyes lit up when she saw it. She grabbed my wrist. “The Blood Bracelet of the Merfolk clan? The one that brings good luck and protection to the wearer?”
“A treasure like this should be my grandson’s first gift!”
