Page 16 of Claimed By the Depths

Caspian.

Why the hell would he save⁠—?

Frigid water slammed into me, its surface punishing as bones splintered upon impact. Agony insurmountable, and lungs pleading for release, I sucked in a gasp. The sharp tang of salt hit me first, then my mistake became clear. Lids fluttering, I glanced over to find Alastair limp, his frame quickly sinking into the chasm below.

Panic surged, but as soon as it did, that melodic voice flooded the back of my mind. “Do you trust me?”

“Ellira, please. If you save one of us, let it be him.”

“Do you trust me?” she repeated, that familiar sharpness slicing through her question.

Consciousness slipped, and I answered with a weak, “Y-Yes…”

“Then step into yourself, Child. Accept who you are.”

Everything faded, and time vanished. Unsure of how long my breath had ceased, a surge of power resuscitated me—a reminder to keep fighting. Eyes shooting open, my surroundings vanished as I settled on a set of large, glowing honeydew irises.

An ancient intelligence filled their hues, holding a knowledge that even I wasn’t sure I wished to know. Its ethereal body swirled with streaks of molten gold, radiant emerald, and iridescent pearl as magic rippled through the underwater current. The creature's translucent fins matched its twinned horns that arched up and back from its sculpted, angular face, painting it with natural regality.

A water dragon.

How? Beings of such lore no longer linger near the lands of Wraelira. It has to be a farce, my mind playing tricks on me, my…

Blinking once as if in disbelief that I would question its mysticism, it tipped its head in quiet curiosity.

“You are not delusional, sweetling. She is your bonded, a creature I sculpted to protect you,” Ellira reassured, the smile evident in her words. “In fully giving yourself to me, you now command the seas, my Child, and all that lurks beneath its very surface. Allow her to aid you and your friends in ensuring a safe departure. Serevalen is lost, but that reality can remain temporary if the prophecy is fulfilled. You must go.”

Before I could argue or express the guttural ache in my bones to protect those trying to flee a pre-destined fate, the dragon acted. Slithering into the deep blue, her length disappeared. Not even a second passed before she surged, slipping beneath me with a speed I hadn’t anticipated.

Chest meeting her back, I fought to grab hold of whatever I could find. Slickness welcomed me, and where I imagined the sensation would’ve warranted disgust or panic because of my inability to secure my grasp, all I felt was safety. It was as if I had been here before, caressing her scales with a familiarity that spoke of not just years, but centuries of companionship.

Ellira claimed she was my bonded, and while I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant, it felt right.

Water sprayed as we breached the surface, and I sucked in a mouthful of oxygen. My lungs seized in response, suddenly struggling to adjust to the life I’d taken for granted far too often. Hair plastered to my forehead, I raked my fingers through it as I scanned the surface and the rest of the dragon's body for Alastair.

“Ellira! Where is he⁠—?”

Shouts rippled from the ships, arms waving as if in warning, and among them was a soaked Alastair, the filth washed from his frame. “We need to get the fuck out of here, Ro!”

He’s okay? What the hell happened?

“I healed him,” Ellira replied softly. “His fight with the Other resulted in injuries that have now been wiped from his flesh. Only scars shall remain. He was returned to the ship before you accepted my essence, and you, too, have been made well once more.”

My attention dropped to where the bat-like beast had grabbed me, and where a gaping hole should’ve sat, all that remained was a thick scar. Chest heaving with the recognition, and all it implied, I settled on the shore.

While the Others had corrupted the Capital, I couldn’t leave. Not when…

Fingers tracing across the dragon’s side, I spoke. “Take me to the docks. Please.”

Huffing, she obliged, slithering through the water before dropping me on the wooden walkway leading to Alastair’s ship. Feet finally meeting ground, I had to keep myself from collapsing to ensure its solidity. My knees buckled with ‌temptation, but the chuff behind me served as a perfect distraction.

I turned, glancing over my shoulder. “What?”

Her large head hovered, her body steadily moving to keep her massive frame above water. Honeydew gaze glowing with intensity, it felt as if the dragon were staring at me with a level of scrutiny, an unrelenting warning. With a final once-over, she slipped beneath the shadowed sea once more.

“Rohen!”

Chin snapping toward the ship, I practically choked on my breath when I found Alastair standing inches from me. “For gods’ sake! Do you have a death wish?”