As we swim deeper into the cave, I feel the burn in my lungs, a growing ache that tells me I'm running out of air. Mirella seems oblivious, her tail flicking ahead of us as she leads the way, but Rhyland is at my side, his strong arms pulling me up toward the surface.
We burst through the water, gulping down lungfuls of sweet, sweet oxygen. "She must forget we need air to breathe," I gasp, clinging to Rhyland as I catch my breath.
He holds me close, his chest heaving with exertion. "It's easy to forget when you're used to living beneath the waves," he says, his voice a low rumble that I feel as much as I hear.
Mirella's head pops up a few feet away, her expression contrite. "I'm so sorry. I keep forgetting—here. Stay close. It's not far." She dives back under, swimming towards us with a few assertive flicks of her tail.
I take another deep breath, filling my lungs, and grab Mirella's hand. She gives me a reassuring squeeze, and then we're off, cutting through the water like a pair of torpedoes.
Rhyland swims at my side, his hand clasped firmly in mine.
We swim deeper into the coral caverns and enter a new world, an underwater oasis of twisting tunnels and hidden chambers. The colors are even more vibrant here, and the coral formations take on strange and wondrous shapes that defy the laws of physics.
I'm so caught up in the beauty of it all that I almost don't notice when Mirella starts pushing me towards the surface. But then my head breaks through the water, and I gulp air like it's the elixir of life, my lungs expanding with relief.
We've emerged into a hidden cave, the rocky walls dripping with moisture but sparkling like glitter and the air heavy with the scent of salt and sea life. It's likesomething out of a pirate movie, a secret hideaway where treasure and danger lurk equally.
As I look around, taking in the eerie beauty of the place, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement thrumming through my veins. I can feel we're getting closer to the key, to the answers we seek.
Rhyland bursts through the surface, sending ripples cascading across the tranquil water. In an instant, he is at my side, his eyes scanning me for any signs of distress. He grips the rocky ledge, his muscles flexing as he hoists himself up and out of the water with an effortless grace that never fails to take my breath away.
Then, he reaches for me, his large hands wrapping around my waist and lifting me as if I weigh no more than a feather. I cling to him, my body molding against his as he sets me gently on the cave floor.
The heat in the cave is oppressive, the air thick and muggy, but with our clothes soaked through and our skin slick with moisture, it's almost a relief.
Mirella bobs in the water below us, her tail flicking back and forth as she stares at me with those eerie, luminous eyes. "Through there," she says, pointing to a nook in the corner of the cave, "are the Pools of Reflection; you must look into them to gain access to the next area. This is as far as I go. No one has ever escaped this trial—I wish you luck! But I have a feeling you won't need it." She winks.
And then, without another word, she dives back beneath the surface, her shimmering tail disappearing into the depths with a flick and a splash. I'm left staring after her, my mouth hanging open, trying to process her words.
I swivel to face Rhyland, my eyebrows trying to climb off my forehead. "Well, that was reassuring," I quip, trying to lighten the mood. "Looks like it's just you, me, Rhy-Pie, and whatever fun-house mirrors from hell await us. Shall we?"
Lucian
42
"So, Cupcake, whaddya wanna know?"
We're chilling on the quarterdeck, snuggled up on a blanket with some pillows propped against a couple of barrels. It's like our little love nest, minus the rose petals and scented candles. Though, I could probably rustle some up if I really tried. Never underestimate the power of a determined vampire with a romantic streak.
Seraphina is tucked up next to me, fitting perfectly against my side like a sexy angelic puzzle piece. The vast expanse of the ocean stretches out before us, the waves lapping gently against the ship as we wait for Dani and Rhyland to return from their little adventure. Honestly, I couldn't give two shits what they're up to.
Don't get me wrong; I'm all for the "saving the world" thing. It's noble and heroic and blah blah blah. But when you've got a literal angel in your arms, the rest of the world can take a backseat. Priorities, people. And right now, my priority is making sure Seraphina is safe, sound, and thoroughly seduced by my irresistible charm and wit.
Not that I'm trying to get in her pants or anything.
Okay, that's a lie.
I'm definitely trying to get in her pants. But can you blame me? Have you seen this woman? She's like a walking, talking fantasy come to life. And the fact that she's my mate, my other half, my missing puzzle piece? Well, that just makes it all the sweeter.
So, yeah. Dani and Rhyland can take their time doing whatever they're doing. Slaying monsters, finding ancient artifacts, braiding each other's hair... I don't care. The rest of the world can wait as long as I've got Seraphina.
Suck it, Shakespeare. This is what true romance looks like.
Seraphina takes a swig from her mug of rum, courtesy of our gracious captain. She downs it like a seasoned pro.
Impressive.
"Hmm..." she muses, pondering her next question. "How about you tell me how you became a vampire? What was your life like before?"
