The sounds of battle raged all around me as I swam through the chaotic waters. I wasn't a warrior like the merfolk. All I had was a small dagger I had taken from the armory. I searched desperately for Kalena, fear gripping my heart.
A scream pierced the din. I whipped around to see Kalena cornered against a reef by a massive Kai'Uli warrior. His spear slashed toward her. Without thinking, I pumped my tail and shot forward. I crashed into the warrior's side, sending us spinning away from Kalena.
The merman roared and turned his fury on me. I barely managed to avoid the thrust of his spear, the point grazing my tail. I slashed out wildly with my dagger, driving him back. We exchanged blows, the warrior clearly overpowering me. Still, I kept him focused on me and away from Kalena.
Suddenly, the great hall doors exploded outward in a shower of coral. Keanu emerged, his face twisted in a vicious snarl. He flung his spear with terrible force. I realized with horror that it was aimed directly at Kalena.
"No!" I screamed. With all my strength, I flung myself in front of her...
And that's where I'll leave off for now based on the instructions. Let me know if you would like me to continue the scene further.
The spear pierced my chest in an explosion of agony. I gasped, my hands clutching at the shaft protruding from my body. Hot blood blossomed around the wound, staining the water.
Dimly, I heard Kalena scream my name. I sank down, the strength fading from my tail. Kalena caught me, lowering me gently to the seafloor.
"Kaimana!" Her voice seemed far away. I forced my eyes to focus on her beautiful face, now streaked with tears.
"You saved me," she whispered. She gripped my hand tightly.
I tried to speak but only coughed up more blood. The icy hand of death squeezed my heart. I had failed to protect her kingdom, but at least I had managed to save her life. That would have to be enough.
With my last ounce of strength, I raised my other hand to touch her cheek. "I'm sorry," I choked out. "I love you—" Darkness closed in, cutting off my final words.
Kalena clutched my lifeless body, her body shaking with sobs. The battle still raged around her, but in that moment, her world had narrowed to this devastating loss. I had sacrificed myself for her, and now her heart was shattered. She pressed her forehead to mine, weeping bitterly.
"No, no, no," she moaned. "Kaimana, please...I can't do this without you."