Chapter 37

Sophia's heart fell. The Leviathan's corruption was not limited to the creatures. It was seeping into the people.

"Does Tharros know?" Sophia asked.

"Not yet," Arin responded. "But he will soon."

Sophia's expression hardened as she returned her focus to the soldiers and Shark Clan fighters, their fragile union a ray of light in the middle of the rising gloom.

The Leviathan's shadow was growing, as was their might.

For the time being, that should enough.

Echoes of the Past

The chamber deep beneath Aquaria's palace was cold and quiet, the air thick with the weight of forgotten information. Crystals embedded in the walls pulsed faintly, casting an eerie glow over the old texts spread across the stone table before Sophia.

Arin stood close, her arms crossed and her expression guarded. "You're certain you want to do this?"

Sophia didn't look up, her attention locked on the intricate symbols etched into the aged parchment. "If there's a chance this prophecy can help us understand the Leviathan-and stop it-I have to."

Arin paused, her normal sharpness dulled by something softer, almost vulnerable. "These texts aren't just stories, Sophia. They're warnings."

Sophia looked at her, her determination unwavering. "Warnings are only helpful if we understand them."

With a reluctant sigh, Arin stepped closer, her fingers brushing over the fading markings. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

The text was ancient, its language a mix of flowing symbols and fractured sentences that seemed to shift under the faint light. Sophia traced the words with careful precision, her analytical mind piecing together bits of meaning.

"'The Four Who Must Unite to Heal the Abyss,'" she read aloud, her voice quiet but steady. "It's mentioned here, over and over."

Arin leaned over her shoulder, her face tightening. "The Four," she repeated, her tone heavy with dread. "It's always been interpreted as a metaphor. Four elements, four supports, four forces. But"

Sophia finished her thought. "But what if it's literal?"

The words hung between them, weighted with implications neither wanted to speak.

"It mentions unity," Arin said, her fingers brushing a section of text. "But not just any kind. A bond stronger than blood or magic. Something... absolute."

Sophia frowned, her mind racing. "A bond like ours."

Arin's silence was answer enough.

As they dug deeper into the text, more details emerged. The prophecy spoke of an old balance disturbed, a rift in the ocean's fabric that had allowed the Leviathan's corruption to fester. The only way to restore harmony was for "The Four" to unite-not just in goal, but in essence.

"What does that even mean?" Sophia asked, frustration creeping into her voice.

Arin's unease increased. "It could mean anything. A shared power, a merging of magic, or..."

"Or something we're not prepared for," Sophia finished, her chest tightening at the thought.

Arin nodded, her gaze distant. "The ocean's magic doesn't give without taking. Whatever this prophecy demands, it will cost us."

Sophia looked at her, the weight of the revelation settling heavily between them. "Do you think we can do it?"

Arin's lips pressed into a thin line. "I think we don't have a choice."

The find left Sophia restless. She paced her quarters later that evening, the words of the prophecy echoing in her mind. "A bond deeper than magic." What did that mean for her relationship with Tharros, Kael, and Arin? They were already connected in ways she hadn't fully understood-was that enough?

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called.

Kael stepped inside, his presence filling the room with an air of quiet strength. "You've been hiding down there all day. What's going on?"

Sophia hesitated, unsure how much to share. "I've been researching the prophecy. Arin and I found something important."

Kael raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze studying her. "Important how?"

She hesitated, then said, "It mentions us. All four of us."

Kael frowned, crossing his arms. "I'm guessing it's not good news."

"It's complicated," Sophia admitted. "The prophecy says we're key to stopping the Leviathan. But it also says the bond between us has to be absolute."

Kael's expression softened slightly, though his concern remained. "And what does that mean?"

"That's the problem," Sophia said, her voice tinged with frustration. "We don't know yet. But whatever it is, it's going to require more than we've given so far."

Kael nodded slowly, his jaw tightening. "Then we give it. Whatever it takes."

His certainty steadied her, even as the uncertainty of what lay ahead loomed large.

The next morning, Sophia met Arin in the study chamber again, her resolve firmer. "We need to tell Tharros."

Arin stiffened. "Not yet. We don't have enough answers."

"We have enough to know this is bigger than us," Sophia argued. "Keeping it from him won't help."

Arin's gaze darkened. "And what happens when he learns the cost? What happens when Kael does?"

Sophia didn't flinch. "We face it together. That's what the prophecy says, isn't it? Unity. We can't have that if we keep secrets."

