Once upon a time, on a rocky island with enchantment under the ocean ... Cadence Bell left the windswept Northern Isles and his parents’ inn for the theaters and royal masques and glitter of Londre, swearing he’d make his fortune as a playwright and poet, trading fish stew and rain for fame and adoration and a place at the Queen’s Court. Now his parents are gone and Cade’s inheritance brings him back home, where he’d never wanted to return. But magic lurks beneath the waves, a stray pearl might be a key to another world, and even the quiet local schoolteacher has secrets of his own. Jeremiah Carver never meant to hide secrets. But he promised to tell no one about the other world he’s seen, and he keeps his word. Even if that means concealing magic from Cadence Bell. Which is difficult, since Cade’s not only a dazzling literary success, but also the person Jeremiah’s loved from afar since their years-ago childhood. And he’s afraid he’s falling for Cade all over again now. When Cadence falls under the siren spell of the ocean’s magic, Jeremiah has to make a choice and return to a world he’s left behind once before to rescue his heart from the sea.

Cadence and the Pearl

He took the bottle home. It sat on his small hand-hewn table proudly: a centerpiece of quixotic unpredictable ocean tales, glinting near mugs and bowls and sturdy chairs.5


The following day he got up extra-early and went down to The Bell to see what else he could help with. Gwen gave him porridge and asked whether he knew anything about plans for a regatta and boat decorations, and any required luncheon provisions, for after the Queen arrived. Peter had not known about this latest development, and sighed, and made mental notes about which of his friends he could speak to. A race might be fun; the suggestion of elaborate decorations would be met with skepticism. Cadence Bell might like operatic set dressing and costumes; the gales of Gull Skerrie argued otherwise.


He had a sip of tea, dark and strong. He let the steam caress his face.


Chapter 43