Ava felt her breath catch in her chest as her entourage passed through the outer gates of the Onyx Kingdom. The lights, soft and ethereal, cast an otherworldly glow against the black stone walls, creating a stark contrast that seemed to heighten the air of mystery surrounding the ancient city.

Her lips curved into a faint smile, though she kept her expression otherwise composed. Her guards flanked her on either side, spears at the ready, while her servants followed in perfect formation. The golden amber jewels adorning her body glittered with the faint movement of the water, catching the eyes of the Onyx citizens who stopped to watch.

A servant in Onyx garb swam forward, his posture straight, his face marked with a black tattoo that curved across his forehead. He bowed respectfully. "Welcome to the Onyx Kingdom, Your Majesty. I have been instructed to escort you to the palace."

Without a word, Ava inclined her head, motioning for her entourage to follow. They moved through the darkened streets, the faint murmur of voices rising in their wake. Eyes widened as the locals turned to look at her, their gazes lingering on the vivid amber of her adornments and the golden shimmer of her tail. Ava's head remained high, her expression a mask of regal detachment, but inwardly, she savored the attention.

They see me, she thought with satisfaction. Good.

The Onyx Palace loomed ahead, its sheer size and stark design taking her breath away for a moment. The massive black doors creaked open, revealing an interior of cold splendor—walls lined with obsidian columns, glowing lights suspended in the water, and intricate carvings etched into the stone.

A deep voice rumbled through the chamber as a figure approached, his presence commanding. "It pleases me that you accepted my invitation."

Ava's gaze fell on the speaker: a powerful merman with broad shoulders and muscles that rippled beneath skin marked by spiraling tattoos. His black eyes met hers with an intensity that would have made a lesser person falter, but Ava held his gaze, a faint smile gracing her lips.

"I must admit, I am impressed," she said, her tone calm and composed. "A kingdom so beautiful, hidden for so long. It is truly a marvel."

A shadow flickered through his eyes, too brief to read, before he returned her smile. "The gates are open now," he said, his voice steady. "It is my hope that new friendships can be forged between our nations."

"Indeed," Ava said, tilting her head slightly in a respectful bow. "And allow me to extend my congratulations to you and your fiancé."

At the mention of his fiancé, something flickered in the king's expression—an odd glimmer of emotion that vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Thank you," he said simply.

A voice rang out from the far side of the hall, light and almost musical. "Caspian!"

The source of the call swam toward them, drawing every eye in the chamber. He was slender, almost delicate in build, with long white hair that floated behind him like a halo. Tattoos coiled around his pale skin, and a simple black cloth draped over his shoulders was secured by a stone that seemed to churn like a storm cloud. His silver eyes sparkled with curiosity as they landed on Ava.

"Oh! Hello!" the merman said, grinning as he waved at her with an almost childlike enthusiasm.

Ava raised an eyebrow, mimicking his wave in a slower, more regal manner. "Hello there."

Caspian smiled as he took the merman's hand in his own—a gesture so intimate that it immediately spoke volumes about their bond. The contrast between them was striking: Caspian, dark and commanding, and this pale, almost ethereal figure. They were opposites, sun and moon, yet their connection was undeniable.

"This is my fiancé, Marcus," Caspian said, his voice filled with quiet pride.

Soft gasps rippled through Ava's entourage. Whispers darted among her servants and guards, their surprise poorly hidden. A male mate was unheard of in many kingdoms, especially among royalty, and yet here it was—unapologetic and absolute.

Ava smirked inwardly, her pale features remaining stoic. Interesting. There is more to this kingdom than meets the eye.

She inclined her head. "A pleasure to meet you, Marcus. Congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you!" Marcus said brightly, his cheeks tinged with a blush. He gestured toward the hall. "Would you like the servants to show you to your rooms?"

Ava nodded gracefully, and the Onyx servants moved to escort her party. She cast one last glance at the couple as she swam away, noting the way Caspian's protective gaze lingered on Marcus. There was something about them—something unspoken yet palpable.

******************

Her assigned chambers were expansive, the black stone walls polished to a mirror-like sheen. Lights suspended in the water bathed the room in a soft, shifting glow, creating an ambiance that was equal parts alluring and oppressive. A circular bed dominated the center of the room, its canopy framing the space in luxurious drapery.

"Ava?"

She turned, her lips curving into a rare smile as she saw him—Roni, her shadow, her confidant, and her only true friend. His golden hair floated around his delicate face, framing his large brown eyes, which brimmed with an almost childlike adoration. Slave jewels adorned his slim form, glittering under the soft light.

"Roni," she said, patting the edge of the bed. "Come here."

He obeyed without hesitation, tucking his golden tail beneath him as he slid into her lap. His thin arms wrapped around her waist, and he rested his head against her chest, his contented purr vibrating softly against her skin.

"You're precious to me," Ava murmured, her fingers threading through his hair and brushing against the amber collar at his neck.

Roni blushed deeply, his arms tightening around her. "I know. You're precious to me too."

