Sean's POV.
As I surge through the water, my heart races with a blend of anxiety and determination. The ocean around me is dimming, shadows stretching across the seabed, and the chill in the water only amplifies my urgency. I break the surface, gasping for air, and glance up at the darkened sky. The sun has disappeared, leaving a blanket of twilight that feels ominous.
"KLIEN!" I call out, my voice echoing across the waves. Knowing my knight never leaves my shadow, just keeps his presence hidden. My eyes scan the horizon, but there's no sign of Savanna's boat. "I don't see Savanna. Where could she be? She was right here!"
Klien, ever composed, responds without hesitation, "Sire, you left her over an hour ago… I think she got bored. Then she started off in that direction." He points away from the shore, and my stomach twists. How could she have gone that far?
"Sire, I know of your attachment to this human," he continues, his tone flat and devoid of emotion. "I sent Chris to follow her. He has his tracker, so you should be able to reach her swiftly. Also, she tore a part of the boat off and is using it as a makeshift paddle."
A mix of gratitude and frustration washes over me. Klien's practicality is often a comfort, yet the thought of Savanna alone out here at dark fills me with dread. I was stupid to leave her alone but all I thought about was finding Zander. Thank you, Klien. Your efforts will be rewarded in time," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
Without wasting another moment, I dive back into the depths, my instincts guiding me toward the pulse of the tracker. The water rushes past me, cool and invigorating, as I push myself faster, hoping to reach her before anything else dose or before she gets cold. Knowing she had a wet, however beautiful green one piece bathingsuit on wasn't going to keep her warm The urgency of the situation drives me forward, and all I can think about is finding Savanna and bringing her back to safety. In the back of my mind, I wonder if Zander foresaw this. Which is why, he said she would have to kiss me tonight, otherwise he would claim her. Who would want to kiss me after this horrible experience. I'm such an idiot for thanking it's be ok to leave her there. I should have at least told her what I was planning and when I'd be back. My mind was wrecked with guilt.
Savanna's POV
As I sit stranded on this cramped paddle boat, watching the last rays of the sun sink into the ocean, frustration bubbles up inside me. The water is growing colder, and I can't shake the feeling of being utterly alone. I kick the edge of the boat in anger, and to my surprise, a piece breaks off—just large enough to be used like a paddle.
Without wasting a moment, I grab it and start to paddle, my movements awkward at first. I spin in circles, disoriented, but determination kicks in. I take a deep breath, steady myself, and focus on paddling while rotating sides. I pick a direction—anything that feels right—and push myself forward.
The water splashes against the sides of the boat the side that is lower takes on a bit of water with each stroke. I glance over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Sean but the horizon is empty. The vastness of the ocean feels both thrilling and terrifying. I can't help but wonder if I should have waited for him, or if this was my only option now. Regardless, I have to keep moving.
The paddle boat jolts suddenly, almost throwing me overboard. My heart races as panic sets in. I keep paddling, but then the boat bumps again, and I feel water seeping in. Oh no, I think, this is it for me.
Just as despair starts to take hold, I catch sight of movement in the water. A merman, but not Sean, is grappling with a narwhal, twisting and turning in a fierce struggle. For a moment, I blink in confusion, trying to process the sight before me. The merman seems to be wrestling with the creature, distracting it from my boat. I notice another narwhal in the water.
I can't help but watch, a mix of fear and awe coursing through me.
Then another bump rocks the small boat, it begins to take on water rapidly, and I feel it sinking beneath me. I plunge into the deep, freezing water, my heart racing. The cold envelops me like a vice, and I start to calculate my time. Hypothermia can set in quickly in these temperatures—within 20 minutes at most. I need to get out fast.
Amidst the chaos of the swirling water, I hear a voice calling my name, "Savanna!" My heart skips a beat as I turn to see the merman rushing toward me. Confusion floods my mind—how does he know my name? I don't recognize him, and my instincts tell me to be wary. But I can't afford to question it now. The cold is seeping deeper into my bones, and I'm struggling to stay afloat. I focus on his approach, hoping he might be able to help, even as uncertainty lingers in my mind.
The merman grabs hold of me tightly, too tightly and panic surges through me. I scream for Sean, "HELP! SEAN!" instinctively hoping he can somehow save me from this situation. The freezing water presses against my skin, and I feel powerless to fight my way out of the stranger's grip. My heart races, caught between fear of the unknown and the desperate need for help. The merman's grip is firm, but I can't shake the unease that lingers in the back of my mind. My heat feels as if it will beat out of my chest. I black out. The overwhelming situation taking hold of me.