I frowned in confusion at her words, waiting for her to expand.

"El Naddaha?" I questioned and Maya nodded angrily before answering.

"El Naddaha- creatures of the water. They were used to scare us as children to stay away from the river bank. I had thought that it was just lore, but I've been proven wrong. They call to men by their names, making them blindly follow them. They spend time speaking words of their desire until they lose reason; until they're within grasp to drown and consume." She finished and I stilled at the darkness of her words taking a moment to process what she said. Then, before I could control it, I turned and walked towards Emut, tugging at his arm.

"Emut, please! Listen, we need to leave!" I implored in anguish, hoping to get through to the caring gentle part of him, but he shrugged my hold off without a word.

I let out a deep sigh before moving towards Demir who was rowing, his hair in his eyes.

"Demir, please understand, we're in danger. Stop!" I pleaded, trying to stop the oar in his hand to which he turned his lethal silver gaze to me, a look of disdain on his face.

"Move your hands, Hanna." He spoke in a calm yet deadly voice. I sighed in frustration, tightening my hold on the oar and his hand. His jaw clenched at this and I shook my head.

"I can't let you do this." I spoke in a feeble but steady voice, a look of anguish on my face.

"Move." He warned dangerously and I shook my head to which he scowled as Maya pulled me back with my arm hurriedly.

"Are you stupid, Hanna?! They're not in their right state of mind! They'll do anything to get there. Who knows what they'll do to anyone opposing them." She berated me and I shrugged out of her hold before moving to the edge of boat.

I could see we were an arms length away from the land and I let my scornful gaze slip to the females.

"Leave them alone." I muttered and that was the first time that I saw an expression on their face. They all smiled widely, in a way that made it look like their faces would tear at the intrusion and I broke eye contact for a moment in shock of their hideous beauty.

"They no longer belong to you, child." They answered in eerie unison in a way that sounded both loving and threatening. Ayla clutched my hand beside me and I shook my head at their words, my teeth clenching in anger.

"They never did, but I sure as hell won't let you have them." I vowed to which their smiles widened more than what I thought was possible.

I felt the jolt of the boat hit against the land and suddenly Demir jumped over the railing with ease, landing gracefully on the land below. I let out a squeal as he ran towards his destination, his hair flopping into his eyes. At this, both Emut and Abrax followed suit, jumping ship and moving to the women.

I let out a small noise as did Maya as we scaled the side to get down.

"Ayla! Get Abrax!" I ordered as I landed against the sandy ground. She nodded frantically before transporting a few steps ahead of us and wrapping her arms around Abrax who let out a small growl. They disappeared for a moment before reappearing on the boat where he struggled against Ayla's hold.

I focused then on running towards the other two males with Maya by my side. On the right, I could see the small gaping hole, showing another cave that was glowing a blue hue. I chose to ignore it for the moment as we reached the boys, my chest heaving to gulp in long breaths.

Maya moved to Emut where a Naddaha leaned into him, stroking a slender pale hand against his bicep.

"My, what strength!" The creature spoke in hushed excitement, her eyes glittering with what could only be classed as hunger. Emut smiled at her words, brushing a hand through his hair to which the creature did the same.

"Emut, snap out of it! You're in charge! What are we to do without you?!" Maya spoke and I turned my gaze to focus on Demir instead.

The Naddaha was draped across his towering form too with a petite hand caressing down his face with an airy stroke.

"Oh, an exquisite face and magnificent powers! How splendid!" The creature said sweetly, in a way that made my ears ache. Demir, however, looked entirely transfixed with her words, listening to her with sheer focus that seemed so uncharacteristically odd for him.

"Demir." I said tentatively, remembering the dangerous glint in his eyes on the boat. Instead of lashing out on me, he ignored me, his eyes enraptured on the Naddaha's form who looked at me with a small smile, making me scowl. I moved closer at this, placing my hands on Demir's face and pulling him to gaze at me.

"Please, listen, we need to leave." I muttered to him, searching his eyes for understanding, but the blank expression on his face stated otherwise. I noticed his eyes were different- a dull grey that could almost be likened to white and that was when I realised reasoning was a lost cause.

He pushed my hands off and they dropped numbly to my sides.

"Then leave." He said bluntly, but it lacked the playful mirth it usually had and I watched as he turned to look back to the water creature, his eyes whitening further when she lay her hands on him again.

"Hanna! Maya!" Ayla's cries made me whip around and I looked around to see that Abrax had escaped her grip. But, that's not what she had called about.

