"The Atlantisians were fools for sending a single warrior to our domain." The lead morgen glared down at Marina as two guards forced her to kneel. "But they've actually done us a service as well. We've heard of the stories, Silken One, about your ability to conjure up the Divine Quartet. With magic like that, we could rule over the Atlantisians- the entirety of the seven seas!"

Marina forced her head up in an attempt to stare angrily at the leader. "You can't-"

"I can, and I shall." They offered a large grin that showed off a set of jagged teeth. "Before that, however, I think you need to spend some time... reflecting... on your misdeeds. Attacking us morgens was the worst mistake of your life, Silken One. I can't wait to prove that to you."

"But-"

"Rafiq, take her to the prison."

Another morgen stepped forward from a crowd surrounding their leader. A creature with glowing blue skin, yellow eyes, four triple-jointed legs, and six scaly tails moved forward. They grabbed Marina by the neckline of her shirt and pulled her out of the room.

She had enough dignity to not scream in terror or fear.

She also couldn't help but mentally curse both the Atlantisians and the Divine Quartet for 1) throwing her into a war that wasn't even hers, and 2) making her believe that she had some great power when nothing extraordinary happened during the faceoff with the morgen army.

Now, instead of being an esteemed captain like everyone made it seem, Marina was just a simple prisoner who didn't even know how long she was going to live.

Great.

"Please forgive the actions of my people, Silken One." Rafiq looked over his shoulder with guilt written clearly on his face. "Not all of us wish for bloodshed or power. Some of us are just trying to survive without meeting the wrath of The Higher."

"Remorse can't help me in terms of survival."

"Actually, it can."

Turning down another hall, the two came face to face with a stone door. Rafiq touched a center panel which acted as some sort of hidden locking mechanism. The tall barrier slid upward until it revealed a narrow pathway. Inside, a barren, open room full of moss-covered rocks was shown. 

A single person wearing a full body veil was sitting on the floor by a cracking, dripping back wall.

Marina huffed in annoyance. "So what, you just wanted to introduce me to my cellmate?"

"Sheera, we come in need of your assistance. I have the Silken One here with me."

The veiled stranger appeared to perk up at the notion.

"May we enter your quarters?"

"...Rafiq and Silken One. Blessed we be. Enter. Quickly."

Marina was ushered inside before getting a chance to make any more comments. She couldn't help but gasp when the messy, crumbling details of the room began to morph before her eyes.

Moss-covered rocks disappeared, cauldrons and metal bowls taking their places. A cramped space fit for one person elongated by several yards. The walls lengthened and grew; the back one turning into an inky waterfall with slivers of muted light passing through.

A strong smell—an aroma much like that of burning wood—filled the air.

"What.. is happening? Where are we?"

"The Mystical Shrine," Rafiq explained. "My people's sacred space. Our power draws from this very room- from the water falling before you. Sheera, a former prisoner from the surface world, is a seer. Alongside being the astounding prophet for the morgen, she's been trying to help me figure out a way to reverse the dark magic that's controlling everyone."

"...And let me guess, you need my help in doing so?"

"I wouldn't ask if there was another way. I'm sorry." He looked toward the dark waterfall. "Sheera is able to see what powers people have. If she touches you, she may be able to give us the tools necessary to end all this."

Marina sighed in resignation. Rather than put up a fight or voice her annoyance, she nodded. 

Both people walked forward until getting to the raised section of land Sheera was perched on.

Despite her facial features being hidden, it was clear she was intrigued. "Your hand, Silken One."

A single appendage was presented before gently being grabbed by cold fingers.

"...I see. The Divine Quartet has bestowed an incredible power upon you."

"I highly doubt that. I couldn't do anything for the Atlantisians- all I did was get captured. The Azure Dragon told me I'd figure it out when the time was right."

"And it is." Sheera's grip tightened. "Your normal feature was the power to obtain any ability given to you. The one the Divine Quartet gave to you was the power of purification. Through touch as well. And something only a seer could awaken."

Surprised, Marina yanked her hand back. "Purification? But multiple morgens had their hands on me, and no one turned back."

"As Rafiq said, the dark magic controls everything. Purify the magic, and you purify the morgen."

"Purify the magic..."

Sheera lifted up a single finger. It was placed in the center of Marina's forehead.

The same smoky light from before surrounded her body.

Rafiq took a step forward. "Please, Silken One, help my people."

Taking a deep breath, Marina moved toward the inky waterfall. The scent of burning wood increased the closer she got—as did the faint, almost inaudible sound of ghostly shrieking. One of her hands stretched out in hesitation. Ethereal rays crawled down her arm and circled her fingers. 

Phantom wails picked up in intensity.

Sheera turned toward the waterfall as well. "Free them, Silken One."

Marina allowed her hand to push through slimy water. When she touched the misshapen rocks behind it, sluggish flowing stopped. The floor began to vibrate. The walls shook. Cracks formed along the ceiling.

Slender fingers bent until forming a tight fist.

Marina screamed as an invisible force threw her back.

Black splotches filled her vision upon hitting the floor. But even with consciousness fading, she saw how inky water faded into a gorgeous shade of vibrant blue. The smell of burning wood became that of fresh rain.

Rafiq began changing until only glowing skin and a single tail remained—his form completely purified.