Page 7 of Tides of Time

Unlike some gifts, his included, Ariana’s gift came with only two boundaries. She couldn’t return to the same place twice and she had no way to travel forward, only backward.

He kept his eyes locked on the body floating lifelessly on the ocean’s surface.

A wave of guilt washed over him as he realized he had forgotten about the small, innocent child in his desperate attempt to shield Ariana from her own reckless actions. His stomach churned with remorse and regret, a heavy weight settling in his gut.

“Any second now.” He braced for the nothingness that overtook anyone caught in her path.

Orion would never remember what Ariana did, wouldn’t remember the conversation or the brief scuffle that took place before it.

The minute Ariana adjusted the timeline, she was the only one who would bear the memories of what had passed in an alternate timeline. Technically, she could continue with her plan to undo their lives under the sea and he’d be none the wiser.

The last thoughts he could have of his wife would be these. Dark thoughts wondering why her loyalty to the pod was so pushed over the edge this day when she rarely seemed at odds with anyone every day that came before.

A single shark was not enough to push her this far, but once she saved this small child, but he would never know. All of this would be gone, little more than a fever dream the second Ariana succeeded in the timeline she created.

Orion studied the body on the top of the surface. Watching it, waiting for the slightest shine that Ariana’s gift was at play. The body would appear to blur and then shimmer for mere seconds before vanishing and taking his memories with it.

As he watched, a pit formed in Orion’s stomach that he couldn’t shake. A weight that tried to drag him lower and force his gaze from the surface.

A thought he’d never even considered before.

Had Ariana changed their paths before?

Never in their sixty-one years together had he worried about such a thing, but it the thought bored into his brain like an eel diving for the safety of the holes in the coral.

The sound of a sudden splash echoed through the air, disturbing the otherwise tranquil atmosphere. Looking upwards, a man sunk quickly from above. The man did not flail to swim, did nothing to save himself. He was already dead.

“She did it then,” Orion ignored the deceased man, knowing full well the ocean would make a meal out of him when it was time.

“Orion!” Ariana’s voice pulled his attention from his thoughts.

What were you even thinking about?

Orion shook his head, still unable to grasp the sudden shift in Ariana's mood. Just moments ago she had been upset, but now as she swam towards him through the crystal clear water, her smile held a hint of mischief. The sun glinted off the ripples on the lake's surface, casting a warm glow over everything it touched. Orion couldn't help but feel entranced by the beauty of the moment, and wondered how Ariana could be so carefree and joyful amidst all the chaos around them.

Moments ago, he’d been swimming with her, trying to find a space for them to discuss what haunted her so he could chase the ghosts from her soul. She’d rushed off, and he’d been keen to keep up, but she’d ascended too quickly, forcing him to stay behind.

And now she’s grinning at me like she stole an extra helping of dessert kelp.

He scratched the back of his head, trying to figure out what she’d seen and how’d she’d gotten to the surface, versus behind him so many miles below the waves.

“You did something.” It wasn’t a question. He knew his wife.

She nodded. “This is the part where you tell me you haven’t seen me smile in months.” She stopped swimming before him, just out of his reach.

“No, my love,” he reached for her, her hand happily grabbing on to his. “I’ve seen pure joy, nay, bliss, on your face when I bring you to release.” Pulling her close, he allowed himself to drop a kiss to her neck.

Her hand glided over the muscles of his chest, sending shivers of pleasure through his body as she got to over his tail. The scales concealed his most intimate area, but did not prevent her touch from reaching him. Ariana’s playful fingers traced the ridges and curve of his growing erection, igniting a primal desire within him. Lost in the sensations, rational thought no longer mattered as they allowed themselves to be consumed by passion.

With a fierce grip on her wrists, Orion pulled her body flush against his. Without hesitation, he pressed his lips to hers at an angle, his warm breath mingling with hers in a desperate kiss. The intensity of their embrace was palpable as they lost themselves in the heat and passion of the moment.

She tasted like ripe strawberries and wine. Flavors he would always taste on her tongue because it was the final thing she ate before her demise. A blessing he would always be fortunate for.

Their tails entwined together, the intricate patterns and scales blending seamlessly. Orion's hands trailed over the surface of Ariana's top, made from delicate shells that shimmered in the light. Orion let his touch linger before slipping his fingers beneath to roll her nipple between his fingers. As their connection deepened, time seemed to slow down, allowing them to savor each touch and embrace. She pressed against the scales, drawing them back until he was almost visible.

The thought of making love out in the open ocean sent a thrill through his veins, but he knew it was risky. The wild waves and unpredictable currents could easily turn an intimate moment into a dangerous one. Predators lurked that could easily make them into a meal as well.

Yet, his wife's carefree attitude only heightened his desire. He couldn't resist the temptation to take that risk as they surrendered to each other amidst the vast expanse of the sea. Despite the danger, he was willing to do whatever it took to make her happy, even if it meant risking everything for this forbidden act of passion.

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