Chapter 18

With excitement coursing through me, Zethe and I jump into the lagoon, plunging into the cool water. As the liquid engulfs me, I brace myself for the usual urge to gasp for air.

But to my surprise, I feel perfectly fine. I can breathe underwater without any difficulty.

I glance down at my body, and my eyes widen in awe. A thin layer of shimmer covers my skin, as if I've been bathed in a pool of glitter. I'm mesmerized by the ethereal glow that envelops me, enhancing the beauty of this underwater realm.

Zethe watches me closely, concern etched across his features.

"Can you hear me?"Zethe asks, his voice weirdly loud in the water.

I try to reply, but instead, bubbles escape from my mouth.

Panic momentarily takes hold of me, the fear of drowning surging through my veins. But then, I realize that I'm perfectly safe. I can still breathe underwater, even after exhaling all my air.

Zethe reacts swiftly, grabbing hold of me and propelling us to the surface. We break through the water's barrier, and I gasp for air, my heart racing.

Zethe's eyes search mine, filled with worry. "Are you okay?"

Taking a few deep breaths to steady myself, I manage to find my voice, curiosity burning within me. "Zethe," I begin, my voice laced with wonder. "How were you able to talk to me underwater? And how am I able to breathe even though I released all my air?"

He smiles gently, his voice soothing. "All aquatic monsters can speak telepathically to each other when they are in the water," he explains, his eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and affection. "It's the power of the water, connecting us and allowing us to communicate effortlessly."

I digest his words, my mind trying to comprehend the incredible reality I find myself in. I ask once again, a glimmer of concern in my eyes, "Is what we're doing safe?"

Zethe's eyes meet mine, his gaze steady and reassuring. "This is the safest thing we can do," he affirms, his voice filled with confidence. "Only a select few humans have the pleasure of experiencing this wondrous world beneath the surface."

Taking a few deep breaths to steady myself, I look into his eyes and find solace in his words. "I trust you," I say, my voice filled with determination, "I'm ready to do this again, now that I know what to expect."

A genuine smile graces his lips, and he takes my hand in his. "I won't let you go," he promises, his voice carrying a steadfast devotion. "I have you, Rey. Trust me."

I nod, my eyes locked with his, a newfound sense of trust blooming within me. "I trust you."

Together, we dive back into the water, and as I allow myself to immerse in this extraordinary experience, I'm finally able to see the beauty and magic that lies beneath the surface, a world filled with vibrant colors, enchanting creatures, and a love that transcends the depths of the ocean.

As we dive deeper into the ocean, a breathtaking sight unfolds before my eyes. We enter an underwater city built into the vibrant reef, illuminated by glowing orb lights that cast a mesmerizing glow. Domes of various sizes dot the ocean floor, each one housing aquatic creatures that swim gracefully in and out of them. The colors are a kaleidoscope of brilliance, with vibrant corals, exotic sea life, and stunning hues painting the underwater landscape.

The Merfolk pod joins us, their graceful forms gliding through the water with ease. Among them, I spot Sora and Leona, their familiar faces filled with delight as they watch me with wide grins. I feel a sense of belonging in their presence, as if I've been welcomed into their world with open arms.

What captures my attention the most is the ethereal glow that emanates from Zethe and the Merfolk. Underwater, their scales shimmer and pop against the dark backdrop, creating an otherworldly beauty that leaves me in awe. It's as if they are part of the ocean itself, intertwined with its magic and energy.

I swim alongside Zethe, feeling the weightlessness of the water and the exhilaration of being surrounded by such vibrant life. It's a mesmerizing experience, and I let a sense of wonder and joy fill my heart.

The underwater city is alive with activity, with schools of fish darting past, and the gentle sway of seaweed creating a rhythmic dance.

As we swim through the enchanting underwater city, Zethe keeps a protective tentacle around my waist and holds my hand tightly. His presence by my side brings me comfort, and I can feel the love and care radiating from him. He matches his speed to mine, ensuring that I can fully immerse myself in the experience without feeling rushed.

The world around us is a tapestry of vibrant colors and fascinating creatures, and I'm in awe of the beauty that surrounds us.

Sora, with her graceful form, swims beside us, holding onto a dolphin's fin. They circle around us, their playful energy infectious. Zethe turns to me, a playful sparkle in his eyes, and suggests that I ride a dolphin if I'd like.

My heart leaps at the idea, and I eagerly consider his offer.

"But where will you be?"

Zethe grins, his excitement contagious. "I'll race you," he declares, his mental voice filled with exhilaration.

I playfully tease him, biting my lip. "Ah, finally, I get to see just how strong and powerful my lifeguard is."

Leona, swimming beside us with two dolphins, encourages me to grab onto one of them. As I hold onto the dolphin's sleek body, I feel its slightly slimy texture against my skin, even underwater.

The excitement in the air is palpable as the three of us, mounted on dolphins, line up in a haphazard formation with Zethe positioned below us.

Zethe's voice echoes in our minds as he counts down, anticipation building with each passing second. And then, we're off.

The dolphins surge forward, their sleek bodies gliding through the water with grace and speed, as we race against my kraken lifeguard, circling around one of the larger underwater domes.

The adrenaline surges through me as I catch glimpses of the Mermaid sisters picking up speed. It becomes clear that my lack of a tail puts me at a disadvantage, and I struggle to maintain my grip.

A rush of saltwater and bubbles obscures my vision momentarily as my hand slips from the dolphin's fin. The sudden lack of control sends a jolt of fear coursing through my veins, and my heart leaps into my throat.

But, I'm not granted the luxury of panic.

I need to kick, to move, but the water refuses to yield to my desperate flails.

The precious gem tied to my hair grants me the ability to withstand the crushing pressure of the depths and see clearly in the glittering blue waters. However, it does not seem to have the power to increase my speed.

The undersea world moves around me, a whirl of bright colors and exotic shapes. Beautiful fish glide past me effortlessly, their scaly bodies shimmering in the filtered sunlight, while Merfolk and other aquatic beings go about their lives, seemingly unconcerned by my predicament.

I feel like a tiny speck, lost in this vast, underwater metropolis.

The chill of the water begins to seep into my bones, a reminder of my vulnerability, my alienness in this aquatic paradise. I push harder, but my strength is waning, my muscles screaming in protest.

I'm alone, lost in the vastness of the ocean.