Meela

Height: 5’6”  | Eyes: Green  | Nationality: Eriana Kwai  | Shoes: Optional

Skilled with a crossbow, Meela is determined to avenge her brother’s death on the Massacre. She’s fiercely loyal and has always been curious about the forbidden ocean. Despite her warrior training, she’s deeply compassionate and will go out of her way to rescue everything from owlets to bumblebees.

Meela is a nickname for Metlaa Gaela. “[Papa] and Mama had named me after the earth and a sort of matronly figure, a choice I always thought was terrible. I liked the sea better than the earth and I sooner would’ve taken care of a snail than a baby.” – Ice Massacre

Lysi

Length: 5’11”  | Eyes: Blue |  Nationality: Utopia  | Favourite food: Herring eggs & seaweed

Lysithea is a North Pacific mermaid who has spent her youth training for battle against humans. While most mermaids are vain, Lysi is rarely seen without seaweed in her hair and navigates life like a loose cannon. She’s kind and clever, with a knack for challenging authority that gets her into trouble.

• As Lysi’s BFF, Spio, puts it: “Lysi, any other mermaid, she sees a sailor, and she turns on the charm and lures him into the water. Just because. You’d rather get him in the water by tripping him and watching him do a bellyflop.” – Ice Crypt

Dani

Height: 5’8”  | Eyes: Cold as death  | Nationality: Eriana Kwai  | Favourite subject: Combat

With top marks in training, Dani’s ambition is to prove herself on the Massacre, no matter how ruthless she must be. She is determined to return home to her father with the glory of having slain every mermaid in the Pacific Ocean. She and Meela have always hated each other, having never agreed on morals.

• “Dani had to be the nastiest person I knew, ever since the day I’d met her in kindergarten, when she slammed the classroom door on my fingers and laughed when I started crying.” – Ice Massacre

Tanuu

Height: 5’10”  | Eyes: Brown |  Nationality: Eriana Kwai  | Weapon of choice: Fire iron

Meela’s boyfriend, Tanuu, has been in love with her since grade two. Strong and chivalrous, he would go on the Massacre in Meela’s place if only he were allowed. Tanuu plans to put his intelligence and carpentry skills to use in a good career that will support the family he hopes to start with Meela.

• “He smelled warm, earthy, like everything I loved about the island, and I closed my eyes to seal it in my memory. He rested his chin on top of my head and held me securely in his arms, giving me the feeling that nothing could harm me as long as he was there.” – Ice Massacre

Annith

Height: 5’5”  | Eyes: Hazel  | Nationality: Eriana Kwai  | Fear: Heights

Annith has been Meela’s best friend since grade one. She idolizes her big sister, which led her to be boy-crazy before she understood what that meant. She’s ready to settle down with her boyfriend, Rik, when she returns from the Massacre. But first she’ll have to put her warrior training to use.

• “When I looked up, Annith’s hazel eyes were glossy and she had a mushy expression on her face. “I think we’ll get married some day,” she said, still breathless. “It feels right. Like I’ve loved him my whole life.”” – Ice Massacre