SEA'S BRIDE (PHILMYTHO ROMANCE II)

CHAPTER 30

At this moment, it became a burdensome question to me why would this sea God capture me and keep me here in his dome? What does he really want from me? Was it really me, he actually needs?

Then I suddenly realized that because Thalia is associated with Mayari, the living moon Goddess, perhaps he had just made some mistake. But it soon vanished the moment I pondered something he told me before he departed to see the caldera a few days ago.

"Woman, you have the key to something that was supposed to be mine. You can't leave this place until I could retrieve it back."

Having to recall it in my memory instantly made me forget the idea that there might be some mistake about my sudden abduction. It then forced me to believe that maybe there could be something more to this that Amanikable actually needs from me which I haven't figure out.

I was thinking, what if I helped him find that something he wanted to retrieve? perhaps he might actually set me free later on. If it is true that what he said about me being the ‘key’ to that—whatever something it is that was supposed to be his—then I'd bet my lifeline to fulfill in finding this thing and then I would just have to bargain my freedom later on.

While having my mind preoccupied with that thought, I didn't realize that Amanikable was already standing before me when he swiftly held my shoulders as he keeps on shoving me like I wasn't hearing him at all.

What is wrong with this man? or God?

And as I am currently in complete shock by Amanikable’s sudden action, a deafening beeping sound abruptly took away my hearing and replaced it with a completely muted moment. This time, I could no longer hear Amanikable for real, no matter how I see him trying to yell at me. I can only see him opening his mouth so wide like he was about to consume me alive, but there was no single sound at all. He looks so furious and at the same time—more anxious.

While observing him and wondering what is going on, a sudden female voice came in between. "Protect him. Save him. Protect him...save him...." It was repeating like a broken stereo that keeps on echoing around me. I tried searching for the source of the voice but there was nobody around here except for me and Amanikable.

It keeps on repeating what it is saying over and over until I couldn’t take it anymore. "Who am I suppose to protect?" I said back which made me notice that it wasn't coming from my mouth. My voice was astoundingly coming from my thoughts inside my head and it's completely unimaginable. I can't believe I am even capable of doing this.

"Save him...protect him..." there was it again. That female voice I have never heard before.

"Who? Who is it that I must save?"

"Save him...protect him..." and then she said again.

"Answer me?!"

"Save him....you must save him!"

"I don't even know who I must save unless you tell me?"

"You must protect him."

"Tell me?! I don't really know why you are talking to me this way but if you are just playing a fool of me, then this isn't funny!"

"Save him.. you must save him!"

"Save who?! You won't even tell me who?! How can I even save him when you don't even tell me who is this person who I must save?!"

"Save him....please, protect him!"

"I am asking you one last time, okay? If you still won't tell me then you must return me to reality. Otherwise, I won't listen to you ever again and all the more I won't ever save this person you wish me to save or protect!"

And then a trace of air just resonated in my ears, hooting so lowly beside it and whispering a murmur I hardly could hear. And then in just a swift moment, the wind was gone so as the muted surroundings.

The last thing I am able to hear was, "Only you could protect and save him..." and just as after the voice trailed off, I finally heard Amanikable anxiously screaming before me, "EMALIA, RETURN TO ME!" and that would be the very first time I heard the master of this dome, Amanikable, ever mentioned my given name.

***

Did I hear him correctly? Did the master—Amanikable—just said my name for the first time since I arrive here?

I am not hallucinating, don't I? The whole scenery around me return to normal and I could hear his voice so clear that I can't possibly be wrong about what I heard. But more than that, I can't help but be amused to see him looking so apprehensive. I've never seen this side of him before, well not until today.

"What happen to you?" he asked. The tone of his query was even different, but I don't find it odd. As a matter of fact, it's reassuring in a way. It gives me the notion that someone is looking after me now and that I shouldn't be pusillanimous.

It feels weird that right this moment, My only hope was that, I wish those muscular arms of his would wrap around me and secure me further. I could picture myself now looking like a total coward. Apparently, I would even want to call out to him like a cowering stray with his real name as well, "Am—" and yet I refrain myself as soon as I caught sight of his questing oceanic-blue eyes. Instead, I told him, "I think I just lost my sense of hearing a while back, but I'm fine now. It's just that—" but before I could be able to continue, I immediately screamed at the top of my lungs after seeing the creepy sea creature launches its tortured body towards us. It instantly spread its sharp claws forward, aiming towards Amanikable.

Amanikable quickly pushes me away from him. His force sweeps me effortlessly, but the impact on me was beyond compare as it caused me to slam towards the elevator wall. I feel like my head just hit a hard stone, giving me that dizzy vision and a groggy feeling.

I tried to win back my composure to check on Amanikable. And I was even more shocked to find him shielding me with his arm. The claws were able to penetrate the metal armor around his arms, causing blood to drip on the floor.

"No—no, what are you doing?" I can't help myself from screaming. I can't see more of this. Though I have always hated him, that doesn't mean I can tolerate seeing him perishing this way all because he is trying to protect me. I must do something to help him at least. But what kind of help can I give him? I am not capable of fighting and I don't even have any weapon to use against the creepy sea creature.

But not until I saw the sinalawatan bolted on the ground beyond them. If I could only have the chance and run after it, perhaps I could use it to help Amanikable. As of the moment, the sea creature is still trying to plunge its claws further, wanting to cut off Amanikable's arms and slice off his throat. But with the strong built of the armor, It will take the creature a little more time to cut through it. It can only do so much as penetrate it the slightest, knowing how strong Amanikable is, I'd like to believe he can easily get through this.