It was meant to be a day of rest, but Conch couldn't stay still.
He left a short note in Coral's room before slipping out into the water alone, heading toward the Atlas region. He didn't fully understand why he felt drawn that way. Only that the pressure in his chest wouldn't settle if he stayed. Conflict and confusion churned beneath his calm surface, and ignoring it had stopped working.
The clamshell was still in his hand.
Back in Atlas, Zui was summoned before the throne.
King Titan, lord of the northern sea, sat high above her, his presence filling the chamber even in silence. His royal tenant stood close at his side as Zui approached, keeping her posture respectful despite the knot in her stomach.
King Titan
"It seems after your safe return you have been wondering about waters unfamiliar to you. Why is this, young princess?"
Zui
"I simply wish to find someone."
King Titan
"And who is this person? And why do you not ask for company during your search?"
Zui
"I have no need for company. This person has saved me many times, and I only wish to thank them properly. Although… he has proven difficult to find."
Titan's gaze lingered on her longer this time.
King Titan
"I will ask again. Why do you not have company to aid in your search?"
Zui lifted her chin.
Zui
"I will say again. I do not wish for company, your majesty."
The royal tenant stepped forward.
Royal Tenant
"Sire, if I may. There have been reports of tentapods swimming near the Bermuda and the trench. What do you wish to do, sir?"
King Titan
"Leave them. They are of no concern here."
The tenant hesitated, then continued.
Royal Tenant
"But, sire, one of those seen is quite unusual. Described as having blue skin throughout, thickly built. Most notable is his resemblance to the ancient ones that once lived in the underwater rivers long ago. I thought you might take interest in someone as strange as this."
The chamber grew quiet.
King Titan
"Do you believe this may be an ancient being?"
Royal Tenant
"I believe nothing until I see it with my own eyes, sire. Thus I ask permission to call forth a search."
Titan considered this, his expression unreadable.
King Titan
"…Granted."
His eyes shifted.
King Titan
"Young princess? Where did she go?"
Zui was already gone.
She swam hard toward the trenches, fear and urgency driving her faster than thought. She knew exactly who they were speaking of and she intended to find him first.