28. 28 #3
A Snapdragon's tail, much longer than the previous, whips out from the rows toward the top of the grid. This Snapdragonis has a turquoise fin and fades into its body that turns light ivory. The scales glisten slightly against the small amount of light that shines through at the top of the sea stone wall, only a few inches closer to the water’s surface.
The creature has gray-green eyes, and it makes me wonder what her story is.
Shock has stolen my voice. With her mouth unmoving and her eyes narrowed, glaring at me, I try to decipher what is happening.
Let me give you a rundown before you speak again, human. Her voice is demanding as it continues to ring through my mind.
Human . . . She knows, but how? It’s been weeks since I started training in this form, including swimming, and I've been feeling confident in my skills and how well I have pushed myself to fit in here, even if it is temporary. But I didn't realize how much I stand out was that noticeable.
That also means your thoughts. I am Nyra.
I am the fourth generation of my hue. I am not your typical female Snapdragonis.
I am longer than most females. I am the fastest swimmer in my clan, I am a hunter, and I assist in completing missions.
That is not typical for a female in my clan.
I do not allow others to doubt me. I am not sure why we have been bonded, nor do I care.
Trust must be earned, not given. Now, human, tell me your story.
Since being in Virellan, other than Nyxalene, no one else has spoken to me like this. It's oddly comforting. Not appreciative about it, but I can be sassy too.
“I'm Sarah. I'm a marine biologist who allowed her love for the sea to be swallowed by curiosity, and I paid deeply for it. I acquired—"
Stop! Nyra screams in my head. She breaks formation along the wall and descends to the ocean floor, where Orion and Ildrina wait. Do not speak anything more, human. Not every Snapdragonis is on our side. Tell the king we are bonded. I will inform my clan leader.
And with that, I tell Orion what just occurred, and without any explanation, Ildrina gives a signal, and the remaining Snapdragons disperse, disappearing into the dark. Orion, Nyra, and I venture between the two rushing waterfalls and break through on the other side, following the clan leader.
She leads us halfway up, through a path that avoids the crushing weight and pressure of the waterfalls, and we encounter a circular carved space that leads into the cliff. To my right, the underwater ravine comes to a dead end, rounding out around the edges and dropping to nothing below.
We're escorted into the carved space that runs deep into the waterfall’s cliff and curves around multiple turns, dipping up and down.
The entire area is covered in nothing but stone and complete darkness.
Normally, it would be impossible to navigate, but my new-found ability to see clearly through deep waters takes that stress away, making it harder for me to make a fool of myself.
Thank God for that.
I swim behind Orion, noting how he holds himself.
Even in this tightly spaced hallway, he has a regal quality to the way he swims. His tail moves in slow, powerful sweeps, each motion smooth and controlled, his body following the current rather than struggling against it.
There's no wasted movement, no uncertainty—only the effortless grace of someone who belongs to the sea as much as he rules it.
After a few minutes, we break out into an open space. My eyes take a moment to adjust to the sudden dim lights that are scattered across the room. The view steals my breath immediately.
Intricate carvings cover the wall, between art carvings of Snapdragons and other races from around the kingdom.
In the center of the room are two pillars that prevent the open space from collapsing.
They hold their own set of carved Snapdragons wrapped around each pillar, their snouts reaching out in hopes to touch each other, even if it’s just one more time.
And finally, to my left, an open bay window area that overlooks the waterfall that leaps endlessly downward toward the ocean floor.
Orion and I hover together inside the room at the entrance, when Nyra swims to her clan leader.
Redirecting my attention to Orion, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “Why the fuck did I get bonded to a rude Snapdragon?”
“Do you want the truth or—” he starts, then smirks. “I mean, really, that is your only option.”
I roll my eyes, jutting a hip out as I plant my hand on it.
A sincere laugh bursts from him, rich and unrestrained, but even as it fades, his gaze intentionally drifts down to the attitude written in my stance—the tilt of my hip, the sharp set of my hand.
“Those chosen by the sea for bonding, that is a mystery no one can untangle. A bond with a creature as majestic as a Snapdragonis is not meant to be questioned. It is something that deepens with time. But even from the start, it will push you toward trust, whether you're ready for it or not.”
I fear that appears to be the case with any bond in this kingdom.
He glides toward the clan leader and Nyra, but not before turning back around. A grin stretches wide across his face, lighting his eyes with unspoken mischief, his back now to the others.
“And honestly? I think her personality fits you perfectly, Snapdragon.”