The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 13 – Adar

Excerpts from the fantasy romance novel, “The Merman King’s Bride,” depict a fraught relationship between Adar and the merman king. Their passionate encounter is interwoven with Adar’s emotional turmoil and physical trauma. The passages focus on their intense connection, revealing both intimacy and conflict, culminating in a dramatic climax. The excerpts showcase intense emotions, physical descriptions, and dialogue, contributing to a compelling narrative.

The Merman King’s Bride: A Study Guide

The Merman King’s Bride: A Study Guide

Quiz

1. How does Adar initially try to escape from the net? What does this suggest about his current state of mind?
2. How does Adar describe the effect of the cold water on his body? What specific sensations is he feeling?
3. Describe the interaction between Adar and the character called “Selina” in the passage. Why does he feel “unharmed” but not “satisfied?”
4. What specific animalistic behaviors or descriptions are used to describe Adar in the text? How do these behaviors complicate his characterization?
5. How does the text indicate a shift in Adar’s feelings toward the marriage he is about to enter into?
6. What does the description of Adar falling “like a rock into crystal water” reveal about his emotional state?
7. What actions indicate that Selina has authority over Adar?
8. How does Adar react to Selina’s statement, “You’re bleeding”? What does this reveal about his emotional and physical state?
9. What is the significance of Adar’s repeated statement “I’m not dying”? How does his thought process evolve regarding his fate and Selina’s actions?
10. What is implied about the future in the final paragraph of the provided text? How do Adar’s final feelings conflict with his earlier stated wishes?

Quiz Answer Key

1. Adar attempts to pull and tear at the net, trying to break it with his hands. This action suggests he is desperate and panicked, acting purely on instinct without thinking logically.
2. The cold water causes him to shiver and feel a burning sensation, like a “fire in his veins.” He also notes the cold is numbing his senses and making him physically weak.
3. Adar is relieved that Selina did not physically harm him, yet he remains unhappy, craving more than just physical safety. He is unfulfilled as Selina did not give him the satisfaction of a connection.
4. Adar is described as growling, acting “feral,” and as a “beast” in these passages. This underscores the blurring of lines between human and animalistic nature, and suggests that his primal needs complicate the narrative of a simple fairy tale.
5. At first Adar is resigned to his arranged marriage, but after interacting with Selina and experiencing her manipulations he becomes resistant, eventually stating “I’m not going to marry Iason”.
6. The description of Adar falling like a rock shows the depth of his emotional turmoil, indicating a complete loss of control and emotional freefall. He feels like he is drowning in his feelings.
7. Selina physically grabs, kisses, and forces Adar into submission. She mocks and dismisses his feelings, using manipulation to assert power over him.
8. Adar dismisses her concern and insists he’s not dying, showing a disconnect between his physical reality and his attempts to control his emotions. He doesn’t want to acknowledge his vulnerability.
9. The repeated phrase “I’m not dying” indicates Adar’s denial of his current physical state and a desperation to assert agency. This shifts to an acknowledgement of death but a rejection of Selina’s plan, wanting to have control over his final moments.
10. The final paragraph implies a sense of change and impending uncertainty. While Adar initially wanted to be with Selina, he ends the passage with a sense of doubt, suggesting that his feelings are transforming.

