The first thing Tristan observes when he cautiously opens his eyes is the dim light coming from torches mounted on the chamber's walls. He briefly blinks in an effort to gather his thoughts and make sense of his surroundings.
'Lily! Lyla! Where am I? What's going on?'
He notices that he is laying on a comfortable bed that is covered in silk sheets as he starts to take everything in. The area is enormous, with towering ceilings and exquisite wall decorations. Through an open window, a gentle breeze enters conveying the scent of seaweed and ocean.
Tristan stared at the scene in front of him, his eyes widening in amazement and awe. He noticed that his jacket and shirt were nicely folded next to him, leaving him shirtless and showing off his impressive torso. He attempted to recall what he might have missed after being taken into the ocean's depths or following that inexplicable explosion, feeling a flood of confusion wash over him.
Tristan briefly believed he was completely naked, and as he considered all the embarrassing scenarios that may have followed, his heart skipped a beat. He sighed in relief as he looked down just as he was about to start sweating. He was still wearing his black pants, and he couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the irrationality of the situation.
A siren is then visible to him, standing a short distance in front of him. She has ocean-colored long hair that flows freely and piercing blue eyes that appear to glimmer in the low light. She is incredibly attractive. She has perfect skin that has a slight trace of vibrant tan. She is dressed in a flowing gown made of shimmering scales that clings to her curvy shape and draws attention to each of her movements.
It wasn't strange to see the siren's name, 'Selkie,' written over her head.
Tristan is visibly confused and unsure of what is going on as Selkie looks at him with a smirk on her face. As if she were reading his thoughts and wishes, her look appears to bore through him. He can feel the pulse of his heart accelerating as she moves in closer.
Selkie moves gracefully and even hypnotically as she draws closer, as though she is keeping time with some enigmatic beat. Tristan experiences an incredible wave of yearning as her body sways sensually.
When he tries to communicate, he finds that his voice is hoarse and hardly audible. He wants to ask her where he is and why he was brought there.
"Welcome to my chambers, my love," Selkie moves in closer, with her steamy breath on his face. "You have been selected to be mine."
'Woah! Love? Selected? Oh, hold on a second! Why aren't my abilities functioning? Is this a scene from a dream?' While fighting off the implications of whatever the siren was doing, Tristan thought to himself as a wave of dread swept across his entire being.
The impact of Selkie's reactions causes Tristan's thoughts to reel. Although he is aware of the serious risk he is in, he cannot seem to take his eyes off of her alluring beauty. He senses a peculiar pull toward her as if he were being lured into a trap.
Selkie's smirk suddenly develops into a full-fledged twisted grin as if sensing his thoughts. She extends her hand, takes his, and helps him stand up. She steadies him with a delicate touch as he stumbles slightly while still feeling disoriented.
Her hands are on the waistline of his pants as she kneels before him and lays both of her smooth palms on either side of his waist. He watches as the fabric of the pants start to slide over his hips until they fall around his ankles in the blink of an eye. The actions are slow and methodical, making every muscle tense, as though he is being restrained in some way.
Selkie's eyes, which were filled with ravenous, lustful hunger, were fixed on the enormous bulge between Tristan's legs.
He experiences a startling jolt as she leans forward to touch the bulge.
[Sirens can control other people's thoughts through physical contact and melodies, but this only works when they are close to each other because the link between them needs to be strong enough to enforce manipulation. They influence the victim because of this ability, allowing them to make them do whatever they want.]
"Why do you resist my hold in such an odd way?" asks Selkie, tracing the outline of the large bulge poking out beneath Tristan's boxers, making him feel a burning sensation race through his skin as she looks up and smiles seductively. He felt as though he had just been placed right on top of a live wire because the sensation was so strong. After a few seconds, as he concentrated on his breathing, the discomfort quickly faded.
In an instant, Selkie rises to her feet while pulling his pants up to cover him once more.
She motions for him to follow her to the door and says, "Come. Let me introduce you to my kingdom's wonders." And with that, she bursts through the door, dragging Tristan with her as she dashes into the darkness beyond the threshold.
With his mind still spinning from the event, Tristan stumbles after Selkie. Although he attempts to fight against her pull, it appears as though someone else is controlling his body. Like a moth to a flame, he can feel her luring him toward her. As they run, he scans his surroundings to understand this odd new environment.
Despite the dense darkness, he can make out the shapes of enormous buildings and odd, glowing flora. In the distance, Tristan can hear the sound of waves lapping against the coast. The smell of saltwater and another, unidentified scent are prominent in the air.
Selkie shares tales of her tribe with him as they run, including the wonders and dangers found in the rival mermaid tribe. She talks about mythical beasts like the Krillax, ancient artifacts, forgotten mysteries, and hidden treasures.
With thoughts of curiosity and wonder running through him, Tristan listens carefully. But at the same time, he starts to feel uneasy in his heart. He can't get rid of the perception that Selkie's motives aren't entirely sincere, that he might be in great danger, and, most significantly, that the twins' whereabouts or how to fix the bug are all unsolved issues.
Selkie finally comes to a halt in front of a massive pair of double silver doors. "Welcome to my kingdom, Nereid," she greets Tristan as she turns to face him, her eyes glistening with delight.
Tristan enters a room that is unlike anything he has ever seen once she pushes the doors wide. The walls of the enormous rooms and towering towers are carved with elaborate designs. It is a sizable room with high ceilings and walls made of mother-of-pearl that glisten. A crystal-clear pool of water that glows with an otherworldly light sits in the middle of the chamber, and the floor is constructed of polished marble.
Tristan, though, finds himself gasping for air, not because of the space. It is its inhabitants that make it up. With their tails gleaming in the light, sirens, and tritons are swimming in an improvised pool. He has never seen creatures with scales and fins that sparkle like gems. Their movements are beautiful and flowing as they dart and glide across the water. And in the middle of the space, on a raised dais, is a throne made of coral and pearls, and a majestic figure who can only be referred to as a Siren Empress is sitting upon it.
He notices the name of the Siren Empress, 'Neriah,' written above her head.
She has long, flowing hair that is the color of the deepest ocean, and she is tall and slim. She has perfect skin that shimmers in the light with a faint iridescence. She has captivating blue eyes that appear to contain the ocean's hidden knowledge.
Her outfit is equally gorgeous. She is dressed in a flowing gown made of the finest silk that has been dyed in ocean-inspired turquoise and emerald green hues. Her contoured shapes are highlighted by the elaborate embroidery and pearl embellishments on the gown.
While she is seated on her throne, she emits power and assurance, as well as warmth and benevolence. Her voice has a calming, melodious quality similar to the soft lull of the ocean. Her beauty and air of regal grandeur enthralled Tristan, who couldn't help but fall under the enchantment.
[Himedere Recognized]
"Wait... what?" While shifting his sight away from Selkie and Neriah, Tristan's eyes widen in disbelief.
*****
A/N
¶ What are your thoughts on Himederes?
¶ Do you think the twins will make an appearance in this level?
I would really appreciate your comments and support of this novel with your power stones. Your active comments would motivate me to write more chapters.