Just as Killian said, Reverend Adelard and his companions set a trap to lure the mermaids into a small cove hidden at one side of the island. Despite being darklings, mermaids were still women who loved beautiful, shiny things, especially magical gems. They wanted to use them to adorn their long hair and compare their collection of jewels.
Iris hadn't met a mermaid yet, but from what she heard, they were reclusive creatures. Baiting them could backfire, making her feel the weight of impending danger and heightening suspense about the plan's success.
Even securing one mermaid and keeping it alive would be next to impossible in the current situation. For the unholy priest to collude with darklings to hunt a mermaid, he must have some ulterior motives about finding one.