Essay Questions

1. Explore the theme of control and manipulation as it is portrayed in the text. How do the characters try to exert control over each other, and what are the consequences of these power dynamics?
2. Discuss the ways in which the text blurs the lines between human and animal nature. How does this contribute to the overall themes and character development in the story?
3. Analyze the use of sensory details and figurative language in the passage. How do these literary devices contribute to the creation of mood, atmosphere, and character development?
4. Compare and contrast Adar’s initial desires with his evolving perspective in the narrative. How do his relationships with other characters shape and change his internal conflicts?
5. How does the text subvert traditional fairy tale tropes? Consider elements such as marriage, romance, and character roles in your analysis.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Fae/Faerie: A supernatural being or entity, often associated with magic and otherworldly realms.
• Cursed Fae Kings: Supernatural beings of a royal line, who are negatively impacted by a supernatural curse that they may be bound to or struggling to free themselves from.
• Primal: Relating to an early stage in evolutionary development; instinctive, raw, and basic. Often used to describe urges that are not controlled by intellect or emotion.
• Manipulation: The act of controlling or influencing someone or something, often through deceitful means.
• Resignation: The acceptance of something unavoidable or unpleasant.
• Subversion: To undermine the power and authority of a system or institution through direct or indirect challenges.
• Agency: The capacity of an individual to act independently and make their own free choices.
• Sensory Detail: Descriptions that engage the reader’s five senses to evoke a more tangible experience of the text.
• Figurative Language: Language that uses imagery, metaphors, and other non-literal techniques to express meaning in a more creative manner.
• Trope: A common and recurring theme or device that is used in literature and other storytelling forms.

The Merman King’s Bride: A Dark Fairytale Romance

Okay, here is a detailed briefing document reviewing the provided excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”:

Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride” Excerpts

Date: October 24, 2023

Source Material: Excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” provided in combinepdf.pdf

Overview:

These excerpts present a pivotal moment in a dark fairytale romance, focusing on the complex and often tortured relationship between the protagonist (referred to as “Adar”) and her fae captor, who appears to be the Merman King. The narrative is driven by themes of forced marriage, physical and emotional pain, the struggle for agency, and the blurring lines of love and obsession. Adar is clearly being held captive, and there’s a sense of a deeper, magical curse or power at play. These scenes take place near a body of water with rocky shores and suggest a world that’s not entirely our own.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Captivity and Lack of Agency: Adar is held captive against her will, both physically and emotionally.

• Physical Restraint: The opening scene depicts Adar struggling with an iron net, highlighting her forced confinement: “My hands are bleeding where I’m gripping the iron net, trying to break it. For the past two years, I’ve tried to pull it apart, tear a hole in it, re-open the gate to Faerie. The net is rusty but it’s still holding.”
• Forced Marriage: The Merman King states he will marry Adar, stripping her of any choice: “You’re going to marry him,” I breathe, my lips numb. I’m numb all over. “You accepted his proposal.” “No, Adar…”
• Emotional Manipulation: The Merman King’s actions and words often manipulate and contradict one another. He expresses his love and desire while simultaneously hurting her emotionally and physically.

1. The Nature of “Love” and Obsession: The relationship is depicted as complex and toxic, with the Merman King’s “love” feeling more like obsession and ownership.

• Possessive Behavior: He repeatedly claims her as his, and the narrative shows him getting frustrated when she tries to get away: “She’s always been mine. I just hadn’t met her yet. From the moment I saw her, I knew she’d been mine all along.”
• Disregard for Adar’s Feelings: The Merman King is shown to actively dismiss and contradict Adar’s feelings: ““I don’t care. You’re not listening to me. It’s you I want. You said I should decide who I want. And it’s you.””
• Physical Intensity: The physical encounters between Adar and the Merman King are described with intensity, at times suggesting a disturbing power dynamic. For example, when he says “My body seems to react to her words with pain. This is killing me. I must be dying. ‘You can’t. I’m cursed. Trapped, I have no kingdom anymore. And I’m Fae; everything you hate.’” and also “He puts his face against mine, letting out a laugh, a real one. “Adar! That’s not appropriate language for a King.””

1. Pain, Suffering, and Endurance: Adar suffers both physically and emotionally throughout these scenes.

• Physical Wounds: She deals with injuries from the net, bleeding from her skin and her body is affected by the lake/water: “The water, slow to calm the fever raging in my body. The wound burns away at my flesh and blood, bleeding into the lake, the flesh never knitting together.”
• Emotional Anguish: Adar is clearly emotionally tortured by the situation. She is despairing, hopeless, and her feelings are dismissed and twisted to his needs: “My chest hurts. Maybe my freaking heart is about to give out. “You don’t mean it.”…I want to laugh because everything is the matter and everything is perfect. “You mean it. You want me.” “You crazy fae…of course I do. There’s no one else in the world I would like to be with. And… Oh Gods…You’re Bleeding. This wound looks worse than ever.”

