The sounds of pursuit were still echoing faintly behind us as Elowen and I slipped deeper into the bustling heart of the underwater city. The glowing coral spires and kelp avenues stretched out in every direction, alive with the constant flow of sea life. Merfolk glided gracefully between stalls, octopus merchants haggled with glowing shell coins, and schools of colourful fish darted through the "streets" like living traffic. It was beautiful chaos, a vibrant, living metropolis that felt both ancient and alive with subtle magic.
Elowen moved with the careful grace of someone who had done this before, her cloak pulled tight around her to hide her Bloomkin features. I stayed close, my disguised merman form blending perfectly with the crowd.
"Keep close, Big Sis."
I whispered teasingly, bumping her shoulder lightly.
"Wouldn't want my favourite big sister to get lost in all this excitement."
She shot me a glare that could have frozen the warmest currents.
