The night the queen devoured the heart of the mermaid the ocean wept waves crashed against the shores of Zuma Rising higher than they ever had before as if the sea itself could feel the horror that had been committed the Wind held Through the Kingdom’s towering palm trees carrying Whispers of Vengeance but inside the palace deep within the Queen’s hidden chamber there was only silence she knelt over the altar her trembling fingers drenched in warm blood the mermaid’s lifeless body lay before her eyes wide and empty her once
shimmering tail dull and motionless the Queen’s breath came in ragged gasps her lips stained red her heart pounding like a war drum it was done the Forbidden ritual the greatest sin for years she had prayed for a child begged the gods for Mercy as the king turned cold as her place in the palace crumbled like sand beneath the tide and when the gods refused her she had turned to something darker something older the sea witch had warned her a life taken from the ocean is a death that can never be repaid but sah had not listened she
had sliced into the mermaid’s chest with her own hands had feasted on flesh still laced with magic and now the power burned inside her a child would come a prince she had one but far beyond the palace walls beneath the dark waves of the ocean something had awakened a debt had been written in Blood and the Sea never forgot before we dive deeper into this epic tale we’d love to know where you are watching from tell us in the comments and if you love high stakes fantasy filled with mermaids magic love and sacrifice don’t just
watch be part of our adventure like this video share it with someone who loves powerful stories and hit that subscribe button because tomorrow we’ve got a an extra special story lined up for you and trust me you won’t want to miss it the drums of the palace beat slow and heavy that night there Echoes rolling through the stone corridors like distant thunder outside the Great Walls of Zuma the kingdom slept beneath a sky littered with silver stars the ocean stretched Beyond The Cliffs dark and endless Whispering
secrets to the wind but within the king’s Palace there was no peace Queen sah sat alone in her Chambers staring at the flickering light of the oil lamp before her the Golden Glow did little to warm her skin or the cold emptiness in her heart she was once the Jewel of the Kingdom the woman King Toby had chosen above all others her beauty was the kind that made men silent in awe her voice like the gentle Rush of river waterer over smooth stones but beauty alone was not enough a queen was expected to Bear Sons to bring
forth the future of the Kingdom and sah had failed it had been 6 years since she first lay beneath the king six years of prayers potions and desperate pleas to the gods and yet her belly had never swelled with life now another woman carried the king’s hopes Queen Naomi sah did not hate her no hatred would be too simple but jealousy oh how it burned in her like a slow fire a knock sounded at her door not hurried not hesitant she knew who it was before she even turned enter she said her voice steady the door creaked open and there
he stood King Toby tall and broad-shouldered he was a men carved from the very mountains that surrounded Zuma his dark skin gleamed like polished ebony in the dim light his sharp jaw set with the hardness of a man who had no patience for weakness once he had looked at her with warmth now his eyes were nothing but Stone you sent for me my king Sarah’s voice was soft controlled but she did not rise he stepped into the room his Royal robes brushing the marble floor I will be brief he said there is no longer a need for you to visit the
temple priests the gods have made their choice the words cut her deeper than any blade sah folded her hands in her lap the gods she echoed tilting her head slightly the gods he repeated have blessed Queen Naomi sah swallowed the bitterness in her throat and what of me she asked though she already knew the answer King Toby studied her for a long moment then let out a slow breath you will always have a place in this Palace Sarah but will no longer wait for something that will never come something that will never come her hands clenched
into fists beneath the folds of her silk gown you once told me that I was the love of your life she whispered I once believed it Toby admitted but love is not enough a king needs hires the kingdom must have a future a sharp silence stretched between them the Flames of the oil lamp flickered casting his face in shifting Shadows finally he turned toward the door you will be treated with respect sah he said but you are no longer my hope and with that he was gone the moment the door shut behind him sah felt her control shatter her breath came
quick and shallow her chest rising and falling in quiet gasps her hands trembled as she pressed them against her belly her cursed empty belly I will not be cast aside like an old garment she thought rage rising in her throat like bile there had to be a way if the gods had abandoned her then she would find power elsewhere even if it meant stepping beyond the boundaries of what was natural even if it meant walking a path of Darkness even if it meant taking what was never meant to be hers the next morning sah sat in the temple kneeling
before the palace Seer the air smelled of burning incense thick and heav filling her nostrils as she bowed her head golden statues of the Gods stood around them their carved faces watching as if listening The Seer an old man with milky white eyes regarded her in silence his hair was gray as storm clouds his robes embroidered with ancient symbols you have come with a heavy heart he murmured his voice raspy Sarah’s hands tightened in her lap tell me she said is there no way no prayer no offering that can make me a
mother The Seer sighed queen sah the gods have spoken the path has been laid sah lifted her gaze eyes burning with unshed tears I do not accept that she said firmly there must be something anything the Oldman studied her his face unreadable after a long silence he leaned forward there is a path he said hope flared in sahk chest tell me she urged but the Seer shook his head it is not a path the gods approve of Sarah’s pulse quickened I will do whatever it takes she whispered the Sear’s cloudy eyes searched her face the ocean is
older than the gods he said and there are powers beneath the waves that answer only to themselves Sarah’s breath caught the sea witch she murmured The Seer nodded she grants what should not be granted but her gifts are never without cost Sarah’s hands curled around the fabric of her dress where can I find her the Sear’s expression darkened some doors once opened cannot be closed I do not care sah said the sear studied her one last time then let out a slow breath at the cliffs where the ocean meets the Black Stones there is a
path that leads beneath the waves follow it when the moon is at its fullest his voice grew quieter almost a whisper if you still have a soul by the time you return consider yourself lucky sah closed her eyes a slow determined smile spreading across her lips soon she would have a son even if it meant making a deal with the darkness Beneath the Sea The Great Kingdom of Zuma lay in uneasy Slumber but sah did not sleep she stood alone on the cliffs the wind whipping her long dark braids behind her the Silver Moon
full and swollen cast a ghostly glow upon the Restless sea waves crashed against the jagged black rocks below sending white foam hissing into the air sah wrapped her cloak tighter around her shoulder ERS her heart hammering in her chest this was the place the palace seer’s words echoed in her mind at the cliffs where the ocean meets the Black Stones there is a path that leads beneath the waves she stepped closer to the edge the air was thick with the scent of salt and something else something ancient and powerful and then she saw it a narrow
path of dark glistening Stones stretching downward toward the sea the waves should have swallowed it but they did not it was as if the ocean held its breath waiting for her to step forward sah hesitated a part of her whispered that this was Madness that she should turn back beged the king for forgiveness and accept her fate but another part of her stronger more desperate pushed her forward she took her first step the wind HED around her but she did not stop step by step she descended the Roar of the Waves growing louder the path wound deeper
twisting into the Rocks like a serpent spine and then Darkness she gasped as the world around her shifted the night sky vanished swallowed by a thick Mist the crashing waves faded into silence the air grew damp and cold heavy with the scent of seaweed and brine sah turned but the path behind her was gone she was no longer in the world of men a low raspy voice slithered through the silence you have come to my realm queen of Zuma but do you know the price of what you seek sah spun around before her stood the sea witch she was unlike
anything sah had ever seen her skin was the color of deep water shifting like liquid under the dim glow of strange blue lanterns long gnarled fingers curled like like the Twisted roots of a drowned tree her hair Tangled with seaweed and shells moved as though carried by an unseen current and her eyes black as the abyss held Secrets older than the gods sah swallowed her fear I know why I am here she said forcing her voice to remain steady I have come to ask for a son the sea witch tilted her head a slow Eerie smile
curling her lips a son she echoed many women come to me seeking children but few dare to pay my price sah clenched her fists I will pay whatever it takes the sea witch circled her trailing along clawed finger through the mist and if the cost is your soul she whispered sah hesitated but only for a moment I do not care the witch let out a low hissing chuckle oh how sweetly desperation sings she stopped in front of sah her black eyes gleaming very well I shall Grant you the power to Bear a son sah exhaled in relief but the witch lifted a long bony
finger but you must bring me the heart of a mermaid sah froze a mermaid she had heard Tales of them beings of great Beauty and sorrow Daughters of the ocean who sang To The Moon the were sacred Untouched by mortal hands she felt the weight of the witch’s gaze life cannot be created from nothing the sea witch said a child of the land must be bought with a life from the sea Sarah’s breath hitched you mean I must kill one The Witch’s grin widened yes Sarah’s stomach Twisted was this truly the price of motherhood the king words echoed in her
mind you are no longer my hope her hands curled into fists she had no choice I will do it she whispered the sea witch L out a soft pleased sigh then go queen of Zuma take a blade take your resolve and take what does not belong to you the Mist swirled around Sarah’s feet pulling her backward the world shifted again and then she was standing on the cliffs once more the wind roared in her ears the sea stretched before her dark and endless sah closed her eyes tomorrow she would find a mermaid and tomorrow she would take its
heart the marketplace was alive with color and sound fishermen laid out their catch their voices Rising above the chatter of buyers spices perfumed the air mixing with the scent of salt and roasting yams Sarah walked through the crowd her golden Veil hiding her face she had sent her servants away this task this sin was hers alone her fingers tightened around the small dagger hidden in her robes she had spent the morning asking the old women by the docks where mermaids could be found most laughed shaking their heads but one an old