1. Magic and the Fae Realm: The narrative strongly suggests the presence of magic and a distinct fae realm.

• References to Faerie: Adar tries to return to Faerie through the gate: “For the past two years, I’ve tried to pull it apart, tear a hole in it, re-open the gate to Faerie.”
• Curse & Transformation: Adar is described as changing, from the water to her reaction to the Fae King: ““I’m not going to marry Iason. Or anyone else.” She comes to me, caresses my face, kisses me. Her lips feel cool against the fire burning my body. I’m like a hollow log, flames licking at the surface. “I’m going back but I’ll make a plan. Bring people to carry you out of this cursed lake, somewhere where you can heal, where we can be together.””

1. Hope and Defiance: Despite the hopelessness, Adar maintains a degree of defiance and hope for escape.

• Refusal to Accept Fate: Adar repeatedly refuses his advances and challenges him. She also tries to keep her emotions in check: ““I can’t fucking do this. No more. I thought… Fuck, I thought I could but…” “Don’t go. Please, wait.””
• Plan to escape: While still showing deep feelings for her captor, Adar tries to find an out of the situation: ““I’m going back but I’ll make a plan. Bring people to carry you out of this cursed lake, somewhere where you can heal, where we can be together.””

Most Important Facts:

• Adar is being held captive by a Fae King, possibly the Merman King.
• Adar is physically harmed and is attempting to escape, or return to her own world through a rusty gate.
• She is forced into an unwanted marriage with the Fae King, who is deeply conflicted and emotionally abusive.
• There’s a strong sense of a magical curse or power at play, linked to the Fae realm and the lake.
• Adar grapples with intense emotional pain, feeling helpless and hopeless, but still shows a degree of defiance and planning.
• The relationship between Adar and the Merman King is a disturbing mix of obsession, manipulation, and supposed love.

Conclusion:

These excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride” paint a vivid picture of a dark and twisted fairytale romance where the protagonist is fighting for her freedom and agency against a powerful and possessive figure. The blend of physical and emotional struggle, along with the presence of magic and a cursed realm, sets the stage for a high-stakes, dramatic narrative. The relationship between Adar and the Merman King is deeply troubling and raises important questions about consent, power, and the nature of love.

Adar and the King: A Twisted Romance

FAQ

1. What is Adar’s main struggle in this excerpt?

Adar is struggling with a strong internal conflict. She feels a deep pull towards the character she refers to as “the king”, with whom she has a complicated and intense relationship, but also seems to be held back by fear and self doubt, likely due to the circumstances of their bond which seems to involve some degree of force and lack of agency. She’s emotionally and possibly physically hurt, but also desires to be with the king. This conflict is amplified by a kind of self-hatred and a perceived undeservingness of love. She is also working to understand the events that are occuring to her and how they came about, struggling with her memory.

2. How does Adar’s physical condition reflect her emotional state?

Adar’s physical state mirrors her internal turmoil. She describes her body being injured and bleeding with a burning sensation, mirroring her emotional pain. The way she feels numb, hot and cold, and dizzy suggests her distress and disorientation. Her physical pain intensifies as she grapples with her intense feelings and difficult choices. The healing of her wounds is noted as something that makes her stronger which speaks to her journey of emotional healing as well.

3. What is the nature of the relationship between Adar and the “King”?

The relationship between Adar and the “King” is highly charged, complex, and seems to be rooted in a combination of intense desire and fear. It involves elements of both violence and tenderness, with the King being forceful and possessive, yet also capable of acts of affection. Adar is drawn to him intensely, even when she acknowledges that his actions hurt her. The relationship seems to challenge her autonomy as well. The idea that this is not a fairytale romance is also explicitly stated, suggesting this is not an ideal romantic setup.

