Naga's serpent form cut through the brackish delta water like a living arrow—scales propelling him forward with powerful undulations, hood flat against his skull to reduce drag, every sense focused on the mate bond pulling him toward Alex.
The Tangled Delta was living up to its name.
Waterways split and rejoined in impossible patterns. Some channels ended in dead-ends choked with vegetation. Others looped back on themselves. The whole system was a maze designed by chaos and erosion, with no clear path through.
But Naga had advantages.
His serpent senses could detect subtle changes in water flow—fresher water meant channels flowing from upstream, saltier water meant routes connecting to the ocean. He followed the salt gradient, trusting his instincts and the bond's directional pull.
Nine hours, he thought grimly. Zale said nine to ten hours if I don't get lost.
He'd been swimming for four already.
