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She turned to face me then, her emerald eyes glowing faintly in the dark, reflecting the once tumultuous sea around us. “You felt it because you’re connected to the ocean, just like I am,” she said, her voice steady yet filled with an unspoken depth.

I watched as she averted her gaze toward the roiling waters, the storm now a backdrop to the tension between us.

“Now that you are discovering your abilities, you need to be more careful in your world. I’ll be staying close in case you have any problems,” she continued, her voice quiet, almost intimate.

“But I won’t stay longer than necessary. ”

Her words hung in the air, a bittersweet reminder of the boundaries that still existed between us. I didn’t reply. Instead, I concentrated on the navigation, a sense of dread settling in as I faced the impending end of our time together.

But as the familiar outline of Thalassa’s shoreline came into view, a spark of determination flickered within me. I couldn’t let this be the last moment we shared without trying to bridge the gap between us .

Taking a deep breath, I glanced at her, my voice steady despite the tumultuous thoughts racing through my mind. “How about dinner? I’d like to show you my favorite place in the city.”

She blinked in surprise, her eyes widening as she processed my invitation. A moment of silence stretched between us, heavy with uncertainty. Doubt crept in, shadowing the initial spark of hope. Would she see this as an opportunity to connect, or would she retreat into her guarded shell?

I could almost taste the tension coiling in the air, the unspoken fears pressing down.

What if she rejected my offer? What if this was the moment that made her realize we were too different?

The flicker of uncertainty was almost palpable, but I held my ground, willing to face whatever answer she gave.

“I guess I could appreciate some food,” she replied quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “The journey was… tiresome.”

A small smile tugged at my lips, relieved that she was open to the idea. “I know just the place. They serve the best seafood in Thalassa.”

Iryen’s gaze flickered toward the ocean. “I could use something familiar,” she admitted, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her tone.

* * *

Docking wasn’t difficult, and back in the city, I had everything at my disposal once more. So, I called my assistant and reserved a table at my favorite high-end restaurant. It wasn’t late, just after sunset when we docked, leaving us a couple of hours before dinner.

I turned to Iryen just as she stepped onto the deck, a small pack slung over her shoulder. I strode toward her, towering over her as I smirked. “The game has changed, Princess. You’re in my city now.”

Her breath caught, a shallow gasp escaping her lips. “Your city,” she echoed softly, a hint of challenge in her voice .

“Yes, so we have a couple of hours until dinner.” I stepped closer, closing the distance between us.

“How about I show you around?” Her scent enveloped me, a tantalizing blend of salt and sweet that was utterly alluring in its uniqueness.

It ignited a burning, desperate heat in my core, a heat that pulsed and fluttered, threatening to consume me.

Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and intrigue flickering across her features. “Are you sure that’s wise?” she asked, her voice low, teasing, yet underscored by a hint of uncertainty.

“What, princess? Afraid you might find something you actually like?” I taunted, a smirk tugging at my lips.

Her expression shifted, lips curling into a small smile as she tilted her head, considering my words. “I’m not easily surprised, Adrian,” she replied, her voice laced with playful challenge.

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure,” I said, my hand brushing against hers as take her luggage. The contact lingered just enough to send a spark racing between us, igniting the air with electricity.

She arched an eyebrow, a smile widening a fraction. “Is that so? Then I suppose I’ll have to keep my eyes wide open.”

“Trust me,” I shot back, glancing over my shoulder with a grin that felt almost predatory. “I’ll make sure of it.”

As we made our way out of the dock, I sensed her curiosity bubbling. The rhythmic sound of the waves accompanied us, and with each step, Iryen’s gaze flitted around, absorbing the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the bustling port.

When we finally reached my car, the sleek silhouette of the black Aston Martin Vantage gleamed under the soft streetlights. Its polished exterior reflected the vibrant colors of the sunset.

My assistant, Luke, approached me, keys in hand.

“Sir,” he greeted, but I noticed his gaze drifting toward Iryen, pausing and examining her unique features and striking eyes. An icy dread seeped into my bones as I watched him turn away, and a guttural sound escaped my lips, drawing his attention back to me.

“I hope your vacation was relaxing,” he continued, though his eyes once again wandered toward her body.

“It was, thank you,” I replied sharply, dismissing him. “That’s all. You may take the rest of the evening off.” I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone prying into what was mine, and if he didn’t leave soon, I wasn’t sure I could contain myself.

Without another order, he left, and I turned toward Iryen, who stood frozen.

Her lips parted in silent wonder, and her eyes were wide as she took in the car’s elegant lines and sporty design.

My lips tugged upward as I watched her. Her surprise sparked a warm feeling spreading across my chest—pride.

A woman’s reaction to my wealth has never affected me so deeply.

Now, I’m grateful for the look of wonder it brought to her face.

“This is… impressive,” she breathed, eyes gleaming as if starlight had touched them.

I couldn’t help but smirk at her reaction. “You like it?” I asked, leaning against the car and crossing my ankles as I relaxed.

“It’s beautiful,” she replied, stepping closer to examine the intricate details, her fingers tracing the contours of the hood. “I’ve seen nothing like it.”

I stepped forward, standing beside her. “It’s more than just a car. It’s a piece of art. And it drives like a dream.”

She looked up at me, her jewels of eyes shining at mine with a mix of admiration and intrigue. “Art? You really think of it that way?”

“Absolutely,” I said, feeling a tender sense of joy course through my veins. “Just like the ocean, it has power and grace. It is an experience.”

Iryen nodded, her gaze returning to the car. “I’d love to experience it.”

“Then let’s not waste any more time,” I suggested, opening the passenger door for her. “Buckle up, Princess. This ride will be unforgettable.”

