Page 98 of The Kraken Games

Kai whispered, “Luna’s mom and dad.”

“Yes. The troops rescued this from the seabed when they went to see if any of the crew were left alive. They brought it back to me. It has informed my own work for the past fifteen years. The insights that Angus and Anna made on their travels throughthe world’s oceans have aided me in finding solutions to our pollution, to why our coral was not spawning and why our fish stocks were depleting. It has helped me and my team bring life back to Thedaka.”

Kai bit his trembling lip. This was so bittersweet. So very ironic. And now his father’s words at the hearing made total sense. In fact, everything started to fall into place. Why he had been so drawn to Luna from the start, the magic that Waldo talked about growing stronger in the world. It was like an invisible portal had opened up the day he first saw Luna in the water, linking everything together. Bringing things full circle.

Yes. The time was now.

He looked at his parents. “Angus and Anna were part of the magic, I’m sure of it.”

“And the magic has strengthened in Thedaka since then,” his father said. “You can sense it in how quickly this city has rejuvenated.”

Kai took a deep breath. “Mom, Dad, so much has happened since I left for the games. And I need to tell you the whole story.”

Hana said, “Sounds like you need some time alone. We’ll pack up and go.”

“Can you all meet me at Grandpa’s palace in an hour?” Kai said. “I think I’m going to need your support.”

Hana looked uncertain. “It would be going against the rules if we turned up uninvited.”

Kai’s mom puffed herself up. “Hana, my dear, isn’t that the whole point?”

The other women murmured agreement. “You’re right.” Hana said. “It’s just a new feeling, taking back our power.”

“And it’s well overdue.” The women folk all hugged Kai’s mom, then they took their placards and left.

Afterward, Kai sat down with his parents and told them the details of the last few weeks.

“So, clearly you love this girl with all your heart,” his mom said softly when he’d finished.

“With all my heart and soul. I have…” Kai felt himself blushing, “attained Metan with her.”

His mother sighed happily; his father looked slightly embarrassed.

“That would not be possible if she were not your mate. How exciting that she will live among us. That hasn’t happened in centuries,” his mom said.

Kai frowned. “It’s not a given that Luna will want to live here in Thedaka. It would take time for her to get used to life here. Even if she has gills and can move around at ease, what if she doesn’t like it? A lone human among kraken. It’s a hard ask.”

His parents looked solemnly at him. “What would you do then?”

“I will live with her on land.”

His mom added, “There are other options. You could live both hereandin Motham.”

Kai felt his brows raising. Even his father was smiling. “Pa, you’d support that?”

“Yes. It is time we kraken started to move further afield. For a long time now, your mom and I have felt we need to share Angus and Anna’s legacy. There is much to do, not only under the sea. A bond like yours and Luna’s makes it possible for us to share these findings more openly with the outside world.”

His mom added, “Your pa and I always sensed that you were different, Kai. That you would break the mold. Well, you’ve certainly proved that, with your love for Luna.”

Kai glowed with pride. He knew his mom and dad had always believed in him, but this…thiswas taking it to a whole new level. It was believing in a different society for kraken kind. One that could interact positively with the outside world. That valued their females’ opinions as equals. It was a radical shift.

He rubbed his forehead, laughing. “Gods, this is so ironic. All my life, I believed winning the games was the ultimate achievement for a kraken.” He shook his head. “But… it wasn’t at all.”

“Except were it not for the games, you would never have met Luna,” his mom pointed out.

Kai remembered Waldo’s words: that Razad had chosen him, even without knowing why. His sense when he’d first set eyes on Luna that she was his destiny. His one true mate. He was certain now that deeper magic was at play.

“Yes. For that reason, I will value the experience forever,” he agreed. “Even though the games are full of faults.”

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