Illustration for the co-created Hannibal merman AU.
“Hello Will.”
Will only glanced up briefly, seeing the warlock return in his natural state. No legs, no fancy suit this time. He growled slightly at the man.
“What did you do to Alana?”
“You can rest easy, Will,” Hannibal said, his fingers brushing the young man’s cheek. Will flinched away, much to Hannibal’s dismay. “Your princess is safe. She’s a far more interesting woman that I had originally believed.”
This statement struck Will full in the heart. He’d expected to hear of Alana’s death, which would have broken his heart… but this, this was far worse. “What did you do?”
“Just what I did for you, Will. I gave her a choice. Now we must wait to see if she chooses to take it.”
“What?” Will snarled, struggling against the seaweed that held him. “What did you give her?”
“Like I said Will,” Hannibal smiled. “A choice. And the option to make it happen.”
“You-“ Will began.
“Your majesty?”
The voice nearly froze the blood in Will’s veins. Both men turned to see the young mermaid coming towards them, relief on her face. She stopped at the sight of Hannibal.
“Your Majesty,” She smiled. “I’m glad you’ve returned safely.”
Hannibal gave a slight nod, but his lips held a slight frown. “Ellie, my child, I thought we agreed you’d remain-“
“I’m sorry,” She shrank back. “I was just so happy you-“
“Ellie…” Will’s voice barely managed to release the name as he looked at her, his eyes taking in the form before him. She lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting Will’s.
“Prince William,” She said respectfully. “I hope-“
“YOU BASTARD!!!” Will roared, the anger in his face made his cheeks bright red. He thrashed around violently in the seaweed, desperate to place his hands around Hannibal’s neck. “YOU WRETCH!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER!? RELEASE HER, MONSTER!!! LOOK AT ME!!! RELEASE HER FROM YOUR SPELL AND SET HER FREE!!!”
“Prince William,” Ellie swam forward, desperate to calm him. “Please, don’t-“
“No.” The warlock’s tentacles all but ripped her away, forcing her to look the warlock dead in the eye. “Leave him be. Keep your distance, is that clear?”
“Forgive me, I-“
“He is clearly in pain,” Hannibal continued. “Leave him less he contaminate your mind with the lies of the broken hearted. Your loyalty is to your king, understand?”
Ellie nodded, bowing her head. But she could not ignore the screams… and then the weeping. She turned her head only a little to see Prince William sink to the seafloor, his eyes downcast, his body shaking in rage and sadness…
“Ellie…” he cried. “Ellie… Oh God… I’m so sorry….”
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gabrielsangel
