The lower levels of the underwater city had become a labyrinth of dim tunnels and forgotten passages, but we kept moving. Elowen led with the quiet determination of someone who had spent lifetimes running from threats, her cloak pulled tight, and bloom spots dimmed to faint glows.
I stayed close behind her, my disguised merman form blending into the shadows as I subtly guided our path with small space distortions nudging patrols away, creating false trails, and ensuring no one followed too closely. The sounds of the city above, distant market chatter, the hum of commerce, and the occasional patrol shout faded as we descended deeper into the underbelly.
"We're close; there's an old Bloomkin sanctuary ahead. Forgotten by most, protected by the reef itself. It should give you a few hours of real rest."
I said softly, my voice carrying through the water like a gentle current. Elowen glanced back at me, her amber eyes tired but sharp.