fisher woman with cloudy eyes had whispered a name there is a lagoon Beyond The Cliffs where the waters glow at night the mermaids go there to sing beneath the moon sah had listened carefully but be warned my queen the old woman had said her voice heavy with warning mermaids do not die like humans if you spill their blood the ocean will remember sah ignored the old woman’s words by Nightfall she stood at the edge of the glowing Lagoon the water shimmered like liquid Stars reflecting the Golden Moon above and then she heard
it a song soft sweet and sorrowful rising from the waves Sarah’s breath caught the mermaid appeared like a dream her skin a deep shade of blue her hair long and flowing like seafoam her eyes large and bright held the sadness of the ocean she rested on a smooth Rock singing to herself unaware of the danger that lurked nearby Sarah’s fingers curled around the hilt of her dagger the mermaid turned startled their eyes met Sarah’s heart pounded the mermaid smiled so innocent so trusting are you lost she asked her voice as soft as the
waves sah swallowed hard she could still turn back she could still choose another path but then she thought of King Toby of Naomi of the empty place beside her at the Royal table her grip tightened the mermaid smile faded as she saw the glint of the blade sah struck the Lagoon’s Waters turned red the ocean went silent and in the distance the waves began to rise the moment the blade pierced the mermaid’s chest the Lagoon seemed to ex tail a deep sorrowful sigh the mermaid gasped her Bright Eyes widening in shock
and betrayal a single tear slipped down her cheek shimmering like a drop of liquid silver then her body jerked her delicate fingers grasping at Sarah’s wrist in one last feeble attempt to hold on to life sah could feel the mermaid’s heart beating beneath her Palm strong at first then weaker weaker until finally it stopped a deafening silence fell over the Lagoon the waves once gentle recoiled in horror the glow of the water dimmed as though the very soul of the sea had been wounded even the wind that had whispered through the trees held its
breath Sarah’s own breath came in ragged gulps as she pulled the Blade free the mermaid’s body slid from The Rock and into the water with barely a ripple for a moment nothing happened then the Lagoon screamed a wave of energy pulsed outward shaking the ground beneath Sarah’s feet the water darkened shifting from its peaceful glow to an angry swirling Black Thunder rumbled overhead though the sky had been clear just moments before Sarah’s fingers trembled as she reached into the water and pulled free the mermaid’s heart it was warm still
full of stolen Life she clutched it to her chest forcing herself to breathe it is done the sea witch’s voice slithered into her mind though she was nowhere to be seen now queen of Zuma return to your Palace the child you long for will soon take root in your womb but know this the water churned violently as if the ocean itself was listening the ocean never forgets sah turned and fled the mermaids blood staining her hands months passed the King was overjoyed when the news came Queen sah was with child the palace
erupted in celebration musicians played through the night drums beat in rhythmic praise and the people of Zuma rejoiced at the long- awaited miracle the king forgetting all the years of his coldness visited Sarah’s Chambers every night pressing a hand against her growing belly with something that almost resembled Love Queen Naomi heavy with her own child watched in silence and far beyond the path Palace the ocean churned then on the night of the child’s birth the storm came the sky split open with a crack of thunder and the wind
hauled like a beast unleashed rain poured from the heavens in torrents flooding the city streets within moments the waves crashed against the Cliffs of Zuma Rising higher than they ever had before slamming against the walls of the palace like a vengeful hand demanding entry within the Palace Queen sah screamed The Midwives rushed around her their faces pale with fear Whispering prayers to the gods but sah was beyond prayer pain racked her body unlike anything she had ever known it felt as if the ocean itself was inside her twisting and
writhing trying to claw its way out and then at the height of the storm a cry pierced the air a son a prince sah drenched in sweat let out a g gping SOB of relief but the moment the Midwife placed the child in her arms a sharp chill ran through the room the storm outside stilled the Thunder silenced the winds ceased even the waves seemed to freeze mid crash for a brief Eerie moment the world held its breath the Midwife who had helped deliver dozens of Royal children swallowed hard she was afraid because the child child Prince Omari had
eyes as black as the deepest part of the ocean King Toby entered the room just as the storm broke into silence his Royal robes were soaked from his hurried Journey Through The Palace his strong jaw set with worry but when he saw the child in Sarah’s arms his fear melted away into something deeper Pride a son he whispered his voice thick with emotion a prince sah still Breathless smiled weakly our son the king stepped closer gazing down at the child the boy’s tiny hands curled into fists his dark lashes fluttering against
his cheeks he was beautiful and yet something about him felt strange his skin was soft his breathing steady but when the king looked into his son’s eyes a shiver ran down his spine it was like staring into the depths of the ocean deep dark and unknowable the child turned his head toward the king blinking once and in that moment the sound of rushing water filled the king’s ears he swayed slightly gripping the edge of the bed to steady himself it was as if he had been pulled beneath the waves surrounded by a vast
emptiness then as quickly as it had come the sensation vanished King Toby exhaled sharply shaking his head perhaps it was exhaust exhaustion the night had been long the storm had been Fierce he reached out and placed a firm hand on his son’s tiny chest you will be strong he declared you will be a king greater than I and the baby smiled a deep knowing smile outside the ocean whispered and far beneath the waves something stirred the palace should have been filled with joy the birth of a prince was always a cause for celebration and the kingdom of
Zuma had waited many years for this moment but beneath the surface of the laughter and feasting an unees slithered through the air like Mist before a storm it began with Whispers among the servants the storm vanished the moment the prince was born I saw the child’s eyes have you ever seen eyes so dark like the deep sea the ocean was angry that night I heard it calling the Midwife who had delivered the child refused to speak of what she had seen she retired to her chambers that very night and was not seen again for days
even the animals in the palace seemed to sense it the king’s hunting dogs Fierce beasts that feared no man refused to enter the Queen’s Chambers they growled low whenever the prince was carried past them their tails tuck between their legs the palace cats hissed and fled whenever the baby’s cradle was near but worst of all the ocean had not calmed though the storm had disappeared the moment Omari took his first breath the sea remained Restless the tides were higher than they had ever been fishermen who had sailed
these Waters their whole lives claimed the currents had changed pulling harder toward the deep and then came the disappearances first it was a fisherman his boat was found drifting near the shore its Nets Tangled and torn but he was gone no sign of a struggle no blood just gone then a palace guard who had been stationed near the Eastern walls one moment he was standing watch the next his spear lay abandoned on the ground his Footprints leading toward the cliffs and stopping at the edge day by day the ocean took more and
still it did not speak of what it truly wanted Queen Naomi watched all of this with quiet careful eyes she had expected sah to be cast aside once again after all King Toby had favored sah only when she was Barren when she was weak when she could not provide him an air but now with Omari In Her Arms sah stood tall again the king Sat by her side he held the child with pride he looked at her with something dangerously close to love and and Naomi hated it she had carried Life in Her womb as well she had done everything right she had not turned to
dark magic she had not slaughtered an innocent creature to demand a son from the gods and yet Saria had been rewarded while she was left in the shadows it was not fair but Naomi was patient she listened to The Whispers of the palace she watched the way the sea Rose higher every night creeping closer and closer to Zuma’s walls she saw the way the King’s Men muttered about the missing villagers The Vanishing Sailors and she remembered the old Fisher woman’s warning mermaids do not die like humans if you spill their blood
the ocean will remember sah had done something terrible Naomi was certain of it and if the child was born from blood and curses then surely he would bring ruin to the all it happened on the seventh night after the prince’s birth the palace was silent the Halls dimly lit by the flickering glow of oil lamps the King slept his arm draped across Sariah’s waist exhausted from a night of feasting the servants had long since retired to their Chambers only the sound of the Waves echoed in the darkness and then a voice low
Whispering calling sah Sarah’s eyes flew open she sat up sharply her breath catching in her throat the room was still the baby lay in his crib sleeping peacefully the king did not stir but she had heard it sah The Whisper came again drifting through the air like Mist curling around the edges of a dream she turned toward the window and there standing in the shadows was a figure Sarah’s breath caught it was a woman or something like one her skin was pale blue her hair dark and Tangled with strands of seaweed her dress clung to her body like
it had never dried dripping water onto the palace floor and her eyes black endless were the same eyes as the mermaid she had killed Sarah’s hands clutched at her blankets no she whispered her voice horse the figure took a step forward the air grew colder the walls of the palace seemed to fade the edges of the room curling like waves pulling back from the shore you stole from the ocean the figure murmured now the ocean comes to take back what is hers Sarah’s pulse pounded in her ears she turned to shake the king
to cry out but when she looked back the figure was gone only a pool of saltwater remained where she had stood and then the baby woke omari’s tiny fingers stretched toward the window his lips parted and though he was only seven nights old his voice was clear as the sky M the sea is calling sah screamed King Toby jolted awake his Warrior instincts kicking in as his hand flew to the dagger beneath his pillow what is it he growled eyes wild as he scan the room for danger but sah could not speak she clutched her son to her
chest her fingers trembling against his soft skin omari’s eyes those dark endless pools stared up at her unblinking knowing Mama the sea is calling the words still echoed in her ears they should not have been possible a newborn should not speak a newborn should not understand the call of the ocean but Omari was no ordinary child King Toby frowned rubbing the sleep from his face sah what’s wrong sah swallowed hard her breath uneven she could not tell him not now not when her hand still rre of the sin she had committed so she shook
her head a dream she whispered just a bad dream the king exhaled his muscle relaxing he ran a hand over his face muttering about Restless mothers and sleepless nights but as he lay back down the tension never left Sarah’s body she knew what she had seen she knew what she had heard and she knew deep in her soul that the ocean would not let her go so easily the next morning the people of Zuma woke to a terrifying sight the Palace built high above the sea on sacred Cliffs had never known flooding yet when the first servant
