Chapter 28 — The Descent of Sovereigns
The sea embraced them the moment they stepped beyond the balcony.
Cool.
Endless.
Alive.
Aerin barely felt the transition anymore—the shift from air to water had become second nature since the bond awakened within her. Still, this time felt… different.
Heavier.
As if the ocean itself recognized what they were about to do.
The sea dragon waited just beyond the palace reef, its massive body coiling slowly through the glowing column of light. Its scales shimmered in shades of pearl and deep sapphire, reflecting currents that moved like liquid starlight across its length.
Up close, it was breathtaking.
Terrifying.
Ancient.
Aerin hovered for a moment, suspended between Caelum and Noctyrr as the creature's golden eyes fixed on her again.
Not hostile.
Not even cautious.
Reverent.
The realization sent a quiet shiver through her.
"It knows you," Caelum murmured.
Noctyrr crossed his arms, though his gaze never left the dragon.
