As night fell, the tension between the three of them was palpable. Nereus sat with Victor in their home, staring out at the ocean as the waves crashed against the shore.
Theron had left to give them time to talk, but his words echoed in Nereus's mind."What are you going to do?" Victor asked, his voice low but steady.Nereus sighed, leaning into Victor's warmth.
"I don't know. I didn't expect this. I didn't think I had any ties left to the ocean, but now... I feel like I'm being pulled back."Victor was silent for a long moment before he spoke again.
"Whatever you decide, I'm with you. But I won't let you go alone."Nereus turned to face him, his heart swelling with love and gratitude.
"I don't want to go without you. But the ocean is part of me, and if it's in danger... I can't just ignore that."Victor nodded, understanding in his eyes.
"Then we'll face it together. No matter what."Nereus smiled, his resolve strengthening.
"Together."
The choice had been made. They would return to the ocean, face whatever threats lay beneath the surface, and find a way to protect the world Nereus had once called home.
And through it all, they would do it side by side, bound by love and an unbreakable bond.
Tomorrow, they would dive into the unknown once more—together.