Page 91 of The Throne Seeker

Up close, she could see the shimmering details of each individual scale, ranging in a perfect blend of purple, blue, and green. Its entire body was lined with a sheer, shiny protective layer while its thin, nearly see-through fins had brilliant sapphire marks.

Doing her best to steady her shaky hands, she reached for the giant iron lock secured around its neck.

The sea beast growled in warning.

She quickly retracted her arms.

It merely blinked, waiting—daring her to be brave enough.

She summoned the courage to reach back up to the iron clasp. Her fingers struggled to unlock it, slipping over the slick metal. After a few feeble attempts, she managed to pull the clasp away, and with a muffled click, the large collar fell from its neck, sinking to the ocean floor.

The sea creature lifted its snout.Thank you,a beautiful female voice spoke into her mind, emitting a deep purr from its chest that sent vibrations throughout the water.

Tristan had finally made his way behind the beast, pulling his dagger out, ready to strike, but the sea beast was prepared, no longer soft and gentle as it curled its mouth, snarling at him. With one whip of its tail, it knocked the blade out of his hands, sending it to the sea floor along with the clasp.

The beast’s attention returned to her, looking at her expectantly. It swiveled its large head, gesturing to its scaly back—it wanted her to climb on.

She hesitated before grasping one of the large, bone-like spikes along its spine and swung her leg over the base of the creature’s long neck. Rose motioned for Tristan to do the same. He shook his head, looking at her like she’d lost her mind—she could have sworn the sea beast rolled its eyes as it swam closer to him.

Rose reached out her hand, praying he’d be brave enough to take it. Tristan found the courage to reach back, gliding onto the beast behind her.

At breakneck speed, the sea creature surged upwards. Within seconds, it sprang out of the water. Its wings flung open wide,and with a few powerful flaps, it climbed into the sky, droplets slipping off its scales into the open air below.

Tristan’s arm slipped around her waist, securing her tightly to him. She, however, was strangely at ease on the beast. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, giving her the confidence to loosen her hold on the spike, trusting the sea beast as it carried them higher and higher into the sky, far above the cliffs.

Any sane person would have been terrified, but she couldn’t help the smile that slipped onto her lips as water dripped from her chin. She gazed at the broad horizon spread out before her. From here, she could see all the way from the western sea to the northern mountains. It was the first time she’d ever seen the vast mountain range in person. Though distant and faint, it was unmistakable.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. She could get used to flying.

The sea beast’s mouth curled upward, showing off its frightening teeth. It took her a moment to realize the beast wasn’t baring its teeth but showcasing a toothy grin, puffing its chest with pride as if pleased by her awe.

After their brief flight, the sea creature glided back to the cliffs. Rose peered down, spotting a small group of people waiting for them. The sea creature quickly descended, landing gracefully away from the crowd.

Tristan slid off first, not wasting a moment before returning his feet to solid ground. He reached up for Rose and she took his hand, finding her footing gracefully.

She craned her neck to look up at the beast. “Thank you. Not only for saving our lives, but for that.” She pointed to the sky.

The sea beast’s eyes sparkled.And thank you for freeing me.If you ever need anything, you need only call, and I shall come, the creature promised.

“How do I do that?”

Simply reach for the water and call me by my name—Neera,she replied. Neera looked down at the golden sun relic still hanging on her neck.I think this is yours.The beast’s sharp talon hooked around the chain, breaking it off with one tug, and held it out to her.

Rose stepped forward and claimed the sun relic, taking the wet gold into her hands.

Goodbye, fair one, Neera said in farewell.

With that, the mystical creature spread its wings and launched itself off the cliff, disappearing from sight before swooping back up, climbing higher as it flew toward the horizon. It was no larger than a speck in the distance when the creature plunged back into the sea.

“Are you hurt?” Tristan asked, cupping Rose’s cheeks as he inspected her, landing on her bloody wrists.

“A little, but nothing I won’t survive.”

He hugged her tightly, kissing her wet forehead. Her shivering body melted into his. “Lost city above, I thought I was going to lose you,” he whispered.

She wrapped her hands around his neck in reply. “I’m okay…We’reokay.”

“I’m going to kill whoever did this,” Tristan fumed, letting go. He gently retook her hands as he inspected her bloodied wrists. “Trust me, my father is livid. This will not go unpunished.”