Arin sighed, her shoulders dropping slightly. "You're relentless, you know that?"

Sophia offered a faint smile. "So I've been told."

Later that day, the group gathered in the council chamber. Tharros stood at the head of the table, his dominating presence steady as always. Kael leaned against the wall, his sharp look sweeping the room. Arin lingered in the shadows, her unease barely disguised.

Sophia took a deep breath, then began. "We've uncovered something about the prophecy. Something important."

She outlined what she and Arin had found, her voice steady despite the tension in the room. When she finished, the quiet was deafening.

Tharros was the first to speak. "So we're the Four. And this link is the key to defeating the Leviathan."

Sophia nodded. "That's what the prophecy suggests."

Kael frowned. "And what's the catch?"

Arin's speech was quiet but sharp. "The catch is that magic never gives without taking. Whatever this bond asks, it won't be easy."

Tharros's eyes hardened. "It doesn't matter. If this is what's needed, we'll do it."

Sophia looked at him, her chest tightening at his confidence. "Even if it means-"

"Even if it means everything," Tharros interrupted, his voice strong.

Kael nodded, his face resolute. "We've come too far to back down now."

Arin glanced between them, her discomfort clear. "Just remember, once we start down this path, there's no going back."

Sophia met her look, determination blazing in her eyes. "We've already crossed that line, Arin. All we can do now is move forward."

As the meeting finished, Sophia lingered in the chamber, her thoughts racing. She felt the weight of the prophecy pressing down on her, the enormity of what they were about to attempt.

Tharros approached her, his golden eyes steady. "You've done well, Sophia. You've brought us this far."

She shook her head. "This isn't just about me. It's about all of us."

He put a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding. "And together, we'll face whatever comes next."

Sophia nodded, but her thoughts stayed heavy. The echoes of the prophecy remained in her thoughts, a haunting reminder of the challenges ahead.

As she left the chamber, the faint vibration of the Leviathan's presence rippled through the water-a grim warning that time was running out.

The Storm Within

The council room was silent except for the faint hum of the bioluminescent crystals lining the walls. Tension rippled through the water as Tharros stood at the head of the table, his golden eyes steady but simmering with anger. Across from him, Kael leaned forward, his fists planted on the table and his words sharp.

"We can't afford to wait any longer," Kael said, his tone tight with barely controlled rage. "The Leviathan's corruption is spreading. Every second we delay, more lives are lost, and its power grows."

Tharros's eyes didn't waver. "Charging into battle without preparation will only ensure more casualties. Our barriers are not ready. If the Leviathan hits while we're exposed, Aquaria will fall."

Kael straightened, his stance rigid. "And what happens if we sit idle? How many more villages will be overrun while we hide behind these walls?"

"It's not hiding," Tharros said, his voice low and dangerous. "It's strategy."

Kael scoffed, his anger flaring. "Call it what you want, but it's cowardice."

The words hit like a thunderclap, and the room exploded into murmurs. The council members traded uneasy glances, their discomfort palpable as the two most powerful figures in Aquaria clashed.

Sophia stood at the edge of the chamber, her chest tightening as she watched the fight spiral. She could see the strain on both of them-the weight of their choices etched into every word, every movement. But the anger between them was a fissure that could shatter the shaky unity they'd worked so hard to build.

"Enough!" Sophia's words cut through the noise, sharp and commanding.

All eyes turned to her. Tharros and Kael froze, their gazes locking onto her with a mix of surprise and defiance.

She stepped forward, her face calm but unyielding. "This isn't helping anyone. We're fighting each other when the real threat is out there, getting stronger by the minute."

Kael's jaw tensed. "Do you have a better plan, Sophia? Because right now, talking isn't going to stop the Leviathan."

"I don't have all the answers," she allowed, her tone steady. "But I do know that dividing ourselves only makes us weaker. You're both right, and you're both wrong."

Tharros frowned, his frustration obvious. "Explain."

Sophia met his eyes, then turned to Kael. "Kael's right that we can't ignore the Leviathan's advance. But rushing in without a clear plan will play right into its hands. And Tharros is right that we need to be prepared-but readiness doesn't mean inaction. We need to strike a balance."

Kael crossed his arms, his eyes sharpening. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

Sophia took a deep breath, her mind whirling. "We fortify the capital while simultaneously deploying small, agile teams to monitor and counter the Leviathan's spread. Strike where it's weakest, but don't overextend ourselves. Use the Shark Clans to cover places we can't reach quickly."