stepped out into the courtyards their bare feet met water it had seeped into the lowest Halls pooling in the great corridors licking at the stone walls like an unwelcome guest the grand throne room once a place of Pride and power stood ankled deep in seawater fish swam through the gardens crabs skittered across the floors of the great Halls the air rre of salt and worst of all there was no Source no rainfall had filled the palace no broken pipes no overflowing Wells the ocean had risen without warning King Toby stormed through the
Halls his Warriors waiting through the water behind him find the cause he roared his Fury echoing against the stone drain it clean it but no matter how many buckets were used no matter how many drains were cleared the water did not recede and as the servants worked Whispers filled the air the sea has come for the prince this is not natural this is punishment sah stood on the palace balcony staring out at the Horizon the ocean once a friend to Zuma seemed closer than before its waves hungering creeping toward the kingdom
like an unseen Beast waiting to strike and In Her Arms Omari cou his tiny fingers reaching toward the water as though he recognized it as though it was calling him home Naomi watched everything unfold with cold calculation she had seen Sarah’s fear she had seen the way the queen clutched her child as though hiding him would keep the ocean from claiming its debt and Naomi knew beyond any doubt this child was cursed but it was not enough for her to suspect it the King was still blind still drowning in the joy of
having a son she needed proof and so that night while the palace whispered of ghosts and curses Naomi made her move she stole through the dim corridors her silk robes skimming the wet floors her belly was Heavy with the child she carried but she did not slow she could not afford to when she reached the healer’s quarters she knocked once a moment later an old woman appeared mother jar the wisest healer in all of Zuma her wrinkled face was carved with the lines of a 100 years her eyes sharp with knowledge that most feared my Queen
Mother Jara greeted bowing low you should not be here at this hour I need answers Naomi whispered the old woman studied her then nodded stepping aside to let her in the chamber was dimly lit by a single oil lamp casting flickering Shadows along the walls bundles of dried herbs hung from the ceiling their scents thick in the air skulls of small animals tools of the old ways lined the shelves Naomi wasted no time the prince she began something is wrong with him mother jara’s expression did not change the son of King Toby is strong he
is not the King’s son alone Naomi’s voice was Sharp urgent he is the son of the sea at this the old woman’s gaze darkened for a long moment she was silent then with slow deliberate steps she crossed the room and reached for a clay Bowl blood speaks the truth she murmured she took a small sharp bone knife and pricked her own finger letting a drop of blood fall into the bowl the dark red liquid shimmered in the Lamplight then she turned to Naomi if you are right she said then the ocean’s blood will answer us Naomi leaned
forward her heart pounded and as the old woman whispered an ancient chant the blood in the bowl began to shift it rippled like a stone dropped into still water then it darkened swirling into a deep endless black Naomi gasped the healer’s hands tightened around the bowl her old fingers trembling the ocean in that child she whispered her voice barely above a breath he is no mere Prince he is something more Naomi’s stomach turned she had suspected it but to see it confirmed she straightened her nails digging into her
Palms there is only one way to end this she said mother Jara looked up her face Grim the sea must take back what it lost Naomi nodded the cursed Prince had to die as the night deepened the ocean grew Restless the waves crashed harder against the cliffs the winds howled through the trees and in the deepest parts of the sea something stirred Something Old Something waiting and when it finally Rose from the depths its voice echoed through the waters like thunder the time has come that night the people of Zuma did not sleep
for in the distance on the edge of the Horizon a great wave was building a wave that would not stop a wave that would not break a wave that would swallow Zuma hole the ocean had waited long enough and now it would take everything the storm had not yet reached the palace but the air was thick with it the wind HED through the stone corridors rattling doors and windows as if demanding to be let in the Torches lining the walls flickered struggling against the growing gusts King Toby stood before his war council his face Grim The Chieftains of
Zuma’s most powerful Clans had gathered their eyes shifting between one another with unease the sea had turned against them and everyone knew why but no one dared speak it aloud explain to me how this is happening the king demanded his deep voice echoing through the chamber how does the ocean flood our lands when there has been no rain how do my people vanish Into Thin Air the eldest of The Chieftains a man named Kofi stepped forward his weathered hands clutched a wooden staff carved with the symbols of his ancestors the sea is angry my king he
said carefully the gods do not move without reason another Chief a stout man with sharp eyes spoke next the fishermen have seen things beneath the water he murmured figures with dark eyes watching they say the merfolk are gathering Toby’s jaw tightened murol he scoffed you tell me that old women’s Tales explain why my Palace is drowning my king kofi’s voice was soft but firm this is not the first time the ocean has sought vengance the stories warn of what happens when a soul is stolen from the deep for a brief moment silence filled
the chamber and then the doors burst open Queen Naomi stepped inside her robes damp from the unnatural moisture that clung to the Palace her dark eyes burned with quiet Fury you sit here debating stories she snapped while the flood waters rise outside our very walls the room tensed the king turned to his second wife his expression unreadable you bring accusations I bring truth Naomi stepped forward her gaze piercing you have allowed a monster to be raised in your own house the king’s expression darkened watch your tongue woman but
Naomi was not afraid she turned to the gathered Chiefs you all have seen it the ocean calls for the child he is not of this land he is not of this world gasps rippled through the chamber King Toby’s hands curled into fists enough but Naomi did not stop the child was born of dark magic she continued the ocean will not rest until it has what it is owed if you refuse to act then Zumo will pay the price Toby slammed his fist against the table you speak of my son you speak of your doom for a long moment the two stared at each
other the air between them electric and then a scream pierced the night not just one dozens the palace shook the Torches flickered out and in the distance the ocean roared the palace guards rushed toward the Eastern walls weapons in hand the night sky had turned black as ink the Stars swallowed by something greater than the storm itself and then from the Shadows the they came figures half human half creature crawled from the water their skin glistened with seawater their fingers webbed like those of the deep Their Eyes Were bottomless voids black
as the abyss the murol had come to reclaim their own one of the guards barely had time to raise his spear before they struck the first was dragged into the waves his scream cut short another was pulled from the walls his body Vanishing into the darkness before he could fight back the palace erupted into chaos from her Chambers sah clutched Omari tightly pressing him against her chest the baby did not cry he did not even Flinch at the sounds of battle instead he turned his tiny head toward the window and he smiled Sarah’s blood ran cold a shadow
moved outside her door she turned sharply heart pounding someone was coming and she did not know if it was to save her or to take her son the palace walls trembled under the weight of the storm screams and the clang of Steel filled the air as the guards fought against the Monstrous figures that had emerged from the Sea The Once proud Kingdom of Zuma was now a battlefield between land and water Saria pressed herself against the chamber door her breath ragged as she clutched Omari to her chest her heart pounded so loudly
she feared it would give her away who was outside she could hear footsteps slow deliberate then a knock a voice barely above a whisper slipped through the wooden door Sarah open the door it was Naomi Sarah’s grip on Omari tightened no she would not she had seen the hatred in Naomi’s eyes she had heard the Venom in her words she knew that the second wife wanted her son dead sah Naomi’s voice was firmer this time you cannot keep him you must know this Sarah backed away as darting to the windows the storm outside raged on the
ocean waves now visible from her chamber far too close to the Palace walls the sea was coming for them she turned back to the door door her voice barely above a whisper leave us there was silence then a louder bang Naomi was trying to force her way in sah had no time she rushed to the window clutching Omari close below the waters churned the ocean creeping up the palace steps like a predator waiting for the right moment to strike it wanted her son but she would not let it take him she turned back one last time just as
the door burst open Naomi stood there eyes blazing a dagger in her hand give me the child sah took a step back her breath coming in sharp gasps you would kill an innocent baby innocent Naomi scoffed that thing in your arms is not a child he is a curse upon this Kingdom outside the ocean thundered its voice rolling through the sky like an Angry God the entire Palace trembled the walls weeping with seawater sah shook her head I won’t let you take him Naomi took a slow step forward the dagger glinting in the dim
torch light Sariah if we do not give him to the ocean We All Die the words sent an icy chill through Sarah’s veins she looked down at Omari he was silent staring at Naomi with dark unblinking eyes the way he watched her it was unnatural Naomi must have felt it too she hesitated her grip on the dagger tightening and then the wave came it was unlike any other a massive wall of water exploded through the palace swallowing everything in its path the force of it sent sah and Naomi crashing to the ground the dagger spinning from Naomi’s
grip water poured into the room dragging Furniture torches and tapestries into the abyss sah struggled to hold on to Omari as the current tried to rip him from her grasp the water was alive clawing at them pulling at them and then they heard the voice return the child it was deep ancient and it came from everywhere sah gasped her fingers tightening around omari’s tiny body no she screamed into the void he is mine the voice rumbled again the sea did not ask it commanded return what was stolen Naomi coughing and sputtering reached for the
dagger again sah she rasped give him up or we will all drown Sarah’s eyes burned with tears no she had sacrificed everything for this child she had given her soul her honor her peace she would not let the ocean take him with all the strength left in her body she turned toward the shattered window and she ran she ran as the palace crumbled behind her she ran as the ocean hul her name she ran as Naomi screamed for her to stop and then she jumped into the storm into the waves into the arms of the ocean itself and as she sank beneath the surface
