“I’m afraid I’ve been unfair to you,” Shiki begins, to Shin’s surprise and mine. “You’ve protected this city when no one else would. While others would wish to abandon, overthrow, or even kill the Sea God, you’ve protected him and the brides, and in turn, kept peace and order in this realm. I apologize for many things, but mostly I apologize for making the weight you carry a little heavier.”
I stare at Shiki, stunned by this extraordinary apology.
“And I think,” Shiki says softly, “perhaps, now you understand me a little more.”
I glance between them, wondering what he means by these last words.
“I’ll take my leave,” Shiki says. As he turns, he addresses me. “You would be a welcome guest at my house…”
“Mina,” I say.
“Lady Mina. I know my Hyeri would be glad to see you.”
“And I her. It would be an honor.”
He bows, then slips into the mist.
Shin and I leave the bridge. Joining Kirin and Namgi, we head into the city.
It’s full dark now, the streets aglow with many lanterns, their candles dimmed by the wind. The farther we travel from the river, the warmer it gets, until I no longer have a need for Shin’s over-robe. I take it off, looking ahead to where he walks with Kirin. Shin appears to be doing all the talking, while Kirin walks with his head down. It’s clear Kirin is being reprimanded for what happened at Crane House.
“Don’t worry too much, Mina,” Namgi says, following the direction of my gaze and correctly guessing my thoughts. “Kirin would feel worse if Shin said nothing. This way, he knows exactly how he failed Shin, and will do better next time. If anything, Shin will trust Kirin even more now, since in order to prove himself, Kirin will be even more attentive and dependable. In other words,” Namgi drawls, “he’ll be unbearable.”
The streets are deserted, probably due to a sudden sweltering heat, despite that evenings here are usually cooler.
“Though I do feel for Kirin,” Namgi continues. “He never gets in trouble. Not like me.”
“You have a kind heart, Namgi.”
“Kirin does as well.” I must look doubtful, because he hurries to explain. “He forms attachments slowly, but when he does, he’s the most loyal friend, fiercely protective of those he cares about. He would do anything for Shin.”
“And you?” I ask softly.
Namgi says nothing, though a shadow falls across his face. “When I look at Kirin, I see only him, a bright light in the darkness. When he looks at me, he sees only the darkness.”
We reach the central marketplace of the city. At the far side is the Sea God’s palace, looming beneath a sea of stars. Hundreds of night stalls border the street, and yet they’re oddly quiet, without merchants to hawk their wares. There’s silence all around, a stillness like death.
“Namgi…，” I say. “Where are all the people?”
Namgi peers at the empty market, then glances behind us to the deserted street. His brow furrows, and he reaches for his sword at his waist.
Suddenly all around us falls a heavy curtain of darkness, as if a cloak were thrown over the stars.
I look up and scream. Above us, forked tongue lashing out, is a monstrous sea snake.
21
“Mina, watch out!” Namgi pushes me to the side, then leaps out of the way as the sea snake whips its tail downward, piercing the cobblestones where we were standing. Namgi’s the first to scramble to his feet. He races across the street toward me, but the snake lashes its tail to the side, catching and hurling him against a building.
“Namgi!” I scream, rushing forward.
“Stay back!” Namgi shouts. He lifts his face, and I stumble to a halt. The irises of his eyes are bleeding outward, black creeping over the white. A shadow falls over his body, obscuring his features. His shape darkens and warps, then begins to elongate. Spears of darkness shoot out from his body, and a terrible, in-human cry roars from within the shadowy depths.
Above, the sea snake grows agitated, lashing its tail back and forth. I leap behind a crumbled wall to avoid a blow that would sever my spirit from my body.
Sounds of battle crash from across the market, where more Imugi converge upon Shin and Kirin.
Abruptly Namgi’s roar cuts off. I whip my head in his direction. Slivers of shadow drift from his body like smoke from a fire. Where the curly-haired boy once was lies a great sea snake coiled upon itself. With a low rumble, its long, sinuous body begins to unwind and stretch, reaching its full, incredible length. Black and red scales flicker in the torchlight.