The mermaid still refused to release Agatha's wrist, even if the woman's hasty movement jolted her enough that her teeth closed on empty water. She shifted her hold, scrabbling at the boxcutter Agatha was holding, trying to pull it out of her hand, and was so focused on it that she just barely noticed the incoming attack in time to turn away. The man's blow was still sufficient to force the creature to let go completely, however, and send her back through the water with a silent cry.

But all around them the shallow water flashed with silver tails, as all the mermaids who had up until been simply watching surrounded the pair. One by one they surfaced, eyes fixed on the invaders with distinctly unfriendly expressions, and a few of them bared sharp teeth in an angry hiss.