Omari finally laughed because he was finally home the ocean swallowed Queen sah and the cursed Prince hole but it was not satisfied with an Unholy Roar the water surged forward crashing against the kingdom of Zuma with the wrath of a god long denied its Vengeance the Great Walls cracked the sacred temples fell the palace once the pride of the land collapsed CED into the sea the people screamed as the waves devoured their homes Warriors tried to fight but how do you fight the ocean Spears could not Pierce water swords
could not cut the tide the sea did not stop it would not stop for too long Zuma had ignored the warnings they had allowed the queen to spill sacred blood they had stood in silence while a mermaid’s heart was eaten now the ocean would make sure they never forgot by Dawn the Mighty Kingdom of Zuma was no more and deep beneath the waves in the darkness where no human dared to go a child’s laughter echoed through the Deep Omari was home and the ocean was his to Rule the Kingdom of Zuma was no more where proud palaces
once stood there was only endless water where bustling markets had filled the air with laughter there was now silence the ocean had taken back what had been stolen but deep beneath the waves far from the ruins of the mortal world a new Prince had risen Omari the child of the barren Queen the child of a stolen heart the child of Vengeance and he was not alone sah did not know how long she had been sinking the water had closed around her the moment she leaped from the palace window wrapping her and her son in its
icy Embrace but she did not feel death she felt change Omari was still in her arms staring at her with eyes too wise for a newborn and as they sank deeper the water around them glowed strange lights flickered in the abyss blue green Silver Shadows swam in the distance moving closer then they appeared murol dozens of them surrounding her their long dark bodies blending into the water like living Shadows their hair floated in waves of silk their eyes like deep Wells of endless night they did not look at her they looked at the child and then one
stepped forward he was taller than the rest his skin the color of polished obsidian his face marked with silver lines that glowed in the Deep his crown was made of sharp Coral his chest adorned with golden shells that shimmered like stars sah knew who he was before he even spoke the ocean King the father of the mermaid she had slain the one whose wrath had drowned her kingdom she clutched Omari titer though she knew there was nowhere left to run the ocean King’s gaze was unreadable as he reached out a webbed hand toward the baby give him to me he
commanded his voice like the crash of waves against Stone Sarah’s breath hitched she shook her head violently he is my son the ocean Kings expression did not change he is my daughter’s blood he belongs to the sea no Sarah whispered her voice trembling no you cannot take him from me the ocean King’s dark eyes narrowed did you think there would be no price for what you did Sarah’s heart pounded she had known deep in her soul that this moment would come she had known the ocean would never let her keep him but she had not expected the child to reach
for the king omari’s tiny fingers stretched toward the great ruler of the deep his dark eyes a light with something Sarah had never seen before recognition he was not afraid he was not crying he was smiling sah gasped Omari but it was too late the ocean King took the child from her arms cradling him as if he had always belonged to the depths and then he turned his back on her no sah screamed lunging forward but hands strong cold hands grabbed her pulling her away dragging her deeper into the abyss she struggled kicking
fighting please he is all I have the ocean King did not turn he simply spoke you had your chance and then Darkness swallowed her whole Omari did not cry as he was carried through the Deep he did not thrash he did not scream for his mother the water embraced him and he embraced it in return the ocean King held him close gazing down at the child with quiet calculation the merfolk swam beside him the Whispers like the hum of the tide what will become of him one asked the ocean King did not answer immediately his gaze lingered on Omari
on the child who had been born of stolen Magic on the child who had been the cause of Zuma’s downfall and then finally he spoke he will learn the murol fell silent the ocean King turned his gaze upward toward the distant light of the surface the human stole from the sea he said and they thought they could live without consequence he looked down at Omari once more they were wrong and deep beneath the waves the child of the barren Queen smiled because he understood and one day he would make the land remember saraiah a woke to cold
silence no Rushing Water no distant Echoes of the oceans rage only emptiness her body was Heavy her limbs numb as if she had been buried beneath the weight of the world itself she tried to move but something bound her seaweed thick black strands of it wrapped around her wrists her ankles her waist tethering her to the ocean floor She gasped her chest tightening as she fought against the restraints but the more she struggled the more they tightened slithering over her skin like living chains where was she she lifted her head
Darkness not the gentle darkness of night but a vast endless Abyss the kind of Darkness that swallowed the Sun the kind that held things that should not be seen and then a voice you do not belong here Sarah’s breath hitched the voice was everywhere and nowhere deep and ancient carrying the weight of something far older than the ocean itself she turned her head searching and then she saw it a figure barely visible in the shadows it was watching her a shape of Shifting Mist neither fully formed nor entirely formless its eyes too many eyes gleamed
like pearls in the dark Sarah’s heart pounded who are you the thing did not move but its voice curled around her like a tide I am the keeper of those who are lost she shivered I am not lost I was taken the thing laughed a terrible Hollow sound like the groaning of a sinking ship taken no queen of Zuma you were abandoned Sarah flinched the words cut deep sharper than any blade Omari her son had not cried for her he had not reached for her he had gone into the arms of the ocean king without hesitation had she truly lost him had
she truly lost everything tears burned her eyes she shook her head her voice breaking please I need to find him I need to it is too late the voice murmured the child is no longer yours he belongs to the Deep now Sarah’s chest achd as if something inside her had shattered no she whispered the thing in the dark moved closer the Shadows curled around it shifting stretching you have been Cast Away sah you are nothing now Sarah’s hands clenched no she was not nothing she had fought too hard she had sacrificed too much her son had been been stolen from
her but that did not mean she would accept it she would not die here taking a shaking breath she lifted her chin if I am lost then I will find my own way the thing stilled for a moment there was silence then it laughed again bold words for a woman who has already drowned Sariah’s heart pounded then let me rise the thing did not speak it only watched her and then the seaweed began to loosen sah gasped as the bindings Unwound falling away like dead Vines she could move she could swim she turned ready to escape but the thing
spoke one last time if you seek the boy be warned he will not be the same sah hesitated her stomach twisting but then without another word she kicked off the ocean floor and Rose toward the light above she would find her son even if it meant facing whatever he had become Omari sat on a throne of coral and Bone the ocean King stood before him his gaze unreadable the great palace of the deep stretched around them vast and ancient its walls carved from the skeletons of Forgotten ships its pillars Rising like the ribs of a long dead Beast merfolk
swam in silent circles watch watching waiting the ocean King spoke you are of the land yet you live in the sea Omari still no more than an infant tilted his head his small hands curling in the water but his eyes his eyes were old the ocean King studied him your mother was a thief she took what did not belong to her Omari did not blink she spilled sacred blood and because of her the land paid the price still the child did not speak the ocean King narrowed his eyes testing him the humans are weak he said they build
Their Kingdoms on Sand and pretend they will last forever at last Omari moved slowly he lifted his small hand and the water obeyed the ocean stirred the palace trembled as current shifted bending to his will tiny whirlpools formed around his fingers spiraling in perfect silence the murol gasped some whispered some watched in awe the ocean King’s lips curled pleased you are your mother’s son he murmured omari’s small lips parted his first words forming in the dark no the ocean King stilled the child lifted his gaze his
voice small but certain I am yours the murol bowed the ocean King’s expression did not change but his eyes gleamed he stepped forward placing a hand upon omari’s head then rise child of the deep the ocean is yours to command and far above in the ruins of the drowned Kingdom the last survivors of Zuma looked to the Sea unaware that their true king was no longer of the land Omari son of the barren Queen had chosen his side and the land would learn to fear his name the kingdom of Zuma was gone what was once a mighty land of
Warriors merchants and kings was now nothing more than a grave beneath the waves the ocean had swallowed its palaces its markets its sacred temples the streets where children once played were now haunted by The Silence of the deep but not all had perished on the highest hills in the caves of the Eastern Cliffs and within the thick jungles that bordered Zuma’s lands a few remained and they were watching the fire crackled softly in the night a woman sat before it wrapping a tattered cloth around a shivering child her face was
Streed with salt and dirt her once fine robes torn from the journey through the Wilds but her eyes remained Fierce unbroken bes beside her a man his arm scarred from Battle gazed toward the distant Horizon where the sea stretched endlessly it is quiet the woman murmured the men did not turn his gaze from the water too quiet the woman swallowed hard do you think do you think the ocean will return the men exhaled shaking his head no the waves have claimed what they wanted the woman’s hands clenched around the child then why does it feel as if
this is only the beginning a rustling in the trees made them both freeze the men reached for his spear eyes narrowing someone is coming the bushes parted a figure emerged a girl no older than 15 her face Streed with soot and her clothes soaked with seawater she was breathing hard her dark eyes wide with something between fear and urgency I have seen him she whispered the woman frowned seen who the girl swallowed the child the men stiffened what child she took a deep breath the prince the one they say the ocean took silence fell the fire
crackled somewhere in the distance an owl hooted the woman shook her head that’s not possible the prince drowned with the Queen the girl’s fingers trembled as she pointed toward the sea I saw him she insisted I saw him standing on the water the man’s breath caught the woman’s arms tightened around the child in her lap the prince is dead the men said slowly the girl’s lips parted no she whispered he has returned a gust of wind blew through the trees the fire flickered and somewhere beneath the endless waves Omari was watching Sariah