4. What role does the concept of “fate” play in Adar’s experience?

The concept of “fate” is a significant undercurrent in Adar’s experience. She grapples with the feeling that her current situation is inescapable. For example, she says “I knew this was going to happen, I knew it, but it’s as if the thought belongs to someone else.” She also feels that she is trapped with him “I am cursed, trapped, I have no kingdom anymore”. This sense of inevitability adds to her internal struggle, making it harder for her to assert her own desires and choices and gives a feeling of helplessness. It’s coupled with feelings of resentment and fear, but also desire to accept this fate.

5. What is Adar’s reaction to the King’s declaration of love?

Adar has a complex and confused reaction to the King’s declaration of love. Initially, she doubts his sincerity, stating she doesn’t believe him and that “you’re bleeding”. She questions his actions, saying that she “can’t do this”. Despite her initial resistance, she ultimately accepts the declaration as she says she loves him too, and chooses to engage with the idea of a relationship with him.

6. How does Adar demonstrate a sense of agency despite her constrained circumstances?

Despite feeling trapped and manipulated, Adar displays agency by attempting to make choices for herself. She makes the choice to get into the water despite it burning her, and repeatedly notes how she wants to be with him rather than simply accepting her fate passively. She demands answers and pushes back against the King’s demands, even when she acknowledges her fear of him. She also makes decisions based on her love and desire, which indicates a personal agency. Even as she describes the King “pulling her back”, she asserts her own desires saying “I want to be with him.”

7. What is the significance of the recurring idea of the “curse” in the text?

The idea of a “curse” acts as a central theme throughout the excerpts. It’s often used in reference to the bond between Adar and the King, and her experience in general. It suggests a lack of control, a sense of inevitable suffering, and a feeling that the things are not in her control. The “cursed lake” reinforces the idea of a place that is somehow inherently flawed or dangerous, perhaps also speaking to her emotions and feelings about the King. It contributes to the tension and dramatic atmosphere.

8. What is the significance of the ending of the excerpt where Adar says “I will”?

The ending of the excerpt, where Adar says “I will” in response to the King’s request that they run away together, marks a pivotal moment. It signifies her acceptance of their relationship, despite the risks. It highlights her decision to choose him and her desires over self preservation or what she feels she should be doing. It provides a sense of resolution, but also suggests that there is a possibility of change and an uncertain future. This choice, and her recognition of how “everything has changed” hints at her own growth.

The Merman King’s Bride

The provided text appears to be excerpts from a novel titled “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings).” The excerpts depict a complex and tumultuous relationship between Adar and an unnamed character, likely the Merman King. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:

• Adar’s initial situation: Adar is in a desperate situation, bleeding from her hands and trying to break free from an iron net. She seems to be in a place she does not want to be, calling out for help and trying to remember how long she has been there. She is injured and shivering, and feels that something is wrong.
• The Merman King’s actions and feelings: The Merman King appears to be possessive and controlling. He is described as “feral” and “animal”. He physically holds her. He wants to possess her and mark her as his. He seems to want Adar to love him, but also expresses anger and pain related to the relationship. He does not listen to Adar when she says she is dying.
• Adar’s feelings and desires: Adar’s feelings about the Merman King are complex. She feels a strong physical attraction to him, but also seems to resent his actions. She wants to be important to him and have him care for her. She feels trapped and wants to escape. She does not want to marry him or anyone else. Adar wants to be free, but also feels a connection to the Merman King.
• Themes: The excerpts explore themes of physical and emotional power dynamics, desire, possession, and entrapment. The relationship between Adar and the Merman King is clearly not a healthy one. The text also explores the idea of fate vs. free will. Adar feels compelled by the situation, but she also wants to control her destiny. She does not want to be taken against her will and wants to have her feelings heard by the Merman King.
• Symbolic elements: Water, blood, and fire play important symbolic roles. Water is associated with Adar’s entrapment and pain. Blood is associated with injury and passion. Fire is connected to the Merman King’s burning desire and anger.
• Plot points: The text reveals that Adar and the Merman King are in a cursed lake. Adar has been there for some time trying to escape. There has been a proposal of marriage, that Adar did not accept. The Merman King claims Adar is his and is angry when she says that she wants to leave. Adar makes a plan to go back to the cursed lake and take him away to a place where they can heal.

