Page 155 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Don’t worry, Brody. She’ll be fine. The merrows are vicious, but so are kelpies. They won’t mess with her,” Reiya reassured Brody, seeing his concerned face.

“So, what’s the plan if this goes south?” Brody glanced over at Reiya and then back down into the deep blue.

“I’m not afraid of the Merrow Queen. The more I think about it, the more I know she won’t attack me. She is clever. She isn’t dumb. If she outright refuses to give me the Ocean’s Tear, then I guess I’m going to have to face the deities head-on.”

“Reiya ...” Brody growled, his voice laced with a dark, icy undertone. “Don’t be stupid.”

“Reiya, if this doesn’t work, we will sit down and think about our options. Don’t do anything rash.” Xander placed his hand on her shoulder, his eyes softening as he looked at her. “Promise?”

Reiya sighed in agitation. “Fine. I promise. I promise I will at least talk it over with you first. That’s all, though.”

They heard a soft splashing sound as the dark horse jumped out of the water. She looked at Reiya.It’s down there pretty deep, but I can get you there. In order to do it the fastest, I’ll need to take you one at a time.

You’re taking me first, then.Brody walked up to the dark horse, then turned to Reiya, waiting for her to object.

“I’m not going to argue with you, Brody. If it makes you feel better, you go first.” Reiya shook her head and looked at Xander. “She’s going to take us one at a time. It’s down pretty deep, but we can make it with a deep breath. Brody’s going first.”

“Let’s go, Chels.” Brody hopped up effortlessly on her back and leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “When I said I would be riding you later, I didn’t exactly mean this.” He chuckled as he heard her snort. He took in a deep breath and Chelsie dove into the water with him.

“This is your chance to turn back.” Reiya looked up at Xander, noticing he seemed a bit nervous.

“No way. I just hope I can hold my breath long enough.” Xander reached back and rubbed the back of his neck, giving Reiya a crooked smile.

“Just don’t think about it. You’ll be able to breathe before you know it.” Reiya playfully brushed against his shoulder with her own. “Thank you, Xander ... for coming. I know it wasn’t easy to leave your kingdom.”

Xander wrapped his arm around her shoulder and smiled. “Actually, it was.” He watched as Reiya looked up at him, her eyes wide, and he shrugged. “Levi has been sealed, and you were waltzing into danger. It was an easy decision for me. That’s how Iknew it was the right one. I have to help my sister get my brother back.”

“I’m glad you’re my soul twin.” Reiya looked up and saw his big, goofy, cheesy smile spread across his face.

“Me too, Reiya. I’m happy we’re family.”

Chelsie hopped out of the water and stood at the edge of the pool. “Guess it’s my turn.” Reiya looked at Xander and winked. “Don’t be nervous when she comes back for you.”

“I guess it will be the moment of truth, if she actually likes me or not.” Xander chuckled nervously as the black horse shook its mane side to side.

Reiya climbed up on Chelsie and took in a deep breath, clinging tightly to her as she dove into the cold liquid.

The water was dark, but the deeper Chelsie swam, an odd brightness became visible in the distance. Chelsie swam closer and closer, and the light became brighter. Reiya could see Brody standing on a small, sandy walkway. Yes, standing. As soon as Chelsie reached the walkway, Reiya could feel the pressure disappear. She was able to breathe as if it was air. She slid off Chelsie and was surprised how her feet naturally planted on the ground. It didn’t feel like she was underwater at all.

I’ll be right back with Xander.Chelsie turned and sprinted back upward.

“Now this is fascinating,” Reiya said as she dug her feet into the sand below her.

“It is. It’s like being above ground. It’s very impressive,” Brody said as he looked around at the well-lit path. In the distance, you could see a white coral palace. The walkway led right up to it. This had to be where the Merrow Queen resided.

Finally, Chelsie returned with Xander, who looked a bit green from his water trip.

“Breathe, Xander.” Reiya smiled and watched him hesitantly test the air.

“Holy crap. I can breathe underwater. I am a superhero.” Xander then grinned proudly and raised his hands over his head.

“A superhero who wet his pants. Good thing we were underwater and couldn’t tell the difference.” Chelsie was back in her human form, and she walked into Brody’s embrace.

“I was just trying to raise the water temperature a couple degrees,” he said with a wink.

“Eeeww, gross.” Reiya elbowed Xander, and then the four became serious as they stared into the distance.

“So, this is it, huh?” Chelsie looked at the coral palace and then returned her gaze to Reiya.