Chapter 25 : An Unlikely Alliance
677 Words
The ocean trembled beneath the roar of the monstrous creature.
Its massive tail struck the seabed, sending waves of sand and broken coral spiraling through the water. The royal guards struggled to keep their balance as panic spread across the battlefield.
Above them all stood Lord Varyn, his dark staff glowing with terrible power.
“Bow before the new ruler of the seas!” he declared, his voice echoing across the waters.
The creature beneath him let out another thunderous roar and began moving toward the Coral Palace.
Princess Marina felt a surge of fear for the first time that night.
The palace.
Her children were inside.
Without hesitation, she raised both hands, summoning the power of the ocean. A massive wall of water rose between the monster and the palace, crashing forward like a tidal storm.
The creature slammed into it, but the impact sent shockwaves through Marina’s body.
She winced.
The monster was stronger than anything she had ever faced.
Nearby, Prince Kael watched the scene with clenched fists.
“This is his doing,” Kael muttered darkly. “He’s controlling the beast.”
Marina turned sharply toward him.
“You said he destroyed your clan.”
Kael nodded.
“He betrayed us years ago. He promised to lead us to power… but instead he used forbidden magic to wipe us out.”
Marina’s voice hardened. “Then why are you here with his army?”
“They are not his army,” Kael replied coldly. “They are the last survivors of my clan.”
He looked toward the towering creature.
“And he plans to destroy us too.”
Another violent crash shook the ocean as the monster struck Marina’s water shield again.
Cracks began forming in the swirling wall.
Marina’s strength was fading.
Kael glanced at her.
“You cannot defeat that creature alone.”
Marina met his gaze.
“I don’t need your help.”
Kael gave a small, humorless smile.
“You might want to reconsider.”
At that moment, Lord Varyn raised his staff higher.
The monster opened its enormous jaws, gathering a swirling sphere of dark energy inside its mouth.
Marina’s eyes widened.
“If that hits the palace…”
“Everything inside will be destroyed,” Kael finished.
For a moment, they both stared at the growing darkness inside the monster’s mouth.
Then Kael sighed.
“Well,” he said calmly, “this is inconvenient.”
Marina looked at him.
“What are you doing?”
Kael turned toward her, his glowing blue eyes suddenly serious.
“I’m helping you.”
Marina frowned.
“Why?”
Kael smirked slightly.
“Because if Varyn destroys the ocean kingdoms…”
His voice became colder.
“…there will be nothing left for me to rule.”
Before she could respond, Kael shot forward through the water, dark energy forming around his hands.
He slammed his power into the monster’s side, forcing it to turn slightly away from the palace.
The sphere of dark energy fired from its mouth—
And exploded far away into the open sea.
The blast lit up the entire ocean like lightning.
Marina stared at Kael in surprise.
“You just saved the palace.”
Kael shrugged casually.
“Don’t sound so shocked.”
Another roar shook the battlefield as the monster prepared to attack again.
Kael swam back beside Marina.
“So,” he said, crossing his arms slightly, “temporary alliance?”
Marina hesitated.
Everything in her told her not to trust him.
But the creature, Lord Varyn, and the coming destruction left little choice.
Finally, she nodded once.
“For now.”
Kael grinned slightly.
“Good.”
Together they turned toward the monstrous beast.
Behind them, the royal guards regrouped, preparing for another attack.
But deep inside the hidden chamber of the palace…
Little Lyra suddenly sat upright.
Her glowing silver eyes filled with power.
The water around her began swirling violently.
“The ocean is waking,” she whispered.
And somewhere deep beneath the seabed…
Something ancient had begun to stir.
- Writer