had once been a queen now she was a ghost the land that had once adored her was gone washed away by the very wat she had betrayed the people who had once bowed to her name were either dead or scattered lost to the mercy of the Wilderness but she was alive and as long as she lived she would fight the waves had cast her upon the shores of a ruined Village its homes nothing more than broken wood and shattered Stone the bodies of fishermen lay scattered along the beach their eyes wide with the terror of their final
moments sah stumbled forward her body weak her mind clouded with exhaustion the voice of the thing in the Deep still whispered in her mind the child is no longer yours her heart clenched she could still see mari’s face his tiny hands reaching for the ocean King his eyes filled with something she did not understand had she lost him forever had he truly chosen the seea over her she fell to her knees gripping the wet sand beneath her fingers no she whispered she would not accept this the ocean had taken everything from her her throne her
people her son but it had not taken her will she would find a way back she would find her son and if the ocean stood in her way she would make it regret ever Crossing her a shadow moved in the distance Sarah’s head snapped up her fingers tightening a figure stood at the edge of the ruined Village watching for a moment neither moved then the figure stepped forward Sarah’s breath caught she recognized the golden robes the dark eyes the face of a woman she had once called sister Naomi the new Queen the woman who had
taken her place Sarah’s body tensed as the younger Queen approached her gaze sharp as a blade they stood face to face two women who had once shared a kingdom now standing in the ashes of its Destruction for a long moment Naomi said nothing then softly she spoke you should have let me have the throne Sarah’s lips curled into a bitter smile and you should have stayed out of my way the wind HED between them carrying the scent of salt and ruin neither Queen bowed neither queen turned away for though Zuma had fallen its greatest
battle was only beginning and this time it was not the ocean that would decide the Victor sah and Naomi stood in the ruins of their Kingdom the wind whipping through their tattered robes the night was Heavy with the scent of salt and Decay and the waves whispered of Vengeance for a long time neither Queen spoke then Naomi’s lips curved into a cold smile you look like a ghost sah Sarah’s fingers clenched into fists but she forced herself to stay still and you look like a woman who has lost everything Naomi’s smile did not falter
not everything Sarah’s breath caught she knew what Naomi meant the child Omari the prince that sah had birthed Through Blood and forbidden magic the child she had fought so hard to bring into this world was gone taken by the ocean claimed by the Sea King Naomi took a slow step forward her golden robes fluttering in the wind you thought you were clever she said you thought you could trick the gods you thought you could steal life from the sea and not pay the price sah met her gaze fire burning behind her tired eyes
and you thought you could stand by and wait for the ocean to take me did you think it would spare you for the first time Naomi’s smile faltered sah pressed forward the ocean did not just take my son she hissed it took Zuma our kingdom is gone Naomi your throne is gone Naomi’s jaw tightened but she did not look away and whose fault is that sah let out a sharp breath mine she asked or yours a flicker of something crossed Naomi’s face doubt guilt fear sah took another step closer you knew what was coming you saw the sky
blacken you heard the waves calling my son’s name and yet you stood there waiting hoping Naomi lifted her chin you speak as if I had a choice you did Silence the wind hled around them filling the space between their words then Naomi’s voice turned to ice and if I had chosen differently would you have let me live Sarah’s lips curled I suppose we will never know a moment passed then another then Naomi lunged sah barely had time to react before the younger Queen’s dagger slash toward her throat she stumbled back twisting away the blade slicing just
past her cheek Too Close Naomi’s eyes burned with Fury you should have stayed dead Sarah’s breath was ragged her body weak from the ocean’s torment but she was not broken she would never be broken she dodged the next strike her hand shooting out grabbing Naomi’s wrist the two women struggled their feet kicking up Ash and sand as they fought their hatred spilling into every blow they were not just fighting for survival they were fighting for everything they had lost everything that had been stolen and neither Queen would fall without a fight
far beneath the waves Omari sat upon his throne his small hands rested on the coral arms of the great seat his dark eyes fixed upon the ocean King around him the murol bowed their shimmering scales reflecting the Eerie glow of the deep the sea had accepted him it had whispered its ancient songs into his ears filling his mind with Secrets older than time but he did not belong to it not not yet the ocean King studied him you are strong he said at last stronger than any human child I have seen Omari did not speak the ocean
King continued his voice like the rolling tide but the sea does not keep the weak if you wish to wear its Crown you must prove yourself a murmur rippled through the gathered murol some looked at Omari with doubt others with c osity Omari tilted his head how the ocean King smiled a terrible smile he lifted his hand and the waters trembled from the darkness Beyond The Palace walls a shape began to emerge at first it was only a shadow then it moved a great creature slithered forward its body covered in Jagged blackened scales its many eyes
glowing like d in Embers tentacles rided around its enormous form curling and uncurling as it watched the child the ocean kingk voice was calm kill it the murol gasped Omari blinked his small hands tightening against the throne why he asked the ocean King’s smile did not fade because it is stronger than you because it is older than you because the ocean only respects respects those who conquer the great Beast let out a low rumbling growl it had not been tamed it had not been defeated not yet the murol whispered would the child
survive would he prove himself worthy Omari did not hesitate he pushed himself off the throne drifting forward through the water his small frame moving with unnatural ease his body was still human but the ocean was already shaping him into something else the Beast lunged Omari did not flinch instead he raised his hand and the ocean Abed a great force surged around him currents twisting and roaring as if alive the sea trembled beneath his will bending shaping becoming his weapon the murol gasped the Beast let out a
deafening Roar thrashing against the Unseen Force but Omar ‘s grip did not falter with a single final motion he closed his fist the ocean collapsed upon the creature the pressure crushed it instantly silence fell the murol stared in shock the ocean King’s eyes gleamed satisfied Omari turned back to the throne his face blank his dark eyes unreadable he did not speak he did not need to the ocean had spoken for him and it had chosen its Prince Omari sat in Silence the great Beast lay lifeless before him its Twisted body drifting in
the currents its many eyes now dull and empty the murol still whispered their voices Rising like a tide of uncertainty the child killed it how could a human wield such power is he even human anymore but Omari did not hear that his dark eyes were fixed upon the ocean King the great ruler of the deep reclined upon his throne of coral and Bone his many limed form shifting lazily as he studied the boy his golden eyes gleamed with Amusement but also with something else something darker Omari could feel it the Sea’s power hummed
beneath his skin curling around his fingers whispering in his ears it no longer felt foreign no longer felt like something forced upon him it felt natural the ocean King finally spoke you have proven yourself Little Prince the murmurs in the hall died every mfol every Sea Beast every unseen creature lurking in the depths listened Omari tilted his head then what happens now the ocean King’s lips curled now you must decide he said you have conquered but Conquest is meaningless without purpose you stand Between Two Worlds Land and Sea his
golden gaze flickered will you serve the ocean or will you defy it Omari did not answer his fingers curled into a fist a memory surfaced his mother’s voice calling his name in the storm the terror in her eyes as the waves Rose to claim him the feeling of being torn away she had fought for him had she survived had she given up the ocean wanted him to forget to let the past Drift Away swallowed by the tide but Omari was no ordinary child he had been born of Two Worlds land and sea and the ocean had taken everything from him his
jaw tightened what if I refuse the ocean kingk expression did not change but the waters around him darkened then you will be nothing he said simply a lost soul a drift in the abyss neither human nor Seaborn a creature with no home omari’s chest Rose and fell in slow steady breaths he could feel the weight of the moment pressing upon him the eyes of the ocean fixed upon his small frame he did not answer not yet instead he turned and walked away the ocean King said nothing as Amari left the hall the water parting for him but his golden eyes
gleamed the ocean was patient it would wait Sarah’s breath came in sharp bursts as she ducked beneath Naomi’s Blade the younger Queen was fast her movements fueled by rage and Desperation the ruins of Zuma burned around them the sky above thick with smoke and the scent of salt the they fought like Warriors like Queens with Nothing Left to Lose Naomi swung again her blade whistling through the air sah barely dodged her muscle screaming in protest she was still weak from the ocean’s wrath but she could not fall not
now not to her you should have stayed in the water Naomi spat lunging again sah blocked with a broken spear she had taken from the ruins twisting way as she aimed a kick at Naomi’s side the younger Queen grunted but did not fall her eyes burned with hatred you think you can take back what’s already lost Naomi growled the throne is gone Sarah Zuma is gone what are you even fighting for Sarah’s grip tightened around the spear my son Naomi’s face twisted your son she let out a sharp bitter laugh the ocean son you mean
Sarah’s heart clenched no she whispered he is mine Naomi sneered then why did he leave you the words struck deep but sah did not falter she could not because if she let doubt take root if she allowed herself to believe that Omari was truly lost then everything she had done everything she had sacrificed would be for nothing she would not accept that she refused with a roar she lunged Naomi barely had time to react before Sarah’s spear smashed against her Blade the four sent Naomi stumbling back her feet skitting across the dirt sah
pressed forward striking again and again her body moving on sheer Instinct she would not fall she would not break she would win and then Naomi dropped her blade Sarah’s strike halted just before piercing her throat a trick a surrender but then sah saw it the Terror in Naomi’s eyes the way her body stood rigid not from sah from something behind her sah felt it before she turned a shift in the air a presence that did not belong a whisper in the wind a voice smooth as water he is coming a chill crawled down Sarah’s
