Two days had passed since the assault on the Wandering Springs, but the air within the central cavern of the Outer Abyssal Reefs remained charged with a quiet, lingering tension. Warm thermal currents rose from the seabed, illuminating the bioluminescent coral walls in soft shades of deep blue and violet.
In the secluded royal quarters, Queen Seraphina stood near the edge of the stone dais, her dark eyes reflecting the azure glow of the surrounding water. Her fractured mana channels had largely knit back together, restoring the heavy, suffocating pressure of her ancient aura.
Kyle sat near the stone table, unwrapping the final layer of linen bandages from his ribs. Beside him, Elara was adjusting her twin water-daggers, her expression tight and hesitant.
