Page 27 of Tides of Time

“No, my perfect Shayna, it is not all we are.” He tugged her to her feet. “But I am tired after somehow living two lifetimes in a single day. Are you coming?”

She smiled, “There’s nowhere else on land I’d rather be.”

EPILOGUE

Together,Orion and Ariana waded through the water, feeling the coolness of it rush against their newly formed scales. They swam deep beneath the waves, exploring the underwater world that had once been a mystery to them both.

Schools of colorful fish darted around them, their scales shimmering in the dim light that filtered down from the surface. Coral reefs swayed rhythmically with the motion of the ocean current, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. As they swam, Ariana couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. She glided effortlessly through the water, her powerful tail propelling her forward while Orion gracefully weaved in and out of coral formations.

They came across a small cove where the water was calm and clear, and they stopped to rest on a patch of smooth sandy bottom. Seashells glistened in the moonlight scattered around them like precious jewels. Orion leaned back on his elbows, staring up at the stars above while Ariana ran her fingers through her long, seaweed-entangled hair. "This is whatI almost gave up. What I tried to take from us." she sighed softly, looking up at him with radiant eyes.

He smiled at her words before taking her hand and leading her further into the depths of their new domain.

"What do you think about traveling through time without the pod?" He asked her, their eyes mesmerized by the twinkling stars beginning to emerge above them. "Just us and our thoughts...and maybe some good music."

Ariana glanced up at him curiously, intrigued by this proposition. The idea of experiencing different eras fascinated her, she had always been intrigued by history books back when she was human. "I don't know," she mused aloud, "but it sounds like an adventure worth taking."

“Well, then, we have a sea god to make a request of.”

Ariana’s jaw dropped at his suggestion. “You believe Poseidon will just let us travel through time and experience things?”

He took her hands and twirled them through the water, sending tiny ripples out from their dancing.

“Much as I am still furious at what you did just a few months ago, we learned how valuable we all our to the god. How could he say no to us, knowing we could return with no time having passed?”

Setting her hands on his shoulders, she pulled him close, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

“After everything I did, you’re still looking for ways to make me happy.”

“Always. Through all time.”

“I love you.” She couldn’t believe the way there relationship had changed.

For decades she’d thought she knew all their was to know about the man she loved, but for months he’d peeled away layers he’d hid behind to become something ever greater than he’d been before.

“I love you, Shayna. Now, let us go seek out the sea god. There is another favor we might ask knowing the leverage we have.

* * *

Taking a deep breath,they swam through the gate and into a world of wonder. The halls were lined with murals depicting scenes from ancient times - mermaids dancing in the depths, ships sailing through stormy seas, and heroes battling sea monsters. The floor was made of polished coral that shimmered as their tails swished over it. Seashells and pearls adorned every surface, creating an aura of opulence that was at odds with the natural setting.

As they swam deeper into the castle, they could hear the faint sound of music filling their ears - an enchanting melody that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once. It grew louder as they progressed until they found themselves in a grand ballroom filled with sea creatures together under chandeliers made of coral branches.

Poseidon sat regally in the corner of the grand ballroom, his muscular form draped in a flowing sea-green robe. His hair, as wild and untamed as the ocean, cascaded down his broad shoulders. He held his trident, a symbol of his power and control over the seas, with ease against an intricately carved throne made of a giant conch shell. The throne was adorned with pearls and seashells, reflecting the opulent atmosphere of the underwater world. His piercing eyes watched over the room, commanding respect and admiration from all who gazed upon him.

Ariana and Orion swam towards the center of the ballroom, drawn in by the music and the sight of Poseidon's throne. As they approached, they noticed that the sea god was not alone - on either side of him sat two mermaids, one with deep blue hair and the other with shimmering golden locks.

“There are others,” she couldn’t stop the whispered sentiment, and she felt Orion’s body move as he nodded beside her.

Never had she ever thought it possible that mermaids - mermaids like she knew them from fairy tales existed - but there were two right before her.

“We were hoping to speak with you about a favor,” Ariana said respectfully with a bow when the god’s gaze found hers.

Poseidon raised an eyebrow. “A favor? After what occurred and my father was granted a boon? You think to ask me a favor?”

The melodic strains of the music suddenly ceased as a deep, powerful voice reverberated through the ornate walls of the palace. Ariana stood her ground, heart racing, but finding courage and strength in the firm grip of Orion's hand intertwined with hers. She could feel the energy coursing between them, a united front against whatever challenge they may face. The grandeur of the palace seemed to pale in comparison to the intensity of their connection in that moment. The air was charged with anticipation and determination, as they prepared to face whatever came their way together.

She’d temporarily lived a life without her greatest love, this was not so scary.

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