Ava chuckled, pressing a kiss to his head. "Good. Now go do what I told you—and be careful."

Roni's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Does this mean I get to spy?"

"Of course," Ava said, her thumb brushing over his lips. "What disguise do you want this time?"

He tilted his head, considering. "How about a slave? They won't even notice me."

Ava laughed softly, her amusement genuine. "Very well. Go. I'll prepare the rest."

Roni kissed her cheek before darting out of the room, his tail flashing in the dim light before vanishing into the shadows.

Moments later, a knock sounded at the door. Her handmaidens entered, carrying an assortment of fabrics and jewels. "Your Majesty, which attire shall we prepare for the wedding?"

Ava exhaled softly, allowing her composure to settle once more. "Let us begin."

As they worked, her thoughts lingered on Caspian, Marcus, and the peculiar atmosphere of the Onyx Kingdom. There was something hidden beneath the surface—secrets waiting to be uncovered.

And she intended to find them.

******

Elric tugged against the restraints that bound his wrists, the enchanted metal draining his magic with every passing second. The cuffs chafed his skin raw, sharp edges biting into the flesh and drawing thin ribbons of blood that drifted lazily into the water around him. Pain flared with every movement, a reminder of his captivity, but he welcomed it. The sting was a distraction from the deeper wounds—the guilt, the shame, and the memories he could never escape.

If there was one small mercy, it was the silence. The voices that had plagued him for as long as he could remember—the whispers of doubt, commands, and condemnation—had vanished the moment the cuffs had latched onto his wrists. The absence of magic seemed to hush the chaotic storm in his mind, leaving him in an uneasy stillness.

"How did you and Caspian meet?" Morgan's voice broke the silence, smooth but probing.

Elric stiffened, his shoulders squaring as the question hung in the water between them. He cast a glance at the witch, who swam beside him, his green eyes glittering with curiosity. Before Elric could decide whether to answer, he caught the sharp glare of the Emerald prince. Atlantis's golden eyes bore into him, the grip on his spear unwavering. It was clear the prince would accept nothing less than the truth.

A shiver passed through Elric, but he pushed it down, focusing on the ache in his wrists. His voice was low, almost hesitant, when he finally spoke. "We were both children when Caspian and I met."

His words carried a weight that surprised even him, a sense of nostalgia creeping into his tone. "My parents served Caspian's parents. It was only natural that I followed in their footsteps, serving Caspian."

Elric twisted his wrists against the cuffs, wincing at the fresh burst of pain but finding some comfort in it. "Caspian was different as a child. Kind, easygoing. He never treated me like a servant, but as a friend. A true friend."

Atlantis snorted, his voice cutting through like a blade. "And yet, you betrayed him."

The words hit Elric harder than he cared to admit, the accusation hanging heavy in the water. His shoulders slumped, and he cast his gaze downward, avoiding the accusing eyes of his captors. Guilt coursed through him, a familiar but no less excruciating companion.

"Why?" Morgan asked, his tone softer but no less demanding.

Elric clenched his hands into fists, his broken nails digging into his palms. The question clawed at him, unraveling the fragile composure he clung to. The answer sat heavy on his tongue, but he couldn't bring himself to speak it. Not here. Not now.

"Morgan asked you why," Atlantis snarled, his patience snapping like a frayed rope. In one swift motion, the tip of his spear pressed against Elric's neck, the cold metal biting into his skin. "Answer him."

Elric remained still, his breath steady despite the threat. Death no longer held any fear for him—it was almost welcome. If Atlantis wanted to end his life, then so be it. Perhaps it would be a release from the weight he carried.

"Atlantis," Morgan said sharply, his voice like a crack of thunder. He reached out, his hand resting firmly on the prince's forearm. "That's enough."

For a moment, Atlantis didn't move, his golden eyes locked onto Elric with simmering fury. Then, with a hiss of frustration, he jerked his arm away from Morgan's grasp, muttering curses under his breath as he turned and swam ahead, his grip on his spear tightening.

Morgan lingered, his cat-like gaze softening slightly as he regarded Elric. "You owe him answers," he said quietly, before following after Atlantis.

Elric let out a shaky breath, the tension in his body ebbing slightly. His neck throbbed where the spear had pressed, but the ache was nothing compared to the turmoil churning inside him. He knew he couldn't avoid the truth forever. The moment would come when he'd have to explain himself, to face Caspian and his judgment.

The journey continued, the group moving through the dark waters in heavy silence. The path ahead grew colder, the light fading as they descended deeper into unfamiliar territory. Elric couldn't shake the feeling that they were heading toward something dangerous, something far greater than any of them realized.

A chill ran through him, but it wasn't from the cold water. It was a foreboding sense that twisted in his gut, whispering of peril and darkness yet to come.

What lies ahead will not forgive me either, he thought, his gaze fixed on the endless expanse of shadow before them. Still, he swam forward, the pain in his wrists a constant reminder of his penance—and the fight that awaited him.