“Who is this spectacular human you speak of?”

“Her name is Sakura. She’s in Japan right now. That’s where her family lives.”

“Japan,” the Kueeng murmurs. “Their Prime Minister wants to create an alliance. I’ve ignored his previous emissaries, but if you vouch for this human, I might entertain the idea.”

“Sakura isn’t an ambassador—”

“Leave it to me,” Dairfyn cuts in, that mischievous glint back in their turquoise gaze, and I wonder if I should be worried for my roommate.

“Do you wish to stay the night or carry on with your mission?” the Kueeng asks us, making my head spin with how quickly everything is moving.

Ilian glances down at me. “I would prefer that you rest, soyam.”

“I don’t feel tired.”

It’s the truth. Whether it’s still the adrenaline from my rescue, or whatever the Dagons put on my body to warm me up, I’ve never felt more alive.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, let’s find Aisyth.”

And get back on land—above water.

“Alright, if you’re sure. Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty.”

The Kueeng tips their head regally. “Of course. Which island do you wish to go to?”

“I’m not sure. Let me show you the map.”

Ilian pulls my phone from my purse, and I’m so thankful it wasn’t in my pocket when I rushed after the Dagon child.

He shows Dairfyn and the Kueeng my tattoo, both marveling over its beauty. Ilian points out the pattern of islands at the top but the Dagon ambassador spots another clue that narrows the focus to one particularly shaped island.

“Atlasov.”

My Ithaqua nods. “You’re right, old friend. We’ll find Aisyth there.”

The Kueeng claps their hands. Instantly, a troop of Dagons appear with plates of food. “Please, eat first. The ukuri is waiting for you when you’re ready.”

“The ukuri?”

“Their crystal train-like transportation I spoke of,” Ilian clarifies as his massive hands grab strange-looking snacks.

He pops one in his mouth and hands me another. It’s like a sandwich made of kelp, but it tastes delicious.

“Good, yeah?” Dairfyn smirks, grabbing at one with their top right hand, but the Kueeng slaps it away.

“They are for our guests!”

I laugh as Dairfyn makes a face. When Ilian and I are full, the Kueeng claps their hands, and the plate are removed. They turn to their ambassador.

“Now escort them to the ukuri.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

The Kueeng takes my hand. “You are always welcome in my kueengdom. I will have Dairfyn speak to this lovely friend of yours that you vouch for.

You will go down in Dagon history as the reason my kind finally communicates with yours.”

I blush. “Thank you, Your Majesty. With your permission, I hope to visit again someday. It’s most beautiful here, and I wish to explore more.”

“Always! Bring Ilian with you. You won’t be mates any longer, but I hope you will remain friends.”

Their words sadden me for some reason. Without a doubt, I want Ilian to be my friend…but I’m starting to wonder if maybe I don’t want him to be something more.

“Thank you again.”

The Kueeng waves goodbye. Once more, Ilian takes my hand, and we follow Dairfyn away from the palace and into the magnificent city.

They take us to a glass tube that houses a series of golden carts. Dairfyn taps the crystalline cylinder, and it opens even though I can’t see any seam to indicate a door.

“Please get in. I will program it to take you to Atlasov.”

Ilian helps me into one of the carts, seating himself next to me. It’s a tight fit, and I drape a leg over his to give us both a little more room.

Dairfyn notices and waggles their white eyebrows. Ilian shoves him back with a chuckle.

“Knock it off. You’re making my mate uncomfortable.”

“Looks like she’s pretty comfortable to me.”

My Ithaqua mock swipes at the Dagon, but Dairfyn dances back. “Good luck on your mission. Zhuliya, how can I find your friend?”

“Erm, do you have a cell phone?”

“Nope.”

“Oh, um, I’m not sure—”

“Do you have a piece of her clothing?”

I raise a brow at the question, unsure of where they’re going with this. “Actually, I have one of her scarves.”

“May I borrow it?”

Digging in my bag, I find it, passing it to the Dagon, who takes it and inhales deeply before handing it back to me.

“Perfect, thank you. Until we meet again.”