Page 133 of Rise of the Siren Queen
Towering coral structures rose like underwater cathedrals, their spires adorned with luminous lights that glowed warmly through intricately carved windows. The city seemed alive, a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, where vibrant marine life swam freely between the pathways and arches connecting the towering buildings.
Schools of jellyfish shimmered like liquid jewels in the filtered sunlight, weaving through streets lined with coral gardens and luminescent plankton. The soft hum of the ocean and the faintmurmur of Aetherians going about their lives created an almost serene atmosphere.
Hyrem was not just a city, was a living masterpiece, its beauty both awe-inspiring and humbling.
“It’s alluring,” I murmured.
But none of it undermined the feeling of dread churning in my stomach.
The numbness emanating from the bond stole any appreciation I might have felt. I didn’t want to admire the beauty, not when she was here, lost in grief.
“The palace,” my voice came out sharp and urgent. “Could you lead me there?”
I can’t wait any longer.
Neridea and Nyssa exchanged a glance, their hesitation palpable. A prickle of dread crawled over my skin, an instinctual warning I couldn’t ignore.
“I’ll take him,” Nayadine said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. She turned to the other two with authority. “You two stay here.” Then, fixing her gaze on me, she gave a slight nod. “Let’s go.”
Nayadine led the way without hesitation, her movements smooth and purposeful as she swam through the winding pathways of Hyrem. The glowing coral structures blurred past me. Every stroke forward brought me closer to the palace, and to her. I could feel it.
Nayadine glanced back at me.
“You’re feeling it, aren’t you?” she asked softly, her voice almost lost in the water.
“The bond?” My voice wavered, tight with tension. “Yes, I feel it. I’ve felt it since the moment I first laid eyes on her…” I paused, exhaling heavily. “But now, it’s like she’s not even there.”
“She’s there,” Nayadine said, her tone laced with a quiet sadness. “But grief can be a heavyweight. It buries everything else, even thestrongest of bonds.”
“What happened to her? What could cause so much pain?”
Nayadine hesitated, her gaze flickering to the glowing palace ahead.
The palace rose like a jewel from the ocean’s depths, its crystalline spires twisting upward, capturing and scattering the light into a dazzling rainbow.
It was a living masterpiece, majestic, ethereal, and timeless.
Yet, the air held a heavy darkness emanating from the palace walls, a tangible weight that pressed against my soul. Shadows lingered on the edges of the brilliance, whispering evil words to the weak heart.
I frowned as the unguarded palace loomed closer. I had assumed it would be guards crawling from everywhere. This was home for the royal family, a fortress of power and prestige.
Yet the palace stood eerily silent, its imposing walls untouched. No sentinels stood at attention, no watchful eyes peered from the towers or shadowed alcoves. It was as if they had abandoned their post or perhaps ordered to leave.
My strokes grew faster, panic crawling through me. There was something deeply wrong in the emptiness, more unnerving than if I’d met a wall of force.
“She’s inside,” Nayadine said quietly, her voice softening. “This is where I leave you.”
“Thank you, but…” I hesitated, my gaze lingering on the grand doors ahead. “Where should I go? This place is enormous.”
Nayadine studied me for a moment, her expression unreadable once more. “You’ll know when you get inside…follow the bond.”
And with that, she turned and disappeared into Hyrem, leaving me alone before the palace of Aetheria, and the weight of everything waiting within.
Without another thought, I strode inside.
The silence was suffocating.
I followed the bond. The familiar pressure weighed heavily against my neck, like an invisible hand squeezing tighter with every move, sending my pulse racing, a drumbeat that echoed in my ears.
