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

His brother moved to run a hand through hair, recalled the presence of a cap, put both hands behind his back. His father took a breath, and glanced at his mother. Water dripped from roof-corners and eaves.


“Oh, Peter.” That was his mother, eyes affectionate, stepping forward. “We were hoping…we thought…if you wanted to come for breakfast…to come over, or to go up to Cade’s place…we mean both of you.” She smiled at Nerein. “I’d like to get to know you. My son’s hero.”


“You listened to Cadence’s opera,” Nerein said, “didn’t you? We’re not them.”


“No, but…” Annie Jones held out a hand to him. “We did listen. And you’re part of his life. Clearly. Which means you’re part of the family.”


Nerein took the hand, rather astonished but without hesitation.


Chapter 61