Chapter 45

Kael moved ahead, his spear touching the ground. "We have strengthened our defenses in every way possible." What else can we do?"

All eyes turned to Arin. Her presence was a steady force in the chaos, but Sophia could see the faint tension in her moves. Arin's power had always been formidable, but even she had boundaries.

"There's one more spell," Arin said finally, her tone precise. "A reinforcement ritual that could stabilize the barriers."

Tharros' eyes sharpened. "Why haven't we used it already?"

Arin hesitated, her fingers brushing over the edge of the map. "Because it's dangerous. It requires channeling a significant amount of energy and it will drain me completely."

The room fell silent. Sophia's heart clenched as she stepped closer. "Arin, there has to be another way. You've already pushed yourself too far."

Arin's lips curved into a faint, wry smile. "You're sweet, Sophia. But we don't have time for options. If the Leviathan breaks through, Aquaria is finished."

Kael's voice was low, his concern obvious. "You don't have to do this alone. Let us help."

"This spell doesn't work that way," Arin said strongly. "It's my magic. My problem. I can handle it."

The ritual was set up in the grand atrium, the largest open area in the city. Glowing lines etched into the coral floor pulsed with Arin's dark energy as she prepared the spell. Sophia, Tharros, and Kael stood nearby, their worry palpable.

Sophia stepped forward, her words quiet but insistent. "Arin, please. At least let me stay with you."

Arin glanced at her, her face softening. "You've got a big heart, surface girl. But this isn't your fight."

"It is," Sophia said firmly. "We're in this together. If something goes wrong, someone needs to be here."

Arin paused, then nodded. "Fine. But keep your distance. This spell it's not exactly gentle."

Tharros stepped closer, his golden aura shimmering softly. "Be careful, Arin. You're too important to lose."

Arin's smile was fleeting, her attention already shifting to the runes. "I'll try not to disappoint you, Your Majesty."

Kael's hand tensed around his spear. "If you need anything-"

"I'll let you know," Arin interrupted. "Now get back. This is going to get messy."

The air grew thick as Arin began the chant. Her voice was steady, each word echoing with power that rippled through the atrium. The runes flared brighter, the light almost blinding. Sophia protected her eyes, her heart pounding as the energy surged.

Arin's dark magic curled around her like living shadows, weaving into the barriers that surrounded Aquaria. The city's defenses glowed brighter in reaction, their faltering strength stabilizing under her influence. But Sophia could see the strain on Arin's face, the way her hands trembled as she poured more of herself into the spell.

"You're pushing too hard," Sophia called, stepping closer despite the heat of the magic.

"Stay back!" Arin snapped, her voice laced with both power and tiredness. "I'm fine."

But she wasn't great. Sophia could see it in the way Arin's shoulders slumped, the way her aura flickered unevenly. The spell was taking everything from her.

"Arin, stop!" Sophia shouted. "You're going to kill yourself!"

"Better me than all of Aquaria," Arin said through hard teeth.

The runes flared one last time, a blinding rush of energy pulsing outward. Sophia was thrown back, the force knocking the air from her lungs. When the light faded, the walls glowed steady and strong once more. But Arin fell to her knees, her aura dimmed to almost nothing.

Sophia was at her side in an instant, stopping her before she could fall further. Arin's skin was cold, her breaths shallow.

"Arin," Sophia said urgently, shaking her softly. "Stay with me."

Arin's eyes fluttered open, her look unfocused. "Did it work?" she muttered.

Sophia nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "You did it. The walls are holding."

A faint smile crossed Arin's lips before her eyes closed again. Sophia's heart squeezed as she turned to Tharros and Kael, who had rushed to join them.

"She needs help," Sophia said, her voice steady despite the fear eating at her. "We have to get her to the healers. Now."

Tharros nodded, lifting Arin's limp form with surprising care. "She'll get the best care we can give her."

Kael's face was grim as he followed. "She's stronger than anyone gives her credit for. She'll pull through."

Sophia trailed behind, her mind racing. Arin had risked everything to protect Aquaria. It wasn't just magic that had kept the barriers intact-it was her unwavering drive.

Hours later, Sophia sat by Arin's bedside in the healer's room. The steady hum of healing spells filled the air, their light casting a calming glow. Arin's breathing was even, but she hadn't woken.

"You didn't have to do this alone," Sophia whispered, her fingers brushing Arin's cool hand. "We're supposed to be a team."

The door opened softly, and Tharros stepped inside. He put a hand on Sophia's shoulder, his expression both grateful and weary.

"She'll recover," he said quietly. "Thanks to you."

Sophia shook her head. "Thanks to her. She's the reason we're still here."

Tharros' gaze softened. "You're both the reason Aquaria has hope."

Sophia met his eyes, determination burning in her chest. "Then we'll make sure her sacrifice wasn't in vain. We'll finish what she started."