There, surrounding the boat, were around 30 Naddaha, who were working hard on trying to tip the boat. Ayla looked to us in anguish as she rocked back and forth on the surface to which Maya turned to look at me with a hard expression.

I looked back at the boys then before looking to the small glowing cave and letting out a sigh. I could hear the sounds of Ayla's cries, the boat sloshing wildly in the water, the creatures as they whispered to the boys and Maya calling my name, but I ignored it as I searched my brain for answers.

Then, after a few beats of silence, I opened my eyes with a renewed sense of vigor before turning my gaze to look at Ayla, who I knew to be the weakest in combat.

"Ayla, you're responsible for the boys. Don't engage with them. Just keep transporting them away from sirens and onto the boat. As long as you can keep them away from the Naddaha, they won't be able to take them. I know you will tire, but hold out whilst we do the rest." I directed to her and she nodded at my words without question. I turned my gaze to Maya then who looked at me with a stern look.

"Maya, you'll handle keeping the boat upright. Can you create a ring of fire around the boat?" I asked to which she nodded without hesitation and I pursed my lips as I looked to the creatures, shaking the boat with all their might.

"They're water creatures so my best guess is that they will have a slight aversion to fire." I concluded and Maya nodded before looking to the boat.

"And you?" She asked and I gestured to the cave.

"I'll get what we came here for." I muttered to which she smiled slightly and I nodded at the two, making them jump into action.

Ayla transported at lightening speed, bringing Abrax back to the boat before appearing near Demir and taking him with her. Maya had run to the boat in the time and was now working her abilities around the boat, creating a sheer sphere of fire around the boat. I ran as I heard the hiss of the water creatures as the fire grazed their skin.

I moved to the cave with as much speed as I could muster yet screeched to a halt when I reached. There, in my path, was a Naddaha and it wasn't giving me the friendly look that it gave the boys. No, it's teeth were jagged and claws extended in sharp glossy triangles, making me cower.

But, I knew what was at stake and I had no time to be afraid. Both Maya and Ayla were waiting on me to get the key and their powers could only hold on so much. I had to do this quick, for them and also for the boys. I dashed away the desire in me that wished for the boys to help. It was times such as these that I admired their courage and skills.

I steeled myself as the creature smiled at me in an almost condescending manner before moving closer and taking a swipe at me. I ducked at this, but it's claws had touched by shoulder, perforating skin and I let out a small cry to which the creature laughed.

I gritted my teeth to ignore the burning pain as I turned my gaze back and moved forward. I had forgotten my weapon on the ship in a bid to get to the males, so now had to rely on my combat.

The creature moved towards me again with it's claws, but this time I anticipated it and ducked lower, taking hold of it's hand and flipping it over my shoulder. It let out a small screech of a sound to show it was angry, moving to get up, but I wasn't going to give it the opportunity. I kicked hard at it's spine, making it reel back with a thud. It let out another screech at this before tugging me down and I fell down with a yelp. It slithered up my form in a hurried manner before diving it's teeth towards me and I let out a cry before holding it back with my hands against it's voluptuous chest. It nashed its teeth at me menacingly and I gritted my teeth, trying to gather my strength before shoving it off.

The creature landed in the sand next to me and I hurried to get up before delivering a swift kick to its ribs as it lay there, screaming. I was not a knight of any sort; I didn't follow any code of honour. The only thing that fueled me forward was the fact that my friends needed me.

I stomped on it again and again, until the hard exterior under my feet had turned soft and sloshy. It was only then that I turned abruptly and ran into the cave. I didn't have to look to know what I did and I didn't think I would have wanted to.

Ignoring the stabbing anxiety in my heart, I pressed on, moving quickly. The walls were narrow and the roof was short, so I ducked as I walked, following the glowing light. I felt the need to squint again as I neared and stumbled down when I saw the similar pedestal, but this time it was rough stone and not smooth cement.

I gazed to the key that was covered with blue sapphire gems instead of the red rubies of the other key. Next to it was a deep blue parchment and I grabbed it hurriedly, pocketed both before turning and rushing out.

I felt the walls scratch against my arms and the burning sensation that followed, specifically in my shoulder where I knew the gash was. I ignored it, sighing when I saw the familiar light of bleak daylight as I exited the small cave into the bigger cave.