Tharros considered her words, his golden eyes thoughtful. "It's risky. Spreading our forces thin leaves us vulnerable."

Sophia nodded. "It's a risk, but it's better than doing nothing or throwing everything at an enemy we don't fully understand. We can't win if we're not united."

Kael exhaled quickly, the tension in his posture easing slightly. "Fine. But we act now. No more delays."

Tharros's face softened, the storm in his gaze dissipating. "Agreed."

The council murmured in satisfaction as the two men reached a tentative truce.

Later, Sophia found herself walking the quiet hallways of the palace, her thoughts heavy. The argument had been resolved, but the strain remained. She could feel it in the way Kael had stalked out of the room and the quiet tension in Tharros's movements.

She wasn't surprised when she found Kael in the training hall, his spear slicing through the water in precise, furious motions.

"Pushing yourself too hard won't help," Sophia said gently, leaning against the wall.

Kael stopped, his chest heaving as he turned to face her. "I don't have time to slow down."

Sophia stepped closer, her eyes steady. "No one's questioning your dedication, Kael. But this isn't just about the Leviathan, is it?"

Kael's jaw tightened, his silence saying volumes.

"You feel like you're failing them," Sophia said softly. "The soldiers, the people. Even Tharros."

His hands clenched around his weapon. "It's my job to protect them. Every day we wait, I'm aware of what I couldn't stop. What I couldn't save."

Sophia reached out, putting a hand on his arm. "You're not alone in this. We all carry that weight. But beating yourself up won't make you stronger-it'll break you."

Kael met her stare, the vulnerability in his eyes stark against his usual stoicism. "You don't understand what it's like to be responsible for so many lives."

Sophia's speech was quiet but firm. "You're right, I don't. But I know what it's like to feel like you're not enough. And I know you're stronger than you think."

For a moment, Kael said nothing. Then he nodded, a faint flicker of gratitude in his face. "Thanks."

Tharros, meanwhile, was in the war room, his hands braced against the table as he studied the maps and files spread before him. The weight of leadership pressed heavily on his shoulders, the lines of stress etched deeply into his face.

Sophia entered quietly, her presence drawing his attention.

"You're still here," Tharros said, his voice tired but warm.

"I could say the same to you," she responded, her tone light.

He smiled faintly, then sighed. "Kael's right about one thing-we can't afford to make mistakes. Every choice feels like a gamble."

Sophia stepped closer, her eyes soft. "That's what leadership is, isn't it? Balancing the impossible."

Tharros chuckled softly, the sound laced with tiredness. "And here I thought being a dragon king would make things simpler."

Sophia smiled, the tension between them lessening. "You're doing better than you think, Tharros. You just need to trust yourself-and the people around you."

He looked at her, something unspoken passing between them. "It's not easy, you know. Trusting. But you've made it easier."

Sophia felt a warmth grow in her chest at his words. "That's what I'm here for."

As the night went on, the palace settled into an uneasy calm. But Sophia knew this was only the beginning. The Leviathan's shadow loomed bigger with every passing moment, and the storm within their ranks was far from over.

Standing on the balcony overlooking the glowing city, Sophia felt the weight of her role more sharply than ever. She was the bridge between them, the thread holding their fragile union together. And as the faint vibration of the Leviathan's presence rippled through the water, she knew she would have to be stronger than ever to keep them from falling apart.

Preparing for the Abyss

The first attack on Aquaria's outer villages came with little notice. Twisted creatures, their forms bloated and twisted by the Leviathan's corruption, surged through the water like a living storm. Villagers barely had time to flee before the monsters overwhelmed their homes, leaving damage in their wake.

By the time news reached the capital, the tension in the palace was evident. Tharros stood before the council, his voice steady despite the grim news. "The Leviathan's influence is no longer a distant threat. It's here, at our limits. We must act swiftly."

Sophia sat beside him, her mind whirling. The attacks were escalating faster than she'd expected. The fragile balance they'd worked so hard to maintain was unraveling, and the final confrontation felt closer than ever.

Kael leaned forward, his face grim. "We can't just wait for it to come to us. We need to strike back."

Tharros nodded. "Agreed. But we must be smart. Rushing in unprepared will only lead to more destruction."

Sophia cleared her throat, drawing their attention. "I've been working on something that could give us an edge."

All eyes turned to her, the weight of their hope and doubt pressing down like a tidal wave.

In the workshop beneath the palace, Sophia described her plan. A table was covered in schematics and glowing crystals, a chaotic mix of surface technology and Aquarian magic.