In summary, the excerpts paint a picture of a dark and intense romantic relationship between Adar and the Merman King, filled with conflict, desire, and a sense of impending doom.

The Merman King’s Bride

The excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” present a dark and complex take on the fairy tale romance genre. While elements of classic romance are present, such as strong attraction and passionate encounters, they are intertwined with themes of power imbalance, coercion, and entrapment, which subvert typical fairy tale tropes.

Here’s a breakdown of how the text engages with the fairy tale romance genre:

• Subversion of the “Happily Ever After”: Traditional fairy tales often conclude with a happy union, but these excerpts suggest anything but. Adar is in a desperate situation, injured and trying to escape, rather than experiencing a joyous courtship. The Merman King, instead of being a charming prince, is portrayed as a possessive and controlling figure. This subverts the expectation of a harmonious and consensual relationship central to the genre.
• Dark and Intense Passion: While fairy tales often involve romance, the connection between Adar and the Merman King is characterized by intense and sometimes violent passion. The Merman King’s actions are described as “feral” and “animalistic,” and Adar feels “run through” by him. These descriptions introduce a level of darkness not usually found in traditional fairy tale romances.
• Power Imbalance: A key deviation from typical fairy tale romances is the distinct power imbalance between Adar and the Merman King. He physically restrains her, and she is trapped in the cursed lake and feels she cannot escape. This dynamic suggests a relationship rooted in control and dominance, not mutual love and respect.
• Questioning of Free Will: The story also raises questions about free will and choice. Adar is placed in this situation by unknown forces, but she also has her own desires and wants, including wanting to leave the cursed lake. The narrative shows her struggling against her circumstances and trying to assert her agency. She is told she is to marry him, and she refuses. She is aware of his feelings for her, but also that they are not enough to want to stay.
• Fated Connection: Despite the conflict and coercion, there is an undercurrent of a fated connection between Adar and the Merman King. The Merman King believes she belongs to him, and she has a strong physical attraction to him, as well as a need for him to care for her. This notion of a pre-ordained connection is a common trope in fairy tales, but it’s complicated here by the lack of consent and the power imbalance.
• Non-Traditional Romance: The nature of Adar and the Merman King’s relationship is not traditionally romantic, with Adar stating she does not love the Merman King, and he does not care, telling her, “You should leave, princess, go back to the palace. If you don’t like this prince, find another. Plenty to choose from, I’m sure. I’m not a good catch,”. Further, the Merman King says, “I don’t care. You’re not listening to me. It’s you I want. You said I should decide who I want. And it’s you,”. The text shows that the Merman King does not listen to Adar’s needs and desires. Adar has a plan to leave the cursed lake, to take the Merman King away to a place where they can heal, which also suggests their relationship is not a typical fairy tale romance.

In conclusion, “The Merman King’s Bride” uses elements of the fairy tale romance to create a narrative that is both familiar and unsettling. It utilizes the genre’s tropes but twists them to explore more complex and disturbing themes such as desire, power, and entrapment. It is less a classic fairy tale romance than a story that interrogates the darker aspects of such relationships.