I looked around in anguish to survey my surroundings. Maya was on the boat with an impressive ring of fire around the boat, prohibiting the proximity of the Naddaha. I could tell she was tiring greatly; her skin was gleaming with sweat and she was crouched on her knees, her hands shaking as she held them up.

Ayla, on the other hand, had completely tired out. Her skin was pale and her blonde hair was stuck to her forehead. I let out a small gasp to see that she was gripping to Abrax's arms as he tried to submerge himself into the water, his eyes completely white. The boys had now moved back to their original place with the creatures.

"Abrax, stop!" She cried, tears streaking down her face and I let out a squeal before moving closer to help. When moving in, I could see he was holding the hand of a Naddaha and rushed in, knowing that if he were to get into the water, it would be hopeless.

Ayla let out another scream before hurriedly reaching for a rock on her side and smashing it against his head. I stilled as he dropped in her arms and she held him, looking to me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know what to do!" She said in anguish and I watched with calculating eyes as the sirens moved away from him with a hateful hiss at us.

"No, it just might work." I muttered before snatching the rock out of her hand. She looked at me with curious eyes as I raced to the boys.

"Transport him to the boat when you can!" I called out to her, not waiting for an answer.

I neared the boys with heavy breaths. It was my adrenaline that was carrying me forward at this point. Despite the situation, I coughed awkwardly when I saw both Demir and Emut sat down with a Naddaha each draped across their laps. It felt so strange to see them as such- Demir with his hands around it's waist and Emut stroking at another's cheek in awe.

I gulped down the feeling that I was interrupting something, suddenly remembering the memory of Steve and Esme in the backroom. Instead, I steeled myself as I moved closer. The Naddaha hissed at me, but mostly kept their gaze on ensnaring the males. A good thing too, for if they knew what I was about to do, they would have placed their focus on me.

I moved with quick steps to Emut first, muttered an internal apology before thwacking the stone against his head with all the force I could muster. He fell forward slightly and I turned before they could process what I did. I met Demir's gaze before swinging my arm to his head.

A water creature gripped my wrist to stop me with an ugly sneer and I scowled before lifting two fingers and stabbing it's eyes as hard as I could. It let out a cry before dropping it's hand and I took the opportunity to swing the rock at Demir's head. He lulled slightly before dropping forward, his head falling down against Emut's chest and I would have smiled, had it not been such a pressing time.

"Ayla! I need you!" I called out as the creatures neared me with extended claws. Taking on one was fine, perhaps even two, but not four. I wouldn't be able to handle it.

I gulped heavily as they hissed like wild snakes, moving closer yet the sound was stopped short when I felt the warmth of Ayla. I held to Emut and Demir, blocking out their screams as Ayla transported us back to the boat.

"We need to leave!" I shouted over the cries of the creatures, patting Maya's back in comfort.

"I need some time, I'm too tired to do it again!" Ayla said in a panicked tone and Maya gritted her teeth.

"I can't keep this up any longer! And, we've angered them too much for them to leave us be now!" She shouted back and I nodded at her words, looking at the creatures who were trying their hardest to get to the boat, this time probably to take us all. I could see Maya's fire weakening and some were now trying to get through the gaping holes of her fire ring.

I placed my hand against both their shoulders instinctively, scowling directly at all the creatures who made eye contact with us. Without thinking, I let the doors open then, letting the red liquid gush out and out of my hands. It flowed through me, healing my shoulder and the grazes against my arm. I kept it going until it reached their hands and flowed through them. They let out a collective gasp at this and I kept my eyes open to see what I was doing, remembering Emut's words.

I wish he was fully here now.

I ignored my thoughts and felt the weakened points of both of them, in Maya's hands and Ayla's head. I worked there, until there was only clarity and lightheadedness. Until my energy was drained and I lulled from left to right, feeling dizzy.

At this, Maya's flames burned brighter, even brighter than they had previously and I smiled when I heard the cry of a Naddaha that had tried to move through a hole in the fire ring. Maya let out a happy exclaim at this.

I reversed the liquid and watched it retreat back behind the door before turning to look at Ayla, who looked at me in awe.

"Can you transport us now?" I asked sternly and she nodded, looking down at her hands with shock.

"I could probably transport a whole village right now." She mused and I clicked my tongue at her words.

"Not a village, but the whole boat. We can't have the villagers lose their solar barge. Can you do that?" I said carefully, smiling when Ayla nodded hesitantly.

"I'll try." She muttered.

"Make it quick because I think one of the three fools is waking!" Maya exclaimed and I turned to see that Demir was groaning.

