A Bone in His Teeth

by Kellen Graves

“Why haven’t you been eating what I brought you?” “I have. It’s not enough. But thank you for the offerings.” Eridanys scoffed again, just like Alba expected him to, making him smirk in reply. “S’not so hard, see? Sayin’ thanks.” Eridanys’ white tail thrashed a little more, making the water bubble. “You should thank me for keeping the drowned souls away even while I wasn’t there.” “Thank you.” Alba decided not to mention how some still got through. That annoyed the merrow further, for some reason only god knew, muttering and avoiding Alba’s eyes. “When will you be back?” “Around sunset, probably.” “Then I will watch the house while you’re away.” “Alright. Thank you.” More agitation. Like he’d emotionally prepared for a bigger fight. Alba teased a little further, adding: “I’m sorry for snappin’ at you the other day, by the way. Was childish of me.” “Good!” The tail whipped back and forth hard enough to make the water lap against the rocks. “And I am sorry for leaving!” “Alright. Thank you⁠—” “And I am sorry for not being more grateful! For your help! Thank you!” “You’re—” But Eridanys plunged into the water, making Alba choke on a sharp, surprised laugh. He watched the faint glow of the moonlit creature roll and writhe deep underneath, swimming fast in a dozen circles before surging back up to the surface again. Looking more agitated than ever, like uttering a single one of those words made bugs crawl under his skin. “I would like to sleep in the house at night again!” “Alr...

Underwater angry zoomies. SO CUTE