The Merman King’s Curse

The provided text, “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”, presents a narrative that heavily incorporates the concept of “cursed fae kings”. Here’s a breakdown of how this theme manifests in the excerpts:

• The Merman King’s Curse: The title itself suggests the Merman King is a cursed fae. While the specific nature of the curse isn’t explicitly stated, his behavior, environment, and the overall tone of the text imply a dark, possibly magical affliction. The Merman King is described as “feral” and “animal”. He is in a cursed lake. He also admits, “I’m cursed. Trapped. I have no kingdom anymore. And I’m fae. Everything you hate,”. This curse seems to contribute to his possessive and controlling behavior.
• The Cursed Lake: The setting itself, a cursed lake, is an important element connected to the fae king’s curse. The lake is described as a place of entrapment and pain for Adar. The lake seems to be a physical manifestation of the curse, holding the Merman King captive and influencing the events of the story. The lake is also described as “this cursed lake,” which means the curse extends beyond just the Merman King.
• Consequences of the Curse: The curse seems to have dire consequences for both the Merman King and those connected to him. The Merman King is trapped, and his behavior is volatile, causing harm to Adar. Adar is injured and bleeding, and wants to escape from the cursed lake. The curse impacts the ability for the Merman King and Adar to have a healthy relationship. The Merman King acknowledges the curse has “killed” his kingdom.
• Fae Nature: The text makes specific reference to the Merman King as fae. This highlights that the Merman King is a part of the fae realm, and thus is subject to their rules and nature, which often includes curses. The Merman King’s comment that “Everything you hate” is a reference to common dislike or mistrust of fae creatures.
• Love and Curse: The text also explores the way that love and curse are intertwined. The Merman King is driven by a desire to possess Adar, which is part of the curse. The curse seems to drive him and trap him. Despite the curse, Adar feels a physical connection with him and wants him to care for her. Adar states that she would rather have the Merman King want her the way he is, cursed, than have him change for her.

In summary, the concept of “cursed fae kings” is central to the story, influencing the Merman King’s actions, the setting, and the relationship between Adar and the Merman King. The curse is not just a plot device, it’s an integral part of the characters, the environment, and the themes of the story. The narrative suggests that the curse has deep consequences for everyone involved, and that a typical happy ending of a fairy tale is not possible in this story without the curse being resolved or broken.

Trauma and Entrapment in The Merman King’s Bride

The excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” depict significant emotional trauma experienced by both Adar and the Merman King. Here’s a breakdown of how emotional trauma manifests in the text:

• Adar’s Trauma:
• Entrapment and Fear: Adar is trapped in a cursed lake and physically restrained by an iron net. This experience causes her immense fear, and she is desperate to escape. She calls out for help, which shows her fear and desperation.
• Violation and Lack of Agency: Adar is subjected to the Merman King’s forceful actions and possessiveness, which leads to her feeling violated and losing her sense of agency. The Merman King physically holds her and wants to “mark her as his,” which underscores the violation and her lack of control. She is told she is to marry him and she refuses.
• Emotional Conflict: Adar experiences a conflict between her physical attraction to the Merman King and her resentment of his actions. This creates an internal emotional struggle for Adar, as she desires his care and affection but also wants to be free from him.
• Desire for Escape: Adar’s overwhelming desire to escape is a clear indication of her emotional trauma. She feels trapped and wants to be free, and the plan she makes to leave the cursed lake with the Merman King highlights how she wants to take control of her situation.
• Emotional Pain: Adar experiences emotional pain because she is aware of the Merman King’s feelings for her, but she does not want to stay with him. She knows he wants her, but also that he does not care about what she wants or needs.
• The Merman King’s Trauma:
• Curse and Isolation: The Merman King is a cursed fae, and the curse has left him trapped and isolated in the cursed lake. This isolation is a source of his trauma. He admits that the curse has killed his kingdom.
• Possessive Behavior: The Merman King’s possessive and controlling behavior is a symptom of his trauma. He wants to own Adar because he feels like he has lost everything else. His intense emotions and outbursts are due to his trauma. He is “feral” and “animal,” which means he has lost control of his emotions.
• Inability to Connect: He struggles to form a healthy relationship with Adar because of his past trauma and his current condition. He does not listen to her needs or desires. The Merman King wants Adar but also does not care if she does not want him. He says he does not care that he is a “bad catch” because he has decided he wants her, regardless of her feelings.
• Emotional Pain: The Merman King experiences emotional pain because he knows he is not good enough for Adar. He is aware that he is cursed and that Adar does not like or trust fae creatures.
• Shared Trauma:
• Unhealthy Dynamics: The relationship between Adar and the Merman King is a reflection of their individual traumas. The power imbalance, lack of consent, and emotional volatility in their interactions all demonstrate the impact of the trauma they have both endured.
• Entrapment: Both Adar and the Merman King are trapped in the cursed lake. This shared experience of entrapment adds to the sense of shared trauma. Both characters feel trapped and seek escape from their situation, and Adar hopes to help the Merman King escape as well.

