Page 28 of Tides of Time

“My wife made a mistake. But she made it out of great despair for the strain put on her. We seek a year - one that you and Chronos may keep a watchful on eye.” Orion released her hand and swam forward to shield her just slightly. “One that we could return to the pod from as needed.” he bowed his head and straightened to his full height, the tip of his tail grazing the shimmering floor.

“I nearly lost her, and myself, because she needed time away. Truly away, not just on the shore. Let us have a year to go where the tides take us. To recharge together the way we need.”

Ariana’s heart raced at her husband’s words. She had always known the protector that he was at his core. She’d gotten to see it first hand in the alternate timeline when he’d spoken of saving others, but to hear it now, it reminded her of the man she’d briefly gotten to know.

"A year...?" Poseidon murmured, his eyes flickering with stormy emotion. The waves crashed through the windows, somehow noticeable through the dense ocean itself. They churned and crashed, sending sprays of salty sea foam over his mighty trident as he pondered their request.

Ariana's heart skipped a beat as she watched Poseidon's face contort with a blend of anger and sadness. His muscled chest heaved up and down, the veins in his neck standing out as he clenched his teeth, the seaweed around him rustling with his rage. He smacked his sea-green tail against the water, sending ripples

The King of the Sea scowled at the ceiling above them, his muscles bulging beneath his iridescent scales as he steeled himself for the task ahead. He'd have to bend time itself to grant such a boon, but for these two? He would make an exception. "Very well," he growled eventually, nodding once. "You have your year, mortals. A year from now you must return, or suffer my wrath."

His voice echoed through the depths like thunder, causing a tremor that rippled through the ocean floor and shivered up their bodies.

As he stood up straight, his massive bulk towered over them, making Orion and Ariana feel small in comparison. However, when he spoke again, his voice took on a softer edge, almost gentle. "Take this time to recharge and rediscover your love for each other. And remember: you are never truly alone when faced with danger. I am always watching over you."

With that said, Poseidon disappeared into a swirl of water, leaving them in the chamber with the two mermaids left stunned.

Orion wrapped an arm around Ariana's waist protectively, guiding her closer.

“He said yes,” Orion whispered in her ear. “Where shall we go.”

“When, husband. When shall we go.” Ariana closed her eyes as a grin slid over her lips, a time already chosen.

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