spine slowly she turned and her breath caught there standing at the edge of the ruins bathed in the glow of the dying fires was a boy his dark eyes gleamed like the abyss his skin shimmered faintly as if tou tched by the Deep the air around him hummed with something unnatural something ancient something wrong Sarah’s throat tightened she knew those eyes she knew that face Omari but the boy before her was not the son she had once cradled In Her Arms he was something else and as his gaze met hers she felt it the ocean had not let
him go it never would Sarah’s lips parted but no words came out the boy standing before her was Omari her son the child she had fought so desperately for but he was not the same the ocean had left its mark his eyes once warm and filled with innocence were now dark pools endless and unreadable his skin had a faint Shimmer as though the water still clung to him and the air around him felt heavy un natural ancient sah took a step forward Omari her voice was barely a whisper the boy did not move Naomi still frozen behind
her let out a breathless trembling laugh this this is your son she whispered look at him sah he’s not human anymore sahk fingers tightened into fists he is mine she said fiercely my son Omari tilted his head slightly studying her he did not smile he did not rush into her arms as he once would have instead he spoke why did you kill her sah blinked what omari’s expression did not change the mermaid the words hit like a Thunderclap the world around them seemed to grow still s ‘s heart pounded she opened her mouth but no words came out
Omari took a slow step forward the sand shifting beneath his bare feet she was the ocean kingk daughter he said voice calm too calm she was my sister Naomi let out a small gasp sah felt as though the ground had been yanked from beneath her the ocean had whispered secrets into her son’s ears it had claimed him and now it had turned him against her I had to sah finally said her voice breaking I Omari I only wanted to bring you into this world I had no choice omari’s dark eyes did not waver that’s what the ocean says too he
murmured a cold wind rolled in from the sea carrying the scent of salt and something deeper something ancient Sarah’s stomach Twisted what are you saying Omari blinked slowly that the ocean had no choice but to take something in return a shadow passed over them the waves crashed louder the tide rising creeping closer to the ruined City Saria knew deep in her bones what was coming this was not just about Omari this was not just about her crime the ocean had awakened and it would not stop until everything that had been stolen was paid
in full Naomi’s voice was barely above a whisper we need to run but Saria knew there was nowhere left to go because Omari had come home and behind him the ocean had come with him the ground trembled beneath their feet sah and Naomi turned sharply as the first wave crashed into the ruins sweeping away what little remained of the once great Kingdom of Zuma the ocean had risen its Waters no longer held the gentle Embrace of Life they surged forward with purpose hungry and vengeful sah grabbed omari’s shoulders we have to leave now Omari did
not move the water swirled around his feet but it did not pull him under it moved with him as though it were part of him he looked up at her his dark eyes filled with something unreadable the ocean wants Justice he said Sarah’s heart pounded Omari I she could not finish the ground cracked beneath them from the churning sea figures began to emerge first came the Mur folk Warriors draped in shimmering armor wielding weapons of coral and sharpened bone their eyes burned with Fury their songs carrying the weight of
Ages then came the sea beasts massive twisting creatures with eyes like glowing lanterns their forms shifting with the tide they moved with a terrible Grace their Whispers filling the air like distant Thunder and finally from the depths of the ocean Rising like a god the ocean King his golden eyes burned like the sun his massive form towering over the ruins the sea swirled around him bending to his will waiting for his command Naomi stumbled back Whispering a prayer to the ancestors sah could barely breathe the
ocean King’s voice rolled like the tide the debt must be paid sah felt her blood run cold she knew what he meant her son had been taken raised in the depths but it was not enough the sea wanted more and it would not rest until the scales were balanced Omari turned to her his small face unreadable they want you mother Sarah’s breath caught she had always known deep in her soul that she could not escape the consequences of what she had done she had thought she could run she had thought she could fight she had thought
she could outsmart the ocean but now as she stood before the ocean King before the Warriors of the deep before the son who had once been hers she realized the truth there was no Escape and the Judgment of the sea had finally come the waters swelled around them a dark and endless Force ready to consume the ocean King’s golden eyes burned into sah his voice echoing like the tide the debt must be paid sah stood Frozen her heart pounding like the drums of War her body was weary from Battle from years of running from a lifetime of
regret but still she clenched her fists she would not not surrender she turned to Omari her son the child she had fought so hard to bring into this world but he was no longer the boy she had once cradled he stood between her and the Sea a bridge between two worlds her voice trembled Omari you know me you are my son omari’s dark eyes flickered with something unreadable you killed her he whispered you took something that wasn’t yours Sarah’s throat tightened I did what I had to do Omari studied her for a long moment then
turned to the ocean King and now the great ruler of the sea regarded sah with cold finality she must return to the ocean the words hit like a crashing wave Sarah’s hands bald into fists she had always known this moment would come but she had refused to face it now there was no running Naomi stood a few steps away her breathing ragged take her she whispered eyes flickering with something between relief and fear she’s the one who brought this upon us sah shot her a sharp look but she had no time for Naomi’s treachery the ocean King raised a hand
and the waters trembled in response sah lunged not to run not to beg but to to fight she snatched a blade from the ruins a broken spear salt rusted and worn but still sharp if the ocean wanted her it would have to drag her down screaming the murol Warriors surged forward Saria spun striking the first one down the spear biting into flesh the second Warrior lunged at her she dodged driving her blade upward piercing through the creature’s gills a third came from behind two fast sah felt the cold kiss of a blade against her ribs
she stumbled the ocean King did not move Omari did not move they only watched The Warriors closed in sah let out a cry and swung wildly her spear cutting through the tide but there were too many a spear pierced her shoulder a sharp cry tore from her lips as the weapon buried deep she dropped to one knee blood curling in the water like ink the ocean King stepped forward at last enough the Warriors halted the sea fell silent sah lifted her head gasping for breath Omari took a single step forward what will you do to her the
ocean King’s golden eyes never left sah she will return to the ocean omari’s fingers twitched and if I say no a low murmur rippled through the sea beasts the Warriors the watching spirits of the deep the ocean King finally looked at the boy then you must choose child omari’s throat tightened the choice was clear his mother or the ocean one would live one would drown the waters churned Restless waiting sah closed her eyes her breath shallow she was losing blood she could barely hold her spear she did not beg she did not plead she only looked at
Omari her son and whispered Choose Wisely the sea held its breath and Omari opened his mouth to speak the waves stilled the wind hushed and even the sea beasts waited the weight of the ocean Kings words settled over the ruins like a storm cloud you must choose child omari’s breath came in short sharp bursts his mother knelt before him wounded blood curling into the water behind him the ocean King stood tall his presence vast Eternal undeniable the sea had taken Omari once it had whispered its truths shaped his
body filled his mind with knowledge older than time itself but standing here here now between the two worlds he realized he did not belong to either he looked at Sarah his mother the woman who had stolen Life from the ocean to bring him into the world the woman who had killed his sister then he turned to the ocean King the father of the mermaid whose heart had been eaten The God Who had claimed Omari as his own the force that had demanded Sarah’s life as payment omari’s hands trembled you ask me to choose he said
voice barely above a whisper but what if I don’t the ocean kingk golden eyes narrowed there is no third path omari’s jaw clenched then I’ll make one he lifted his arms and the ocean surged to his command a wave exploded from beneath him knocking back the Warriors sending Naomi sprawling the sea beasts roared the very Waters trembling at omari’s touch Sarah’s eyes widened Omari but he wasn’t listening the ocean King did not move but his gaze darkened you defy me Omari turned to him eyes Fierce I defy this cycle the ocean
wanted Vengeance his mother wanted survival but what did he want he wanted to break the chains that bound them all the ocean King raised a hand and the Sea stirred with wrath Omari did not flinch he lifted both palms and pushed a wall of water Rose towering shimmering filled with light and power it curled around the ocean King and his Warriors encasing them in a prison of his own making the ocean King’s golden eyes flickered not with anger but with something deeper recognition omari’s voice rang across the ruins no more blood will be spilled
today the ocean King stared at him for a long moment then he laughed deep rolling like distant Thunder the sound rattled through the water sending shivers down omari’s spine you are truly my daughter’s King the ocean King mused his voice laced with something unreadable you think you can change the tide omari’s heart pounded I have to try the the ocean King regarded him for a long moment then he lifted a hand and the water calmed the storm above faded the sea beasts sank Into the Depths the Warriors of the deep lowered their weapons sah
let out a slow breath clutching her wounded side the ocean King finally spoke very well but if you are to challenge fate then you must bear its weight the sea stirred one once more a great wave surged toward them not in anger but in transformation the water crashed over Omari swallowing him whole sah let out a cry no Omari the wave pulled back and when it did Omari was changed his human form was gone his skin shimmered like Pearl his fingers webbed his hair flowing like the hide itself his eyes once dark now gleamed
with golden light a new being neither human nor mare a child of Both Worlds the ocean King’s voice rang clear if you will not choose then you shall become the bridge Sarah’s breath hitched Omari turned to her his expression unreadable the ocean had not taken him but it had claimed him and now nothing would ever be the same sah staggered forward her heart pounding eyes locked on the figure before her Omari her voice trembled her son her son stood where the wave had left him no longer the boy she had raised no longer entirely human his
skin shimmered in the fading Moonlight his hair a Cascade of Deep Silver flowing as though caught in an unseen current the ocean clung to him him not as an enemy not as a master but as something that had embraced him as its own Omari turned to look at her his golden eyes unreadable the ocean King watched in silence his great form Rising above the waves like a god carved from the depths of time itself the choice has been made he rumbled the cycle ends here sas’s chest heaved what have you done to him omari’s lips parted slightly but he did not
