The Spiritrealm takes all kinds. Doesn’t matter if you’re a regular person, or a half-human, half-fish hybrid. All souls end up in the same place.

Yes, you read that right. Mermaids are totally real. And the ones with Korean heritage, such as Bada, are known as ineo. With that out of the way, the only question now is: are ineo friends or foe?

Well, maybe there is another question: why is this Bada person trying to choke the life out of Riley and Hattie?

Marine Biology 101

You would be excused for not knowing about the existence of ineo until now. Ninety-five percent of Earth’s oceans remain unexplored, after all. And even after ineo pass from the Mortalrealm to the Spiritrealm, these creatures continue to dwell in underwater boroughs far from the prying eyes of humans.

But rumor has it that a mysterious poison has been causing sickness and misery among the Spiritrealm’s ineo population. The symptoms are congestion, fever, headaches, and blind, murderous rage. Anyone know the name of a good ichthyologist?

Watch Where You’re Swinging That Tail!

Mermaids do more than just sing. Even in the Spiritrealm, a poisoned ineo can cause a lot of damage. Not only are ineo like Bada extremely fast and skilled swimmers, they can also use their massive tails to absolutely demolish any unwanted ship that passes through their waters.

So, if you’re paddling down the river and you feel something bump the bottom of your boat . . . well, there’s not much you can do at that point. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Snap(per) Out of It

We don’t want to send the wrong message. When Bada isn’t being brainwashed, she’s actually a very kind and helpful person. (Er, fish-person). She could even end up becoming a valuable friend and ally to Riley, Hattie, and Dahl . . . and vice versa. Given the fact that Bada can’t stay in the water for too long without losing her mind, she could totally use all the support she can get.

Catch of the Day

Bada’s underwater borough is so isolated that not even the mayor of the Spiritrealm has stepped foot down there. Then again, he may have a sinister reason for neglecting his amphibious constituents. Either way, Bada, her brother Daeyang, and the rest of the ineo have gotten along just fine without the help of any stinking politicians.

But now, thanks to the current crisis, Riley is bringing the mayor to meet with Bada and her people. Let’s hope tensions don’t rise. Otherwise, the mayor’s poll numbers will be . . . underwater.

Ready to take a dive with Bada and the ineo? Be sure to pick up The Last Fallen Moon, on sale June 14th!