As Tharros nodded, a faint sound drew their attention. Arin's lips moved, her words barely audible.

"Don't screw it up," she murmured, a ghost of her normal sarcasm slipping through.

Sophia laughed softly, tears prickling her eyes. "We won't."

But as she sat back, the shadow of the Leviathan stayed in her thoughts. The fight was far from over, and sacrifices would continue to be made. Sophia could only hope they'd be enough.

Shadows in the Palace

The quiet of the royal night was misleading. The bright towers of Aquaria shone gently in the dark, creating soft shapes on the coral walls. Even though there was a delicate peace after Arin's sacrifice, Sophia still felt a knot of worry in her chest. There was a problem.

Her steps were silent as she moved through the halls, her thoughts circling the events of the past days. The walls stayed strong, but you could feel the stress on everyone. Arin was still recovering, but she was getting weaker. Kael and Tharros had thrown themselves into bolstering defenses, their loads heavier than ever. Sophia felt a heavy burden on her shoulders.

Sophia felt a strange disturbance in the air, like a soft hum of magic that suddenly faded. She stopped suddenly, automatically reaching for the knife she had begun carrying since the attacks by the Leviathan became more frequent. The quiet stretched, thick and unnatural, before a faint scuffle broke it.

Sophia turned to see what was making the noise, her heart beating fast.

Kael's spear shone under the soft glow of the palace's magical lights as he patrolled the northern wing. He'd insisted on taking extra shifts, a combination of duty and a need to clear his thoughts. His thoughts often drifted to his recent revelation about his royal lineage, the weight of it settling heavily on him. But tonight, his instincts were on high alert.

The smallest whisper of movement caught his attention. He turned sharply, his grip stiffening on the spear.

"Who's there?" his voice rang out, low but authoritative.

No answer. Kael's jaw tightened as he moved down the hall, his steps cautious. The shadows seemed to move, the tiniest flicker of something just beyond his sight. He moved quickly, rounding the corner just in time to see a figure slip through a hidden passage.

Kael's eyes narrowed. "Intruder," he mumbled, and gave chase.

Sophia reached the atrium just as Kael emerged from the tunnel, his spear raised. His eyes locked on her, his expression sharp.

"There's someone in the palace," he said without introduction.

Sophia nodded, her own suspicions verified. "I felt it too. Where?"

Kael indicated behind him. "They're fast. Headed toward the lower chambers."

Sophia didn't pause. "Let's go."

The two moved in unison, their attention singular. As they dropped into the deeper levels of the palace, the air grew colder, the shadows thicker. The faint glow of the coral walls seemed weaker here, as if the light itself was retreating.

Tharros stood in the war room, pouring over defense plans when the alarm spell he'd set flickered to life. A burst of golden light erupted from the map, marking an intruder breach. His golden eyes narrowed, his aura flaring as he strode toward the noise.

The king moved with purpose, his draconic instincts sharpening his senses. He followed the magical trail, his energy pulsing in warning. As he turned a corner, he collided with Sophia and Kael.

"An intruder," Sophia said quickly, her tone urgent.

"They're heading for the archives," Kael added, his grip firm on his spear.

Tharros' eyes darkened. "Then they're after something important."

Together, the three moved toward the archives, their pace quick but quiet. The palace's lower chambers were a labyrinth of ancient passageways, the air thick with the weight of history. It was here that Aquaria's most valuable secrets were stored, including artifacts tied to the Leviathan.

The intruder was skilled, slipping through the dark like a phantom. But as they reached the archive entrance, they found their way blocked. Sophia stood at the middle, her dagger glinting faintly in the dim light. To her left, Kael's spear was set, ready to strike. To her right, Tharros projected an aura of raw power, his golden light illuminating the hall.

The figure paused, their hooded form flickering with a faint, dark energy.

"You're not going anywhere," Tharros said, his voice a low growl.

The intruder didn't reply. Instead, they raised a hand, releasing a burst of shadowy power that sent the group scattering. Sophia ducked, rolling to the side as Kael deflected the blow with his spear. Tharros lunged forward, his aura flaring as he closed the gap.

The intruder moved with inhuman speed, avoiding Tharros' strike and countering with another wave of magic. But Sophia saw their mistake-they were too focused on striking. With a swift move, she surged forward, her dagger slicing through the shadows that cloaked them.

The figure staggered, their hood falling back to show a face marked with glowing, corrupted veins. Sophia's breath caught.

"They're connected to the Leviathan," she whispered.

The intruder snarled, their voice twisted. "You cannot stop what is coming."

Kael struck next, his spear slicing through their shields. The invader fell to their knees, their energy flickering like a dying flame. Tharros stepped forward, his golden aura pulsing ominously.

"Who sent you?" he asked.

The figure smirked, their corrupted veins shining brighter. "You'll find out soon enough."

