Aurora had barely finished speaking when Zale closed the remaining distance between them once again. Before she could ask what he intended to do, one of his strong arms slipped naturally around her waist, drawing her securely against his side.
His movements were smooth and practiced, as though carrying someone through the sea was something he had done countless times before. Aurora instinctively grabbed hold of his shoulder, more from surprise than fear, and in the very next instant the Dragon King stepped off the giant clam.
Instead of falling... they glided.
The water surrounding them responded to Zale's presence as though it were alive. The ocean parted before him, creating a clear path through the endless blue depths while powerful currents gathered beneath his feet.
