Third's POV
Savanna sat in the small paddle boat, the gentle ripples of the water lapping against its sides, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her. She wrapped herself in a large beach towel as if it were a blanket. Glad she knew she had two amazing friends who remembered everything. If she was the one to pack a bag, she wouldn't have remembered to bring a towel. She could still feel the warmth of Sean's hands as the dove under the sea. It was exhilarating,then he held her hand again when he helped her back up to the oceans surface. She relived the brief moments of their date even when he scooped her up out of the sea placing her back in the boat. As she sobbed soundlessly, not noticing he was leading her deeper into the sea. A heavy silence that settled like a thick fog around them.
She stole a glance at Sean, his brow furrowed as he swam across the water, his jaw clenched tight. His vibrant blue eyes, usually so full of mischief and warmth, now seemed distant, reflecting the suns rays nearing its decent into the sea. The sunlight cast shadows on his face, making him appear more serious than he was. In that moment, Savanna felt as though a chasm had opened between them, a rift she couldn't quite comprehend.
"What's wrong?" she finally asked trying to keep her voice steady, her voice barely breaking the stillness. The question hung in the air, heavy with unsaid words. She wanted to understand, to reach out and bridge the gap that had formed.
Sean slowed in his swim but not stopping, his gaze still looking ahead at the sea. She could see the tension in his shoulders. "Nothing," he replied, but there was a weight to the word, a tone that implied he was holding something back. Sean was getting frustrated as he searched for the underwater cavern of the Sea Witch. Had he moved again, without letting him know. He always had to report his location to him, the king of the East Coast.
Savanna's heart sank. She had thought their date was going well, filled with laughter and shared brief moments that felt electric under the water.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, again unbidden and confusing. She didn't want to cry anymore. But the feeling of rejection loomed large, a shadow that threatened to engulf her. She blinked rapidly, trying to stave off the tears, not wanting to give him a reason to think she was anything less than composed.
Sean turned to her, his expression softening momentarily as he caught the shimmer of tears in her eyes. But before he could say anything, Savanna quickly looked away, focusing on the horizon, where the sun so close to setting but not quite low enough to reach the sea, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. She felt vulnerable, exposed in a way that made her want to retreat, to drift away from this moment, this misunderstanding.
"So are we just heading back then. Is this the end of all this?" Her voice barely above a whisper. The suggestion felt final, a closing door she wasn't sure she wanted to shut, but the silence between them was too heavy to bear.
Sean's gaze lingered on her, and for a heartbeat, she thought he might say something to pull them back from the edge. But instead, "No." was all he said, his own heart aching with the confusion that swirled between them. He didn't understand why she was crying, what had caused the shift in her mood, but he felt the weight of her sorrow, wishing he could somehow ease it. The silence stretched on, filled with unspoken thoughts and tangled emotions. Each stroke of the paddle felt like a reminder of the distance that had crept in, a distance neither of them had intended. Savanna couldn't shake the feeling that something precious was slipping through her fingers, leaving only the ache of an unknown misunderstanding in its wake.
Sean's POV
My heart pounding with urgency. After nearly thirty minutes of swimming along the surface, I finally spotted the familiar rock formations that framed the entrance. The Sea Witch was notorious for her unpredictable movements, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration. I had to find him; I needed his help. Looking up at Savanna I tell her "wait here, I know someone who can help with our predicament." Without another word I dove deeper into the shadows depths of the sea. I was swimming as fast as I could toward the underwater cave. I felt the pressure of the ocean pressing against me, but it was nothing compared to the weight of my determination. I had to make this work, not just for myself, but for Savanna. The thought of her, her laughter, and the way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, made the cold water feel warmer. I had never felt this way before, and it terrified me.
I pushed through the darkened cavern, my tail propelling me forward with urgency. I needed a necklace, one that would allow Savanna to breathe underwater while she wore it. I wanted to share my world with her, to show her the vibrant beauty of the ocean, the schools of fish dancing in the currents, and the coral gardens that bloomed like underwater flowers. But I knew that without the Sea Witch's help, my plan would remain just a dream.
Finally, I reached the heart of the cavern, where the Sea Witch's lair lay draped in shadows. Bioluminescent creatures flickered along the walls, casting an eerie glow that illuminated the space. I hoped he would be there, waiting for me. He had a knack for foresight.
"Zander!" I called out to the Sea Witch, my voice echoing through the water, laced with desperation. "I need your help!"
Moments passed, the silence stretching uncomfortably before I heard a low chuckle, reverberating through the water. From the shadows, the Sea Witch emerged, his form shifting and changing like the currents around him. His eyes glinted with mischief, and I knew I was in for a negotiation.
"Ah, Sean Wyren, King of the East Sea a lovesick merman," he teased, floating closer. "What brings you to my Cavern. Surely it's not merely for a chat?"
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to snap back at him. "I need a necklace for a human girl. One that will let her breathe underwater. I'll pay any price."
Zander raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "And what will you give me in return? You know my prices are steep, especially for such a precious treasure but for my king I can offer a discount but not with your coin.
I inhaled sharply, considering my options. I had heard tales of what he demanded—heartstrings, memories, even a piece of one's soul. But I knew I had to take the risk. "I will give you anything you want. Just help me."
His laughter echoed through the cavern, a haunting sound. "Anything, you say? How quaint. But be careful what you promise, dear king. Love often leads to more than what one can foresee."
I felt a chill wash over me, but my resolve remained firm. "I don't care. I just want to be with her. I want her to experience the beauty of the sea, to understand who I am beyond the waves."
The Zander studied me, his gaze piercing. I could feel the weight of his scrutiny and the gravity of my plea. "Very well, Sean. I shall craft the necklace for you. But remember, the heart is a fickle thing. Should you fail to meet your vow, the ocean has a way of reclaiming what is hers."
Nodding, I felt a mix of relief and trepidation. I watched as he began to weave the necklace, his hands moving with a grace that belied the power of his magic. As the shimmering piece took shape, I envisioned Savanna, her laughter mingling with the sound of the waves, and my heart swelled with hope.
Once completed, the necklace was a masterpiece, glimmering with shades of orange and silver. I could already picture Savanna wearing it, her face lighting up with wonder as she took her first breath underwater.
"Remember, Sean," Zander's voice broke through my thoughts. "This is your one chance. Make it count. I'm giving you quite the discount you see, all you have to do is let our future Queen kiss you, tonight. However you can't kiss her she has to be the one to come to you. Don't even think of telling her our deal either. However is she doesn't then I'll take her as payment for the necklace." Zander smiled wide. My heart twisted with anger ant the thought of her being taken by him. Zander tossed the necklace at me i caught it quickly.
With the necklace clutched tightly in my hand, I set off back to the surface back to Savanna. a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through me. Zander called her the future Queen did he see something with his foresight? Either way I was ready to show Savanna my world, to dive into the depths of love and discovery, and to prove that the bond between us was worth the risks I had just taken.