As Velaris restored itself beneath my touch, the words on my hands began to glow again. This time, I understood them more clearly. They weren't random blessings—they were virtues, responding to my thoughts, my intent, my emotions. Each one awakened only when I truly embodied it. They weren't guiding me blindly; they were amplifying what I was already choosing.
I lowered my hands and turned around.
All the kings loyal to me stood behind—bloodied, weary, but unbroken. Yet my eyes were drawn to Vesper. He stood apart, grinning, waving as if we weren't standing on the aftermath of a battlefield.
I hesitated.
I didn't trust him—not fully. But if it weren't for him, I would have died under Paisa's claws. He had proven his loyalty in action, not words, and he had restored my strength when I needed it most.
I stepped toward him. Gideon followed closely behind.
"Aren't you going to thank me, Sienna?" Vesper said lightly as he met me halfway. "I'd like to believe saving your life is proof enough of my loyalty."
Gideon immediately moved in front of me, blocking him. Aron stepped in as well, forming a wall.
Vesper scoffed. "Why is everyone so tense around me? I have every right to place my claim. I'm bound to her."
"He's right," I said calmly. "Lower your guard. I trust that Vesper won't harm me. Thank you—for saving me."
Gideon and Aron stiffened but stepped aside.
Vesper closed the distance and took my hand. "I'm glad you trust me."
Around us, elk and bear beastkin approached, offering gratitude, bowing their heads, thanking us for defending Velaris and restoring their land. I listened, but my gaze drifted to the horizon.
This wasn't over.
"Sienna," Rocco said, his voice tight. "I'm sorry I arrived late. I promised—"
"It's alright," I said gently. "I understand. All of you came when it mattered."
Before anyone could speak further, Rocco stiffened. His expression darkened.
"I have to go," he said suddenly. "Something's wrong in the seas. The merfolk need me."
"Wait," I called.
Trouble was unfolding faster than we could contain it. Velaris was secure—for now—but Mariner's Bay was next. I made my decision instantly.
"I'm coming with you."
The kings protested. I stopped them.
"Your kingdoms need you. I made a mistake calling you all at once. Please—go back and protect your people."
Talon and Aron reluctantly agreed and departed. Gideon hesitated, then stayed. Zulu stepped beside me. Vesper followed without asking.
When we arrived at Mariner's Bay, chaos greeted us.
Massive tentacles tore into the dome, cracking glass and stone. The warning conch echoed through the water as merfolk fled in panic. I spotted Pietri and the merkids first—crying, terrified. I ran to them, pulling them into my arms, shielding them.
"Stay with me," I said softly.
Rocco and the others charged ahead. Rocco summoned his spear, forming massive water blades like cannons. Gideon and Zulu hacked at the tentacles. I saw Chance battling squid-like mermen near the edge.
Vesper was nowhere to be seen.
I didn't have time to search.
I led the children to safety and waved frantically to fleeing merfolk. Parents recognized me and rushed toward their children, tears streaming as families reunited.
Pietri's parents told me the attacks from the Dark Seas had been escalating—more violent, more frequent. They suspected Bruno, ruler of the Dark Seas, was making his move.
That explained Rocco's exhaustion.
I left the families in a secure area, summoned my dagger, and went back into the fray.
A squid-like merman caught me from behind.
Slimy tentacles wrapped around my body, crushing, dragging me toward the water.
"Let me go!"
I tried to summon my dagger—nothing. My fire sparked weakly, sputtering. The creature tightened its grip.
I looked to Rocco, Gideon, and Zulu still fighting. I refused to distract them.
I focused.
The fire ignited.
The squid screamed as flames consumed it. I broke free and immediately hurled fireballs toward the shore, incinerating Dark Sea mermen as they emerged.
I didn't care about the cost.
I would not let Mariner's Bay fall.
This had to be a kraken.
I manifested a massive net woven from the strongest vines I could summon. My knees buckled as the effort drained me—using both abundance and fire was tearing through my life force.
I summoned the ginza and drank deeply.
"Rocco!" I shouted. "Use the net—trap it!"
He nodded, grabbed it, and coordinated with Zulu. Water blades rained down as Rocco drove his spear into the ground, summoning tidal waves that forced the kraken back into the depths.
Then—
Glass shards exploded through the air.
Gideon and Zulu were struck, blood blooming as they fell.
My heart seized.
Before I could move, someone grabbed my hair and yanked me backward.
A massive barracuda-like merman emerged from the sea, dark and towering, his grin razor-sharp.
"That was impressive, Rocco," he mocked. "Not rusty at all."
"Bruno," Rocco said grimly. "What do you want?"
"I don't need anything," Bruno replied. "I'll take everything."
I struggled, but he threw me like a rag doll across the shore. Bruno caught me easily, slammed me down, and twisted my hair painfully as more sea monsters rose behind him.
"So this is the Goddess of Abundance," he sneered. "You look weak. I don't understand the obsession."
"I'm glad you don't," I snapped, fighting his grip.
"Now choose," Bruno said, eyes locked on Rocco. "Your companions. Your kingdom. Or her."
"Rocco—don't," I said urgently. "You don't have to give up anything."