answer the ocean King’s gaze did not waver you asked for life where none was meant to be the sea took what was stolen but now it gives something new in return sah felt a cold dread seep into her bones you’ve changed him the ocean King inclined his head he is no longer bound by the limits of men he is the bridge he is neither yours nor mine Sur as breathing grew ragged she had fought she had bled she had risked everything for him and now he was slipping through her fingers like sand in the tide her gaze darted to
Omari you don’t have to accept this she pleaded come back with me we can run we can I can’t the words were soft final sah flinched as though struck Omari I hear the ocean he whispered glancing toward the waves I Feel It In My Bones I can’t turn away from it mother it’s part of me now sah shook her head violently no no you are mine you were born of me not them Omari hesitated and for the briefest moment sah saw something familiar flicker in his expression the boy she had once held in her arms the child who had reached
for her with tiny hands the son who had once needed her but then it was gone the ocean does not forget Omari murmured it does not forgive his words were not cruel not harsh but they carried the weight of something ancient something far beyond her sah felt her knees weaken you would leave me omari’s expression wavered the ocean King watched silent as the tide then Naomi’s voice cut through the moment this is a blessing she said stepping forward her eyes bright with something almost triumphant the gods have touched your
son Sariah he is no longer bound to the world of men Sariah turned sharply hatred boiling in her chest you would celebrate this Naomi’s lips curled slightly I celebrate survival Sarah’s hands trembled you always wanted this didn’t you her voice was bitter for me to lose everything for the king to turn to you Naomi tilted her head I only ever wanted what was mine Sarah’s Vision blurred with rage you have no right the ocean King’s deep voice grumbled like distant Thunder the ocean has made its claim the past will not be
undone Saria turned back breath ragged then take me instead she whispered let him go let him live as he was meant to omari’s eyes widened slightly mother the ocean King studied her would you trade your life for his sah lifted her chin yes the sea stirred the Warriors of the deep shifted watching with quiet intensity even Naomi faltered her smugness flickering Omari took a step forward his expression tight with something unreadable and for a long terrible moment the world waited the ocean King exhaled a sound like the rolling tide no
sah flinched what the ocean King’s gaze did not waver a life cannot erase what has already been done he is no longer bound to your world just as you are no longer bound to mine the word struck her like a blade he was taking Omari away from her forever sah shook her head her chest aching her vision darkening please but Omari only looked at her torn but certain I have to go he whispered sah staggered back no omari’s hand brushed against hers just for a second just long enough for her to feel the warmth of his skin and then he
stepped into the water the tide curled around his feet swallowing him gently sah let out a broken sound but no one stopped him no one stopped the ocean from taking what it had claimed and as the waves carried him Into the Depths his golden eyes were the last thing she saw then he was gone and the sea was silent once more sah fell to her knees her body shaking the waves had swallowed her son he was gone the ocean had taken its revenge the storm had passed the Warriors of the deep had vanished beneath the waves and the ocean King had
retreated to his kingdom Beneath the Sea the waters that had once roared with Fury were now calm as though nothing had ever happened but Sarah’s world had been shattered she dug her fingers into the wet sand her nails clawing at the Earth as if she could tear open a path to her son she had fought she had bled she had done everything but it hadn’t been enough a slow chuckle broke through her grief you’ve lost Sarah’s head snapped up Naomi stood just a few steps away her dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction she was drenched her gown
torn her hair wilded from the battle but she stood tall her back straight as if the entire night had been nothing more than a mild inconvenience Sarah’s blood boiled This Woman This snake Naomi had stood aside while the ocean came for her son she had not lifted a finger to help in fact sah knew it was what she had wanted all along she staggered to her feet you did this Naomi arched a brow the ocean did this sah clenched her fists her body trembling with rage you wanted him gone you wanted the king to turn to you a slow knowing smile spread
across Naomi’s lips and now he will sah lunged Naomi sidestepped great gracefully her foot hooking around Sarah’s ankle and sending her crashing to the ground once more you are nothing now Naomi whispered crouching beside her no son no favor no power do you think the king will look at you after this sah gasped for breath her fingers curling into fists Naomi leaned closer her voice a mere breath against her ear leave sah before you embarrass yourself further the word sent a fresh wave of Fury through sah but she was too weak to
fight too broken Naomi straightened casting one last glance at the sea before turning toward the ruined Palace in the distance she walked away without another word sah lay in the sand staring up at the dark sky her body cold her heart Hollow she had lost everything and yet the ocean was calm she let out a slow ragged breath but calm Waters could still hide great storms King Toby stood at the highest tower of the palace his gaze locked on the sea he had seen it all the storm the battle the moment his firstborn son had
been swallowed by the ocean his hands gripped the stone railing his jaw clenched so tight IT achd Omari was gone sah had lost and Naomi Naomi had one a rustle of silk behind him made him turn Naomi stood in the doorway dressed in fresh robes her hair Twisted into intricate braids she carried herself with the Poise of a queen not the frightened woman who had cowered behind him when the ocean attacked but the woman he had married for ambition she stepped closer the gods have spoken she said softly Omari was never me to rule he was
never meant to be yours Toby’s hands tightened around the stone he did not believe in fate he did not believe in destiny but he knew the ocean did not take without reason his son was gone and in his absence only one Heir remained the child growing in Naomi’s womb Naomi took another step forward placing a gentle hand on his arm it is time to move forward she whispered Omari is gone but I will give you a son a prince a future for this Kingdom Toby turned to her her face was soft her eyes filled with quiet Victory he should have felt
comforted he should have felt relief but all he felt was rage Omari had been stolen from him the ocean had taken his son but he had seen the way Naomi had watched she had not g grieved she had not fought she had simply waited and now she spoke of moving forward his voice was low dangerous did you pray for this Naomi stilled did you pray for my son to be taken her fingers twitched against his arm I prayed for peace Toby’s gaze was like steel did you pray for Omari to die Naomi hesitated just for a second but it
was enough Toby ripped her hand from his arm you are not Queen yet Naomi’s lips parted in shock what Toby turned away his eyes dark with Fury leave me for the first time Naomi faltered her grip tightened on her silk robes her breath catching in her throat she had expected him to turn to her in grief to accept her to choose her instead he burned with suspicion with hatred she had won the battle but the war was far from over sah stood at the shore watching the ocean the sun had begun to rise casting streaks of gold across the sky her heart
was broken her son was gone her place in the palace was lost but she was not done the ocean thought thought it had taken everything from her Naomi thought she had won the king thought he could move forward without her but sah still breathed and so long as she breathed she would fight she stepped forward her bare feet sinking into the wet sand the water curled around her ankles cool and gentle she lifted her chin I will find you Omari she whispered even if I have to tear the sea apart to do it the wind carried her
words into the Horizon and deep beneath the waves somewhere in the endless blue Omari stirred the ocean whispered secrets to the wind as sah stood at the shore her fists clenched at her sides the weight of loss threatened to crush her but she would not yield she could not she had birthed Omari into this world with her own hands with blood and pain with sacrifice no one else would understand the ocean thought it could take him no she would not allow it she turned her gaze toward the palace its golden rooftops glistening under the
first light of dawn King Toby would grieve but he would move on Naomi would see to that sah knew the younger Queen was already Whispering sweet reassurances painting herself as the savior of the kingdom and sah she was nothing in their eyes now a barren woman whose only child had been stolen by the gods a bitter laugh escaped her lips they would cast her aside leave her to wither like a forgotten Branch but they were all fools sah had been the first queen she knew secrets about the kingdom about the land and the sea that Naomi could never
dream of and more than that she had something stronger than power she had a mother’s Wrath she would not sit idly by while the ocean cradled her child she would fight even if it meant striking a deal with the very Gods who cursed her Toby sat on the throne his fingers drumming against the armrest the court was unusually silent as if afraid to utter a word in his presence he knew why they had all seen what happened the night before the Wrath of the Sea The Taking of his son he could still hear the thunder in his ears still feel the
Tremors of the Earth shaking beneath the palace it was a warning a punishment a curse wrapped in a storm and yet as the fear settled over the kingdom Naomi smiled Toby glanced at her where she sat beside him draped in soft silks her hands resting over the slight swell of her stomach she had won a battle though she pretended she hadn’t she had comforted him through the night whispered that the gods had spoken that Omari was never meant to be his Heir she thought he believed her she was wrong he had seen the way she had watched as
Omari was taken how her lips had barely parted in Surprise how her body had remained still while sah had screamed she had not mourned and that alone was enough to plant the seed of doubt in his heart Toby exhaled slowly if Naomi thought she could replace what had been lost she was mistaken and if sah thought she would be cast aside so easily she too was mistaken he would allow them both to believe they had won four now sah knew where she had to go there was only one force strong enough to rival the ocean King The Shadow
Waters no one spoke of it freely it was a place beyond mortal reach a cursed part of the ocean where forgotten gods and Restless Spirits roamed it was where the ocean’s true secrets were buried and it was where sah would find the power to take back what was hers the journey would be dangerous she would be tested she might never return but she had already lost everything what more could the world take from her she pulled her cloak tight around her shoulders and stepped onto the rocky path leading away from the
