The shuttle begins its final descent, aiming for a spot near the shore. Mia’s hand finds mine, her fingers intertwining with my own as we brace for landing.
Once the shuttle touches down, I turn to Mia. “Are you ready?”
She takes a deep breath, her eyes meeting mine. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“I’ll be with you every step of the way,” I promise.
Together, we make our way to the shuttle’s exit. As the doors slide open, we’re greeted by the salty sea air and a welcoming breeze.
I watch as Mia takes her first hesitant steps onto the shores of Mythos. It’s a moment I know I will never forget, the start of a journey that will change both of our lives forever.
As Mia and I step onto the shore, I squeeze her hand gently before releasing it. “Watch,” I say, before wading into the water, feeling the cool embrace of the ocean welcome me home like a long-lost child.
As the waves lap at my chest, I close my eyes and let out a melodic call, a sound that vibrates through my very being. The call resonates outward through the water in rippling waves.
This summoning call has been passed down through generations of Aquarian royalty. It speaks of return, of hope, of a new era dawning.
I open my eyes and turn back to Mia. She stands at the water’s edge, waiting to see what will happen next.
Gradually, the water around me begins to stir, and dark shapes move beneath the surface, growing larger as they approach. I hear Mia gasp as the first Aquarian breaks through the waves, and I grin with pride at the majesty of my people.
It’s Elder Naia, her scales a deep blue that fades to silver at the edges, like the depths of the ocean meeting the foam of breaking waves. Her webbed hands part the water as she swims toward me, her black eyes shining with joyful recognition and hope.
Soon, more of my people emerge from the depths, a beautiful collection of colors and forms. Some are sleek and streamlined, built for speed, while others are broader and more muscular, adapted for the crushing pressures of the deep. Their colors range from vibrant teals to deep indigos, some with patterns of dots or stripes adorning their skin.
Once all are gathered, Elder Naia speaks, her voice carrying the weight of authority and the warmth of a maternal figure. “Krakenos,” she begins. “We had begun to fear…”
I incline my head respectfully, understanding the unspoken worry. “Yes, Elder Naia. But you needn’t worry any longer. The tides of fate have turned in our favor.”
Elder Naia’s gaze shifts to Mia, who stands transfixed by the gathering crowd of Aquarians. “Is she…?” she asks, her tone reverent yet cautious. I see the questions in her eyes, the desperate hope warring with centuries of disappointment.
I nod. “She is. I have finally found my mate.” I gesture for Mia to join us in the shallows. She hesitates for a moment before stepping into the water, shivering slightly at its coolness. I resist the urge to go to her, knowing she must make this first step on her own.
As Mia wades toward us, I notice the other Aquarians drawing closer, their eyes wide with fascination.
“This is Mia,” I announce, my voice carrying across the water with the authority of my station. “She comes from a distant world, and she carries within her the key to our salvation. With her, we have a chance to break the curse that has plagued our people for so long.”
A murmur ripples through the gathered Aquarians, like a wave of hope spreading outward. I see it blooming in their eyes, mixed with uncertainty and a touch of fear at the unknown. Change, even when desperately needed, is never easy.
Mia reaches my side, and I place a protective hand on her shoulder, feeling the warmth of her skin against my palm. She looks up at me and whispers, “There are so many of them.”
I smile reassuringly. “And each one of them is here to welcome you, Mia. You represent a new beginning for our people, a hope we had almost forgotten could exist.”
As the Aquarians continue to gather, their numbers swelling until the sea seems alive with bodies, I feel a shift in the water. A hush falls over the crowd, and I know what’s coming next.
I turn my gaze to the horizon, where the sea has begun to part. A massive form rises from the depths, water cascading off scales that gleam like polished armor in the sunlight.
I squeeze Mia’s shoulder gently and say, “Prepare yourself. You’re about to meet my father.”
Chapter 18
Krakenos
I stand beside Mia, feeling her tension as the ocean churns before us. The waters roil and froth, parting like a great maw to reveal my father’s colossal form. King Tritonos ascends from the abyss, his scales shimmering with an iridescent brilliance that puts the sun’s reflection to shame. His presence commands reverence, each movement sending ripples across the sea’s surface as if the very ocean bows to his will.
Mia’s sharp intake of breath draws my attention. Her mouth is agape as she sees my father for the first time. Her reaction is understandable; even I, having grown up in his shadow, find myself awed by his majesty.
The king’s crown of coral and precious gems catches the light, casting prismatic reflections across the beach. His eyes, ancient and knowing, sweep over us, lingering on Mia with unmistakable curiosity. The air grows heavy as he approaches, each step causing the sand to tremble beneath our feet.
I bow my head slightly once he reaches us. “Father,” I say.
His black eyes, so much like my own, fix upon me. “Krakenos, my son,” he intones, his deep voice resonating through the water. “You have returned to us at last.”
There’s a weight to his words, a subtle reminder of all the time that has passed. I nod, feeling the gravity of the moment. “Yes, Father. The tides have brought me home.”
I wait for Father to acknowledge Mia, yet he barely spares her a glance as he says, “Many cycles have passed since Draven’s return.”
I feel Mia stiffen beside me, her breath catching. “Cycles?” she whispers. “How long were we in cryofreeze?”
I squeeze her hand reassuringly before addressing my father. “Father, in our absence, has Draven made any attempts at conquest?”
King Tritonos shakes his head, his expression grave. “No. Draven and his queen have kept to themselves. It seems they’re more interested in rebuilding than warmongering.”
“And the others?” I press, sensing there’s more to the story.
My father’s fins ripple with tension. “We’ve all been… cautious. No one wants to risk another war, but this silence…” He trails off, his gaze meeting mine. “It’s deafening, Krakenos. Every kingdom is just waiting, watching. No one dares to communicate.”
