23.Under The Sea

Deja vu. When I find Samson at the dock, he’s fretting.

This time, the afternoon sun shines down on us and no nymphs or bonfire attracts attention. We’re alone on the secluded beach.

"Wow, you know this is supposed to be fun, right?"

"Woohoo." His deadpan delivery has me grinning, though he doesn’t take his eyes off the water. Samson has his feet and ankles in the water, the surf swirling around him. He’s frowning and looks uncomfortable.

"I can do this," he insists.

"Of course you can. But that doesn’t mean this will be easy.”

Unlike us nymphs, magic and an element aren’t a permanent part of a caster until branding. Samson’s brand is new. All his fiery powers, traits, and instincts are heightened. That’s part of why he fought so hard to gain control, he needs to be able to handle his new strength. His hesitance here makes sense.

“You’re a new firebrand, and you're not sure about being submerged under water for an extended period of time."

He nods. "Something like that."

I watch the gentle waves lap at the shore with him.

The bay has stayed the same in some ways. Still tucked behind a dense nature preserve full of supernatural creatures, still hidden beneath the waves. Visitors aren’t about to flock here in droves. But things are changing too.

The sacred link between the nymphs and the water they inhabit has been healed and protected, so no one can interfere, steal, or pervert their connection to the water again. The nymphs are ready to start a new chapter.

Those who do find their way to the bay will be welcome. Who knows? I may even try to find my father and invite him here one day.

For now, our community knows exactly who our first official visitor should be: the guy who burned away the rot and helped me prevent a terrible sacrifice from taking place. Sorin Samson. If he can manage to make the dive.

"Just taking a swim. No big deal,” he insists, psyching himself up. He’s almost pouting, and I struggle not to react. I bite back a smile, but my amusement doesn't go unnoticed. His eyes narrow in a glare.

"Don't look at me that way," he commands.

"But you're adorable," I tease.

"I am not."

“Isn’t that what I always tell you?”

Samson doesn’t share the fond smile I send his way. He’s too busy gazing at the sea again.

"You know, we don't have to do this today," I point out.

"I want to.” He turns back to me, and I see how earnest he is. “I do want to see your village."

Wrapping my arm around him, I reassure, "And we can't wait to welcome you. It's an honor for us too, you know? You and your father are the first humans to venture underwater in our bay in ages.”

"And I'm excited to see where you came from in all its glory."

I smile at him warmly. "Good. Because it really is an honor. Now that the nymphs are open to reacquainting themselves with the outside world, we want you to be our first invited guest."

Samson smiles back at me, but he still looks apprehensive when his eyes turn to the sea. He’s still a new firebrand.

"I have an idea."

"Hit me—ah! What the hell?"

Without any warning, I gently flick my wrist, sending a cascade of water droplets splashing onto his face. The surprise registers on his features instantly — brows shooting up to meet his hairline and his mouth forming a comical 'o'.

"What’s the matter?" I wonder innocently.

"You sprayed me with water!" he hollers.

"How do you feel?"

"Annoyed and wet." He looks pissed… and a little like a drowned cat.

"Does it feel bad?" I question importantly.

"No. Huh.” He turns thoughtful, taking a few steps into the water until it nearly reaches his thighs. “Alright, let’s try this.”

“Really, are you sure?”

Samson twists towards me and loops his arms across my middle, pulling me in. “You better not make spraying me with water a habit, but yeah, I’m sure. The bay sorta feels like you, and the water feels alright as long as your water magic is involved.”

My lips brush against his. As we kiss, I work my magic, one hand tracing the edges of his neck. The gills look a little strange on his thicker, shorter neck, but I like connecting with him magically. I like connecting with him however I can, whenever I can.

"Ready?" I offer him my hand. He responds with a nod and takes my hand in his.

We wade into the sea together, letting each other go when we need to start swimming towards the nymph village. I lead the way, and we eventually dive under the surface and head down.

I glide through the water, Samson's following as we swim towards the depths of the bay. First, we swim through the coral gardens.

The plant life and sea creatures are healing as vitality returns to the bay. I guide him further into the gardens, weaving between towering pillars of coral that sway with the gentle current. Schools of fish dart in and out of the branches, close enough to touch. Samson's eyes follow their movements, transfixed.

Grabbing his hand, I continue our exploration, leading him deeper into the underwater paradise. He seems to have forgotten his hesitation as he takes in the breathtaking sights around us.

I guide Samson through the lush kelp that shields the village from view, the swaying fronds brushing against our skin.

The homes and buildings look like large seashells, constructed from a mix of magic and hard work. Each one colorful and unique, some with spires that rise up towards the sky.

Some areas are protected by a canopy made of kelp and seaweed, and sea glass nestled in the canopy makes the whole village sparkle when the light hits just right.

Seeing the place I love through new eyes as Samson takes it all in for the first time is amazing. I'm so glad we were able to protect this place and that he appreciates the beauty of the village.

While there are ways of communicating with the other nymphs under water, Samson and I can't talk to each other. But it doesn't seem like we need words.

A huge grin overtakes his face, and he squeezes my hand, eager to see everything. I grin back and lead him deeper into the village, excited to show him all the wonders in this place he helped me save.