Chapter 15
HAZEL
By the time Draya finally returned, I was furious. I couldn’t feel my toes anymore, my hair was strawlike after being submerged in saltwater for so long, and my damp nightgown was sticking to my skin in places that it never should have been stuck to.
“What took you so long?” I demanded, sitting up as the door to the cell slid open, shining a beacon of light into the desolate space.
He was already in his human form by the time he reached me, and I wondered what type of magic kept the water flowing in the hallway but not flooding through the opening.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his expression blank. “The Queen will see us now. Did you eat your food?”
“Yes,” I sighed. I wasn’t in any state, mental or physical, to meet with a Queen right now, but I supposed I had no choice. “I would have liked a little more water, though.”
“I’ll get you some after we talk to the Queen,” he said. He held out his hand to help me stand, and I noticed he had more kelp in his other palm. “I’ll need to tie up your wrists again.”
I shook my head, holding out my hands. There was no point in protesting, and I only hoped that maybe his Queen would take pity on me. It was foolish to expect any type of pampering or luxury as a prisoner, but at the very least I hoped she’d allow me a bath and a new set of clothes.
Draya secured my bindings and led me to the door, placing a pocket of air around my head before we stepped into the flowing water.
This time, he had my back against his chest, securing his arms around my front.
The cave system of the volcano was dark and ominous, and if Draya’s arms hadn’t been wrapped around my waist, I likely would have cried.
I had no idea which direction we were moving, but the twists and turns made my stomach feel sour, so I closed my eyes and leaned my head against Draya’s shoulder.
“You’re shaking,” he said.
“I don’t like being alone in that cell, and these movements are making me ill,” I said, my tone failing to hide how irritated I truly was.
I was far past the point of trying to make myself seem docile and willing.
It was likely that Draya was transporting me to my death, anyway, so why waste anymore of my last dredges of energy on trying to appear calm.
He said nothing, but slowed down to a much more leisurely pace.
It was such a strange feeling, to be held by someone when I wasn’t sure of their intentions.
I was no stranger to being manhandled by people who clearly had no interest in keeping me safe or comfortable, but I knew they weren’t invested in my wellbeing at all.
With Draya, I couldn’t figure out what he wanted from me, and every time I thought I pinpointed an answer, he surprised me.
Eventually we emerged from the tunnels, and I stared in awe at the sight before us. A sprawling underwater civilization lay hidden behind the walls of the inactive volcano, illuminated by a few rays of sunlight peeking through a large hole in the center of the domed enclosure.
The structures were made of what looked like sediment and volcanic rock, and Talassi swam freely throughout the pathways and openings.
Their drifting, ghostly figures cast dancing shadows over the ocean floor, but my anxiety spiked the more I watched them in their natural habitat.
Some were similar in color to Draya, their skin a teal grey with locks of black hair.
Others were lighter-toned, with stark white hair and icy bluish skin.
All had long tails covered in beautiful scales, and most had scars decorating their bodies as well.
Some even carried what looked like tridents, and I presumed they were members of the same guard or militia as Draya.
Sea creatures roamed the depths as well, ranging from small fish to larger, more dangerous animals. I noticed a school of sharks circling above one particular structure, and shivered as I caught a glimpse of their large bodies.
No matter how much I did or didn’t trust Draya, I was inside the den of many ocean predators, and I was their prisoner.
We soon approached a structure carved into the walls of the volcano, far more ornate and lavish than the rest of the city.
The volcanic rock was decorated with pearls and crystals, and a large staircase led to an open entrance held up by carved pillars.
I presumed this was the residence of the queen, and I couldn’t tear my eyes from its opulent beauty.
Two Talassi warriors flanked the entrance, nodding as Draya floated us up and into the wall of the volcano.
It was just as gorgeous inside as it was outside, the floors and walls a shiny obsidian decorated with splintered streaks of that same bluish crystalline stone that laced through my cell.
I imagined it was some sort of geode or crystal that formed within the volcanic rock, and it gave off that same bioluminescent glow.
The sights, sounds, and feelings of this underwater city were a lot to take in at once, and I felt my mind fraying as we moved further into the Queen’s home. Was it a castle? I didn’t know. Did the Talassi call it a castle?
“Draya,” I said, my voice coming out barely more than a squeak.
“Yes?”
“I…” my voice trailed off, and his hands tightened around my waist. He seemed irritated that I’d interrupted his thoughts, and I decided now was probably not the best time to press my luck.
Instead, I forced my thoughts to calm, though the pressure behind my skull grew and I felt a dull headache forming behind my left eye.
“Bow your head as soon as you make eye contact with the Queen,” Draya said against my ear, his voice barely above a whisper.
“She is not cruel, but she is far from kind. Don’t speak unless she asks you a question, and don’t let your mind wander too far.
You are still a prisoner, and she will treat you as such until she decides otherwise. ”
“Thanks,” I replied, my headache growing stronger. What is that supposed to mean? I thought. Truly, I had no idea what to expect. I no longer knew who was friend or foe and I wondered if I’d be killed on the spot if the Queen decided I was not worth keeping.
Finally, we approached what I assumed was her throne room, somehow even more lavish than the rest of her castle.
I decided I’d be calling it a castle, as there was no other way to describe where we were.
The floors and walls were made of the same black stone, accented with gold fixtures throughout the room.
Streaks of bluish rock splintered throughout, but glowed in a warmer hue, making the room feel like the fancy lounge of a Lord or Duke.
A dais sat against the back wall, and a large throne carved from a white seashell loomed in the middle.
The Queen herself was beautiful, though her posture was rigid, exuding a level of confidence and intimidation that I wished to one day emulate.
I’d never seen such a powerful woman before, and despite how nervous I was, I couldn’t help but admire her.
Smooth emerald green skin matched her deep viridian eyes, but her hair was unlike any color I’d seen on the Talassi so far.
It was a deep ruby red, almost so dark it appeared black, but I caught the hint of red under the golden hue of the lighting.
Her expression was cold as we approached, and the guard beside her flashed a razor-sharp fanged smile at Draya as we neared.
His skin was almost the same coloring as Draya, just slightly more grey, and he was covered head to toe in badly-healed scars.
Thick cords of muscle rippled in the golden light, and his expression was almost more intimidating than the Queen’s.
This man was clearly a warrior, and between the teeth, the scars, and the trident in his right hand, it was safe to say I was terrified.
I was once again involuntarily trembling, but I followed Draya’s lead and bowed my head as he did, praying to whatever entity was out there that I wasn’t about to die a painful, soaking wet death.
When I lifted my head, I schooled my face into indifference, and the Queen met my gaze with a glint in her eye as she cocked one brow.
“Hazel Emerson,” her deep, sultry voice filled the room. I kept quiet, unsure if that was a question or not. “What a lovely, unexpected surprise.”