Suddenly, something furry folds around my body and tugs me back toward the bubble. One second I’m in the frigid ocean, and the next, I’m warm again.
Blinking my eyes open, I attempt to understand what’s happening. Both Ilian and Dairfyn hover over me. Their lips move, but I can’t hear them.
The Kueeng steps into view, pushing Dairfyn aside and placing a claw against my ear, massaging it until the pressure inside pops.
Sound comes rushing back, along with a headache the size of Mount Everest. I groan, wondering how my body feels so warm.
“Soyam, can you hear me?” I nod as Ilian gathers me back into his arms. “That was very foolish—brave—but foolish.”
“I didn’t think. I just acted.”
Ilian helps me to sit up, and I glance around at the dozens of Dagons surrounding us. In front of me is the palace window I crawled through…except, it’s gone.
Shards of sparkling glass lie scattered in the sand and a monstrous-sized hole now exposes the interior of the Kueeng’s home.
“Um, what happened?”
“Your mate broke through a wall to get to you,” Dairfyn answers, looking delighted that Ilian destroyed the palace—even the Kueeng looks pleased.
“I will pay for that, of course.”
The Dagon royal shakes their head at him. “Do not worry about it, Ithaqua. Your mate saved one of my own, and you saved her. You are both always welcome in my court.”
“Th-thank you, Your Majesty,” I stammer. “But…how did I survive the cold water?”
“My kind has a special elixir that we use to cover our bodies to keep us warm. I gave some to Ilian to run over you.”
“I told you Dagon inventions are one-of-a-kind,” Ilian whispers.
“You weren’t lying.” Even my clothes are dry. “Thank you, all, for saving me.”
Leaning up, I peck my Ithaquan hero on the cheek. Dairfyn bends down to accept my kiss, too, but Ilian covers my face with his hands.
“Get your own mate.”
“But yours is so wonderful.”
“My best friend is better,” I interject.
“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.”