As she slid into the plush cream leather passenger seat, I felt a thrill course through me, not just from the anticipation of the drive, but from the growing connection between us.

With one last glance in her direction, I rounded the hood and slid into the driver’s seat, and the low growl of the engine beckoned to life as I turned to her with a grin.

“Ready?”

“Ready,” she echoed eagerly, a spark of excitement in her voice.

And with that, I pressed down on the gas, surging forward into the night. The engine roared, and the world blurred past us, vibrant lights dancing across the dashboard as the numbers got higher.

Silence stretched out between us, but I wasn’t having it.

Something about being here, in this moment, made me want to know more about her, about the girl who had captivated me from the start.

The hum of the road beneath us felt electric, and with every passing streetlight, I knew the walls between us were cracking.

“So,” I began, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. “Tell me, have you ever ventured coming here to the city?”

Her gaze flickered to me, and I saw the gears turning in her mind.

“Yes, I had,” she replied, her tone hard, lost in a distant memory.

“For my parents. Five years ago, King Orion from Erythion told us about the possibility of the lost princess, his daughter, being located here, and since this city is part of our territory, he asked my parents for help.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, strained.

I glanced at her, noticing the trembling of her body, a subtle shiver, almost imperceptible. “Iryen…” I began, feeling a nagging surge of protectiveness wash over me.

She took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on her lap, the lights of the city illuminating her features. “It was a long time ago,” she said, her tone low and cold.

It was hard for her to talk about her parents, and I could see the shadows of pain flickering across her features and in the way her skin was pale.

As she spoke, the memory of the dream flashed once more in my mind—the haunting image of her witnessing something I couldn’t change.

I wondered if it had anything to do with her parents and who the other triton was in the vision.

I had seen it through her eyes, yet the words exchanged between them remained a mystery.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked softly, my gaze shifting to her as I navigated the roads of the city towards my penthouse.

She blinked, as if pulling herself back from the depths of her thoughts. “It’s okay. I’m… managing,” she replied, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

“Is it about that dream?” I pressed quietly, afraid my words could trigger her. “You witnessed something. They were your parents?”

I was curious about her, but I didn’t want her to close up again. I had just gotten her to open up, and I could feel the fragile thread of connection between us fraying.

Iryen looked away, staring out the window at the passing lights, her expression lost in thought. I wanted to reach out, to pull her back from whatever memory was drawing her in, but I also didn’t want to pressure her.

“Yes,” she replied after a while, her voice trembling. I noticed her body shiver, and a pang of worry shot through me. Was she crying?

“That dream was about the night they got murdered.” Her breathing became ragged and shallow, and soon after, I heard a soft whimper escape her lips.

I pulled over, turned off the engine, the city lights fading into the background as the silence enveloped us. My heart raced as I reached for her chin, gently lifting her gaze to meet mine. “Fuck, princess. Come here.” I pulled her into my arms.

Her vulnerability lay bare before me, and the pain etched in her watery eyes.

“You don’t have to talk about it if it’s too much,” I added, my voice steady but filled with concern.

Once in my arms, her tears flowed freely down her cheeks, each sob striking me like a physical blow, the slice of a knife tugging at my heart.

The anguish in her cries felt like my own, resonating deep within me as I held her close, stroking her back and wishing I could erase the pain she carried.

I never detested a creature as much as I despised that triton. It was clear now that he was someone she had trusted, someone who had shattered her heart. A cold, shimmering rage ignited within me. If I had the opportunity, I would make him pay for the pain he had caused her.

I am making him pay.

I promised myself as I gently stroked her soft, silvery-white wave locks.

Her sobs eventually subsided, and I realized she had cried herself to sleep.

Carefully, I laid her back against the seat and buckled her seat belt before turning the engine on again.

The night was quiet as I drove home, a place where she could find some rest.

Once I parked in the underground garage, I glanced over to ensure she was still asleep.

Her face was peaceful, but the faint remnants of pain lingered in her expression.

I slipped out of the car and walked around to her side, gently lifting her into my arms. She stirred slightly as I carried her toward the private lift that led directly to my penthouse.

As soon as the elevator doors slid open to my spacious living room, she shifted in my arms, a faint murmur escaping her lips.

I carried her to my room, her delicate frame in my arms. Gently, I laid her on the bed, pulling the covers over her.

For a moment, I stood there, watching her against the dark sheets.

The sight of her resting in my space stirred pleasure through my body.

Adjusting my pants pushed the thought away. This wasn’t the time.

I flicked the lights off, leaving only the soft glow of the en-suite light to cast its warm hue. Closing the door quietly behind me, I quickly sent a message to Luke, asking him to reschedule my reservation for tomorrow.

Making my way to the kitchen, I look at the fully stocked pantry.

Cooking seemed like the right distraction, so I pulled out vegetables, pasta, and lamb, deciding on a hearty meal: Yiouvetsi and Briam.

The act of preparing the food felt grounding, a welcome escape.

But not enough to stop the assault of memories on my mind.

Even as I cooked the tender lamb, seasoned with herbs and seared into a perfect golden brown, I’m pulled back to the car ride and the night she visited the moon pond.

She still had nightmares about him. She broke down in my arms, and even if I’m her soulmate, I’m still a stranger to her life.

I need to focus on something else, so I started making Briam, a traditional vegetable bake. As I sliced the eggplant, I wondered where the triton was now. All her painful sobs and cries weren’t from someone who had closure—they were from someone who needed vengeance.

To accompany the meal, I chose a rich red wine with deep notes of berries and spice—its bold flavors balanced perfectly to complement the savory lamb and roasted vegetables.

If it weren’t for the dark cloud that convoluted my thoughts with the need for blood, this would be a perfect distraction, but even cooking couldn’t chase away every menacing thought of what I would do to that bastard if I ever saw him.