In conclusion, the emotional trauma experienced by both Adar and the Merman King is a central theme of the text. It affects their actions, their relationship, and the overall tone of the narrative. The story explores how trauma can manifest as fear, possessiveness, and a deep-seated need for escape, highlighting the complexities of both individual and shared trauma. The text shows that their trauma prevents them from having a healthy relationship, and the only solution is to leave their current situation.

Healing in The Merman King’s Bride

The excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” do not explicitly detail a healing process, but they strongly suggest the need for healing for both Adar and the Merman King. The text primarily focuses on their trauma, entrapment, and the unhealthy dynamics of their relationship, but hints at potential pathways toward healing through their actions and the narrative arc.

Here’s an analysis of the potential for healing based on the provided sources:

• Recognition of Trauma: Both Adar and the Merman King show an awareness of the trauma they have experienced. Adar recognizes her fear and lack of agency, and she is trying to escape the situation. The Merman King acknowledges that he is “cursed” and “trapped,” and he admits that the curse has “killed” his kingdom. This awareness is a crucial first step toward healing.
• Desire for Change: Adar’s desire to escape the cursed lake and take the Merman King with her indicates her recognition that their current situation is not sustainable or healthy. The Merman King’s statement that “You’ll run away with me?” and Adar’s response of “I will” shows a desire on both sides to change the status quo. This desire for change is a motivating factor for healing.
• The Need for Escape: Both characters are trapped in a cursed lake, and Adar is also physically restrained, which means both are in need of escape. Adar states that they need to go “somewhere where you can heal” which highlights the importance of escaping the source of their trauma.
• Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: The current relationship between Adar and the Merman King is characterized by power imbalance, possessiveness, and a lack of consent. Healing will require breaking this cycle and establishing healthy boundaries and communication. The desire to leave the cursed lake is a symbol of their need to break the cycle of trauma.
• Seeking a Safe Environment: Adar’s plan to take the Merman King to a place “where you can heal” indicates an understanding that healing requires a safe and nurturing environment. This implies that the cursed lake is not conducive to healing, and that they must leave it to find healing.
• Potential for Mutual Support: Despite their unhealthy relationship dynamics, there are moments where a desire for connection and support is implied. Adar wants the Merman King to care for her, and she wants to help him. This indicates that they might be able to support one another in their healing journeys.
• Uncertainty of the Future: While there is a desire for healing and change, the text does not guarantee a positive outcome. The narrative concludes with uncertainty, as the text says “But as she hurries away, I have a feeling that everything has changed and is about to change again”. The ending implies that the healing journey will likely be complicated and full of challenges.

In conclusion, although the excerpts do not describe a specific healing process, they highlight the dire need for healing, which would involve: acknowledging trauma, a desire for change, escaping the source of the trauma, creating healthy relationship dynamics, and seeking a safe environment. The ending also leaves the reader with the feeling that the healing journey is not going to be easy and that there will be more challenges for the characters in the future.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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