Ayla didn't need another word before she rubbed her hands together before placing them against the surface of the boat. She took a few deep breaths and I didn't rush her, knowing it would be difficult. Instead, I kept a cautious gaze on Demir as he raised a hand to his head.

Suddenly, the surroundings around us began warping and I spared a final look to the Naddaha and their angered looks with a smug smile before the dark cave was replaced with sunny skies. I looked around, feeling the heat hit me again as we were back at the shore of Lake Nasser.

I smiled at Ayla and Maya who dropped her fire ring. They both fell to the ground as did I and then we were all laughing as we collapsed to the ground on top of each other. We lay there, both laughing and crying at what had just happened.

It was silent for a moment before Demir lifted himself up, clutching a hand to his head. He pulled it back and I winced when I saw the blood coating his fingers. He didn't seemed fazed by this and, instead, turned his gaze to look at Emut and Abrax before looking to us.

"Am I missing something?" He asked, his grey eyes regaining their vividness and I raised an eyebrow.

"You don't remember?" I asked curiously, sitting myself up and Ayla and Maya did the same.

Demir rolled his eyes at this, lifting his towering form off the ground.

"Would I be asking if I knew, balid?" He pointed out and I scowled at his words, turning when Emut and Abrax lifted their heads, both letting out a groan as they touched their heads. Both Ayla and I winced this time whilst Maya let out a laugh.

"I'll heal that, I promise." I said apologetically and Emut turned his gaze to me.

"Heal what? Are you okay?" He asked confused and I smiled widely, feeling happy that he was back to himself. This only made his eyebrows furrow further as well as Abrax who was next to him.

"What is going on?" Abrax asked, standing up and moving to lend a hand to Ayla with a kind smile. Maya snorted something under her breath at this, making me smile.

Ayla grinned at his hand, taking it eagerly before hauling herself up and throwing herself into his arms. He blushed profusely at this and Emut coughed before looking away.

"I thought you were going to die!" She cried out and I softened at the memory of her tear-stricken face as she tried to haul him out of the water.

"Ayla- I- please, I'm fine." He choked out sweetly and Maya snorted at his words, making Ayla move out his embrace.

"Oh please, if it was not for Hanna's quick thinking then you wouldn't be!" She commented, making the boys look to each other and I nudged her, blushing at the indirect compliment.

They asked then what happened and Maya and Ayla excitedly offered them everything that happened, including my violence with the creatures and the head-hitting incident. I smiled sheepishly at the mention of the last bit about the rock when they touched their heads in unison.

"Of course, what else other than Hanna could give me a headache?" Demir murmured, his grey eyes alight and I rolled my eyes playfully before looking around.

"Now, where did I leave that rock?" I murmured, making them laugh to which Demir leaned against the railing, his hair flopping into his eyes.

"Go ahead and take a swing, but need I remind you that I'm no longer dazed, Hanna. It won't be as easy as you'd hope." He warned teasingly and Emut laughed before turning to me, his eyes warm.

"With the exception of the pain in my head, I'm impressed, Hanna. You keep surprising me." He murmured, his gaze flitting to Ayla and Maya briefly before landing back on me.

"I agree, you should be very proud of yourself." Abrax praised, making me blush.

"For once." Demir added jokingly, but there was a look in his eyes that showed he was praising me also.

I tutted heavily at this before putting a hand in Maya's.

"I would never have been able to do it without Ayla and Maya. Their abilities and their willpower were so amazing." I commended them honestly and Abrax nodded sweetly to Ayla who was stood rather close to him after just casually hugging him.

Demir scoffed at my words.

"Praising Maya is where I draw the line." He muttered to which Maya growled slightly.

"I'm going to draw a line in you with my dagger, if you don't quit it!" She bit out to which Emut laughed.

"All in good time, but first we need to see if we got what we were looking for. Hanna?" Emut jutted a hand in my direction and I smiled before fishing out the clue and key from my back pocket. Handing it to him, I looked as he gazed to the blue sapphire key before handing it to Demir. I recalled he had said he would give us all a key to keep separately. Demir merely nodded before pocketing it and turning his focus on the blue parchment paper in Emut's hand that they were too busy reading.

Ayla let out a small tired sigh before rocking on her heels.

"So, what key are we getting next?" She asked to which Emut and Demir exchanged a glance before Emut looked to us, a smile on his face.

"We're getting the Miftah of Uranus."