The first hint of dawn brushes against the ocean’s horizon. I look over my city, to the calm waters of the harbor, shielded by the rocky breakwater. For a moment, the world stands still, and I simplyfeel. It seeps into me: the gentle rustle of the breeze, the distant cry of seagulls, and the soft lullaby of waves kissing the shore.
Rosalina gently brushes my fingertips with her own. “Are you ready?”
The answer swells in my chest. “Yes.”
Rolling my shoulders, I face the dawn. Navy shadows retreat, surrendering to the brilliance of the morning light, and the world awakens with a newfound vigor. The power of the Summer Realm flows into me. I’m going to need every ounce of it this morning.
I cannot fight this power. I must surrender to it. As magic flows freely between myself and Castletree, so does the Blessing flow between me and this land. Between me and the sea.
My eyes fly open, and my whole body tingles with electricity as I connect with the ocean. I grit my teeth, fighting to weave control through every wave, feeling my awareness spread over the surf. The ocean whispers to me, and I call back:Help me free my people. Help me save my city. Let me wield your might as my own.
“Dayton?” Rosalina says.
A smile breaks across my face. “Been a long time since us princes felt what our Blessings could really do.”
Like a released breath, the ocean surrenders. I stretch my fingers out before me, feeling as if the world is in the palm of my hands. I flick my wrist and waves crash against a nearby shore.
“There you are,” I grit out. Sweat drips down my brow. Power thrums within me, a tempest waiting to be unleashed. I feel the ebb and flow of the waves as they respond to my command. The air crackles with energy.
With agonizing effort, I draw the sea back …
Far on the horizon, a great wave rises from the depths of the ocean like a titan awakening from slumber, its towering crest garlanded with a frosty crown of foam.
“Oh my god,” Rosalina whispers.
Digging my heels into the ground, my fingers flex as all my concentration pools into controlling this wave.
As it draws closer, its sheer magnitude becomes apparent, dwarfing everything in its path.The water surges forward with primal fury. The fury of the ocean. My fury. A deafening roar thunders.
Below, screams sound as people notice the tsunami on the horizon.
“It’s so big, Day,” Rosalina gasps. I turn and see a flicker of fear in her eyes.
But all I can do is let out a strained laugh. “That’s the same thing you said last night.”
“Day—”
“Hey, I make jokes when I’m nervous.”
The thundering is immense now, roaring in my ears, my own rapid heartbeat drowning out everything else. I can taste the salt on my lips, feel the spray of the sea as it dances upon my skin. This is my domain, my birthright, and I shall not hesitate to wield it as I see fit.
With a primal roar that echoes across the skyline, I unleash the full might of my magic.
“Dayton!” Rosalina yells. “Release it! It’s too close!”
“Not yet,” I snarl.
The wave rises higher, a towering wall of water that roils closer and closer.
“Dayton!”
More screams sound, and I distantly hear my name being called. The people have noticed me up here.
“Dayton! It’s too close!”
“Hope your fucking green skeletons know how to swim, Sira,” I growl.
With a flick of my wrist, I command the great wave to halt its relentless advance just outside the breakwater, a singular barrier between destruction and salvation. It washes against the stones with a deafening roar. The impact sends a spray of mist cascading into the air.