Before anyone could respond, the intruder's body disintegrated into a cloud of dark mist, dissipating into the air. The room fell silent, the weight of their words remaining.

In the wake, the group reconvened in the war room. The tension was thick, each of them grappling with the meanings of what had just occurred.

"The Leviathan has spies in the palace," Kael said, his tone grim. "We can't trust anyone."

"We need to strengthen the wards," Tharros added. "No one gets in or out without scrutiny."

Sophia nodded, her mind whirling. "This isn't just about defense. They were after something. We need to find out what."

Arin's voice, faint but constant, cut through the room. "The Leviathan doesn't send agents without purpose. Whatever they were after, it's tied to their endgame."

All eyes turned to the sea witch, who leaned heavily on the doorway, her pallor still pale from her experience.

"You should be resting," Sophia said gently.

Arin smirked slightly. "Rest can wait. Right now, we have bigger problems."

As the group delved into the archives, the tension between them eased slightly, their common focus strengthening their bond. But the unease remained. The Leviathan's influence was growing, its reach reaching even into the heart of Aquaria. They couldn't afford any more mistakes.

Sophia's gaze lingered on the ancient scrolls they discovered, her heart heavy with determination.

"We'll find a way to stop it," she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else.

Tharros stepped beside her, his golden eyes steady. "We will. Together."

But as the shadows in the palace deepened, a new question arose: How far would the Leviathan go to destroy them from within? And were they truly prepared for what was coming?

The Abyss Beckons

Sophia couldn't explain the pull. It started as a whisper in the back of her mind, soft but forceful. As the hours passed, the whisper became a roar, an unrelenting tide dragging her thoughts to the ditch. She tried to push it away, to focus on the immediate threats within Aquaria. But the force wouldn't stop.

By the time the others noticed her distraction, the choice was already made. She needs to go.

"You've been quiet," Kael said, his tone wary as he caught up to her in the hallways. His sharp eyes scanned her face, looking for answers she wasn't ready to give.

Sophia paused, her hands brushing against the walls as if grounding herself. "There's something calling me. I don't know what it is, but I have to find out."

Kael's frown worsened. "The trench? That's madness. You know how dangerous it is down there."

"I know," Sophia responded, her voice firm. "But it's not a choice. It feels like something is pulling me. Like I'm going to go."

Tharros' golden aura flickered as he neared, having overheard. "If you're going to the abyss, you won't go alone. None of us are leaving you to face it by yourself."

Sophia opened her mouth to argue, but the determination in Tharros' eyes silenced her. She nodded, thanks mixing with the unease that churned in her chest.

The trip to the trench was somber. Arin, still weak from her offering, insisted on coming despite her pallor. Kael gripped his spear tighter than normal, his silence speaking volumes. Tharros swam ahead, his presence a beacon of power as they descended into the depths.

Sophia felt the pressure of the ocean increase, the water getting colder and darker. The oncevivid colors of Aquaria faded into a haunting, murky landscape. The trench loomed before them, its jagged edges pulsating softly with an eerie glow.

"This place is alive," Kael whispered, his voice tense.

Arin's power flared briefly, a soft light illuminating the walls. "Alive and old," she said. "There's power here. Ancient power."

Sophia shivered, the pull getting stronger with every stroke of her fins. "It's close," she said, her voice faraway.

Tharros glanced back at her. "What is?"

"I don't know," Sophia revealed. "But it's waiting for us."

The trench opened into a vast chamber, the walls lined with crystalline formations that pulsed slightly with light. In the center, a massive structure rose from the seabed, its form both alien and familiar. Sophia's breath caught as she recognized the detailed carvings that adorned its surface.

"This is" she trailed off, her fingers brushing against the patterns.

Arin's eyes widened as she joined Sophia. "A temple," she said softly. "Built long before Aquaria existed."

Kael's grip on his spear tightened. "What kind of temple?"

Arin's voice was gloomy. "One dedicated to the Leviathan."

The group explored the temple carefully, their movements careful as they navigated its labyrinthine halls. Symbols etched into the walls seemed to pulse with a faint, rhythmic energy, their patterns twisting and shifting as if living.

Sophia felt the pull increase as they reached the heart of the temple. A huge chamber stretched out before them, dominated by a glowing orb suspended in the center. The orb's light covered the room in a pale, otherworldly glow.

"That's it," Sophia whispered, her voice tinged with awe and fear.

Tharros stepped forward, his energy brightening. "What is it?"

Arin's voice was shaky as she studied the orb. "A fragment of the Leviathan's power. Sealed here long ago."

Kael's face darkened. "If this is a piece of its power, why does it feel like it's still connected to the creature?"

Arin's eyes flicked to Sophia. "Because it is. And it's calling to her."

Sophia stepped closer to the orb, her heart racing. The pull was powerful now, a tide that threatened to sweep her away. She reached out, her fingers inches from the glowing surface when Tharros' voice stopped her.