It’s Rey, the resort’s first human guest…
I failed Svea by not keeping my eye on her under my watch.
Without a second thought, I dive into the tempest, determined to reach her before the sea claims her. My heart pounds in my chest, the adrenaline fueling my swift movements.
There’s only one thought on my mind: Save Rey.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I dive beneath the monstrous waves, my tentacles propelling me against the harsh current. My protective underwater eyelids slide over my eyes, shielding them against the swirling debris and saltwater.
With the strength and finesse of a creature of the sea, I swim powerfully against the storm’s waves, each stroke taking me closer to Rey. My tentacles work in perfect harmony, propelling me through the water with rapid efficiency, navigating its depths with an ease that few creatures possess.
Every twist and twirl of my body, every flick of my tentacle is an art form, a dance with the ocean I’ve perfected over years.
I scan the underwater chaos, desperately seeking any sign of Rey. The world underwater is a realm of distorted shadows and muted colors, the storm above churning the sea into a frothy chaos.
And then I see her—sinking deeper into the tumultuous embrace of the sea, her figure hazy, her arms splayed out around her like a starfish. Alarm slams through me as I notice her body motionless, her wristband flashing urgently.
A surge of fierce determination shoots through me and I jet toward her with all the speed I can muster. My arms wrap around her gently but firmly, pulling her body to mine. With a powerful thrust of my body, we break through the surface, gasping for air in the storm-ravaged night.
My body thrums with an unexpected energy where it connects with Rey’s, a sensation so profound it seizes my breath.
I realize something I once thought was intangible for me—it can only mean one thing: She’s my fated mate, the one the Moon Goddess chose for me.
My chest heaves as I gasp for air, but my eyes never leave Rey, my concern solely focused on her safety.
A sensation like no other courses through me, a raw, potent energy that makes every cell in my body buzz with electricity. The sensation is strongest where my skin touches hers—a symbiotic vibration, a shared heartbeat.
But that reality brings with it a chilling realization. She had been in danger, and I hadn’t known, hadn’t been there in time to prevent it. My mate, my other half, could have been lost to me before I had a chance to know her, to love her.
A wave of guilt washes over me as I replay the past few hours in my mind. How could I have let the first human guest of the resort almost drown under my watch?
The repercussions of such a disaster would have been unthinkable. Not only wouldn’t there be a way for our reputation to recover, but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I allowed my fated mate to die before I got to know her when I should’ve been paying better attention.
Shame coats my being, and I tighten my grip on Rey protectively. Her eyelids remain closed, but the steady rise and fall of her chest provides a measure of relief. She’s alive, clinging onto me with a strength that’s surprising and heartening. Herfingers dig into my skin, each puncture a comforting sting, a reminder that she’s here with me.
The storm rages around us, the blackness of the night punctuated by intermittent flashes of lightning. Thunder reverberates in the distance, the gusty wind howls in my ears, and monstrous waves crash all around us. The only constant in this chaos is the rhythmic blink of her bracelet—a beacon in the darkness guiding us toward safety.
I tighten my hold on her and mutter a silent vow to her that I will not let her go, not now, not ever. No storm, no sea, no force of nature will stand in my way.
I am a Kraken, the protector of these waters, and I will not let Rey be claimed by the stormy sea.
As I keep Rey close to my body, the skies overhead roar to life, while Drax, our fierce Dragon, swoops down from above. He is a sight to behold, an electric storm beast known for his raw power and control over the elements. His mighty roar reverberates through the sky, sending a clear signal to everyone at the resort.
“Need a lift?” Drax calls out, wings beating against the onslaught of the storm.
I shake my head, not ready to let Rey out of my grasp. The thought of Drax dropping her, however unlikely, sets my nerves on edge. “No, we’re fine. I’ve got her.”
Despite Drax’s immunity to lightning, Rey doesn’t share that attribute. I wouldn’t risk her getting hurt. Drax, understanding my concern, decides to assist differently. “I’ll shield you then,” he promises.
Finally, we reach the shore. Zero and his Orc guards are there, their solid figures a welcome sight amidst the chaos. His older sister, and resort owner, Svea is waiting, her worried gaze flicking between me and Rey. Beside her stands Medic Eaen, a Birdman with vibrant feathers who serves as our residenthealthcare worker. Nearby, Zoe huddles with her mate, Sage, the Naga Head Gardener, their faces etched with concern.
As Drax lands, he unfurls his wings, creating a makeshift canopy to shield us from the pelting rain. The crowd surrounds us as I carry Rey ashore, their concern palpable in the air.
“We need to check her vitals,” Eaen speaks up, stepping forward, his medical scanner in hand.
My fingers tangle in her damp hair, pushing the soaked strands off her face as I lay her gently on the sand. My eyes soften as her hand refuses to loosen its grip on one of my tentacles. The sight fills me with a sense of pride. Even in her unconscious state, she seeks my comfort, a profound connection already forming between us.
As Eaen studies Rey, using his advanced scanner to assess her condition, I can only watch with bated breath, my tentacle still firmly wrapped around her arm. The familiar tingle races through me as I take in the sight of her, lying there, while Eaen hovers over her, a med scanner in his hand. Even in her unconscious state, she clings to me, and I find a strange comfort in her touch.
