As we dive once more beneath the ocean toward the palace below, Lady Bestie glides a few meters ahead of us, leading the way through the quiet, deep blue currents.
Lucian's hold on my waist doesn't loosen for a single second, keeping me securely anchored to his side as we swim down behind her.
I tilt my head, looking up at his sharp profile. "Can I ask you something?"
"Yes?"
"You came all the way out here because you sensed danger in the ocean... or was it to check on me?"
"Both," Lucian admits, keeping his eyes focused on the path ahead. "But my primary objective was to get you back safely. Even though you were traveling with Sea Queen Thalassara, I couldn't help but leave the matters in the empire to check on your safety personally."
His words send a warm, fluttering feeling through my chest. But then, a sudden realization hits me like a bucket of cold water. Wait... what about the cataclysmic storm back home?!
"Wait, what happened to that storm?" I ask, my eyes wide.
