Nerine's eyes widened. She looked again, half against her will, and sure enough, the creature swam effortlessly beside the boat. Its massive body rippled under the water's surface, its sleek head rising every so often, revealing a glint of deep sapphire eyes that seemed almost… intelligent.
"W-water wolf?" Her voice cracked. "That's supposed to comfort me?"
Kael finally glanced sideways, his onyx-black eyes gleaming in the day light. "It should. They're guardians of these waters. If you'd seen anything else rise from beneath, then you would have reason to scream."
The calm certainty of his tone only made her feel smaller, more foolish. She pulled away from his chest and sat up straight, brushing invisible dust from her dress. Her cheeks flamed. "You should have warned me."
"I should have," Kael admitted, his lips curving slightly at the corner. "But then I would've missed the delightful sight of you leaping into my arms."