kingdom behind her Zuma lay quiet the palace Shone in the distance the people would wake soon would speak of their widowed queen of her loss of how she had been defeated let them by the time she returned they would bow before her once more and the ocean the ocean would know her name the sun had barely kissed the Horizon when sah made her way out of Zuma’s Gates her footsteps steady but her heart racing The Village behind her with its weary but hopeful citizens would soon forget her existence just as the tides had
claimed her son but she would not fade into Oblivion not without a fight the wind bit at her skin but she ignored the chill the Shadows of the Night still clung to her mind heavy with images of Omari her son sinking into the sea she could still hear his voice soft but firm telling her that he could no longer be a part of the world she knew she had failed him or so it seemed but she would make things right she would make him right the journey to the shadow Waters was treacherous sah knew that the coastline was littered with sharp rocks and the
Sea itself was said to be cursed filled with spirits and monsters that even the bravest Sailors avoided no one dared to approach it because no one ever returned but sah had a single-minded determination no no matter the cost she had heard stories of The Shadow Waters all her life Whispers passed through the mouths of Elders Tales told by the flickering light of the village fire it was said that the shadow Waters were a place where the past and future met where Souls were Bound by promises and Broken Dreams it was a place where Gods
forgotten by time dwelt waiting for those who dared to seek their power Sarah’s eyes flicked toward the Sea The Waves crashed violently against the jagged Cliffs ahead it was as if the ocean itself was warning her to turn back but she did not she pressed on her mind was not filled with thoughts of the Kingdom or the empty Throne it was not filled with hatred for Naomi nor with sorrow for Omari it was filled with a singular purpose to find the shadow Waters and take back what had been stolen as the hours passed the path grew
darker the air thick with mist and a strange haunting sound it was a song a mournful Melody that echoed across the Rocks making the very ground beneath her feel unstable she had heard this song before in her nightmares only now it was real Sarah’s hand tightened around the dagger she carried at her waist she had heard the warnings people had gone mad in these Waters never to return their minds consumed by the Shadows but sah was not afraid she had no time for fear the wind howled as she reached the edge of the cliffs below the
ocean stretched endlessly dark and for boing but there in the distance a small glimmer of light caught her eye the shadow Waters a glimmer of silver danced over the water’s surface beckoning her closer sah took a deep breath her heart pounding in her chest the sea had taken her son and now she would take it back she stepped off the cliff feeling the wind whip past her as she descended toward the waiting Waters as her feet touched the surface she braced herself for the cold but it never came the water was warm gentle as though it had been
waiting for her and then everything went still the world around her seemed to fall away and the Shadows of the deep rose up swirling like the threads of a dream she saw figures faint and fleeting emerging from the depths they were The Lost Ones the souls who had made deals with the ocean long ago their eyes glowed with an otherworldly light and their voices whispered in unison you seek power mortal a voice asked Sarah’s eyes narrowed I seek my son the Shadows swirled faster creating a Vortex of water and darkness around her and what
will you give for him the voice asked again sah felt her breath catch and in her throat she had been prepared to bargain but the price was not something she had anticipated I will give anything she said her voice steady despite the growing Terror inside her I will give my life I will give my soul anything the Shadows parted revealing a figure standing before her a tall ancient being its form shifting and changing like the waves themselves its eyes were dark pools endless and empty you would sacrifice your very Soul the
being asked its voice like the crashing of waves against Stone sah nodded I will for my son he belongs to the world not to the Sea the being studied her for a long silent moment the air around her grew thick and the ground seemed to tremble she could feel the weight of the ocean pressing in on her could feel the power of the Shadow Waters wrapping around her like chain and then finally the being spoke again very well mortal your soul shall remain here forever bound to the waters in exchange your son will return but no
this the ocean never forgets the price you pay will never be undone Sarah’s heart pounded in her chest she had not expected this but she had no choice she had made the bargain the figure raised a hand and the waters around her surged the world spun she gasped as the Shadows consumed her pulling her under the waves when sah opened her eyes again she was lying on the shore the sea gently lapping at her feet her chest Rose and fell rapidly and she felt a strange weight in her chest as though something had been taken from her she
stood her body trembling but as she looked toward the Horizon a figure appeared on the far offshore it was Omari her son he was walking toward her his silhouette glowing like silver against the Rising Sun his golden eyes met hers and Sarah’s heart swelled with joy he had returned but as Omari Drew closer sah saw that he was not the same his skin shimmered like the surface of the sea and his hair flowed like liquid silver his presence was powerful almost overwhelming in he stopped in front of her and for a long moment they simply
stared at each other mother he said his voice soft yet distant Sarah’s throat tightened Omari my son you’ve come back to me but he did not smile his eyes though familiar held a depth she did not recognize I have returned he said but I am no longer the boy you knew sah heart clenched what do you mean Omari looked at her with a mixture of sadness and understanding the ocean has changed me I am part of it now just as I am part of you but I cannot be what I once was sah reached out to touch him but her hand passed through him like water slipping
through her fingers Omari please her voice cracked I’ve made a bargain I brought you back I will do anything to have you back Omari shook his head slowly his golden eyes filled with a sadness that struck her to the core you’ve already given everything mother he said the price has been paid the ocean has claimed its part a wave of cold fear washed over sah as the realization hit her she had given her soul to the ocean but it had not returned her son as she had hoped instead it had changed him she had not won the ocean had not returned him to
her Omari turned away his figure slowly dissolving into the Mist I must go he whispered his voice distant you will never be able to call me back sah reached for him but he was already gone and with him Her Last Hope sah collapsed onto the wet sand her body trembling the waves curled around her feet retreating and returning like like the breath of a Restless Beast the ocean had taken everything from her it had taken omari’s body and now his soul twisting him into something neither human nor entirely of the sea the price
had been paid but the ocean was never satisfied a chilling wind swept through the shore carrying Whispers that slithered into her ears voices of the deep they spoke of broken Bargains and unfulfilled debts she had given her soul but she still lived the ocean had not taken her body only bound her Essence to its Eternal depths she was something unnatural now neither fully mortal nor fully Spirit the price was far greater than she had imagined a shadow flickered in the waters before her a towering figure wrapped in mist and waves began to rise
from the ocean’s heart the ocean King his form was not of flesh but of Shifting Tides his eyes glowing like the depths of the sea his presence was overwhelming a force that bent the air around him he stared down at sah his gaze heavy with power you thought you could defy me his voice was the rolling of Thunder the crash of waves against Cliffs sah forced herself to her feet she was weak but she would not kneel not to him not after all he had stolen I paid your price she said her voice horse but firm I gave you my soul
I gave you everything why have you cursed him why have you cursed me the ocean King studied her his expression unreadable you did not bring him back to life foolish Queen you merely gave him to the ocean Sarah’s breath caught in her throat no he is mine now the ocean King continued he walks Between Two Worlds but he will never belong to either he will never be yours the words cut deeper than any blade sah staggered her knees nearly giving way she had fought so hard endured so much only to be left with nothing no she whispered again but the
truth was undeniable Omari was no longer her son he was something else now something Beyond her reach the ocean King leaned closer his gaze piercing you still draw breath Queen sah but your soul belongs to me that means you are bound to the Sea and the sea is Bound to You sah clenched her fists then I will find a way to break the bond a deep rumbling laughter rolled from the ocean King’s throat sending ripples across the water foolish woman there is no breaking what is eternal you are mine now you will walk the land but
you will always hear the call of the sea and when your time comes you will not find rest Sarah’s chest heaved rage boiling in her veins you think you have one she hissed you think I will submit the ocean King tilted his head intrigued you have no choice a cruel smile spread across Sarah’s lips I always have a choice with that she turned her back on the sea and walked away the ocean King did not stop her but his laughter followed her all the way back to Zuma the return to Zuma was not the grand Victorious homecoming sah had once
imagined the city was tense its people still shaken from the storm that had nearly swallowed them they spoke in hushed voices I darting toward the sea as if expecting it to rise again at any moment and sah she was no longer the queen they had known her steps were lighter as if she barely touched the Earth her skin shimmered faintly in the Moonlight as though the ocean’s Mark was etched into her very being she had not slept since she left the shadow Waters but she did not feel tired she felt different her breath no longer missed it in the cold
air her heart no longer raced In Fear The Whispers of the ocean echoed in her mind mind calling to her reminding her that she did not belong here anymore but she ignored them she had unfinished business as she approached the palace Gates the guards hesitated before letting her in their eyes flickered with uncertainty their hands tightening around their Spears they did not trust her anymore sah met their stairs and stepped forward anyway inside the grand Halls the air was thick with tension the gold golden chandeliers flickered as if even the
Flames feared what had come upon them King Toby sat upon his throne his expression unreadable beside him Queen Naomi sat with a hand resting on her rounded belly they had already moved on Sarah’s lip curled the moment she entered silence fell over the court all eyes turned to her she could see it in their faces the fear the unease the knowledge that she was not the same woman who had left Toby’s eyes darkened as he took her in sah his voice was calm but she could hear the edge beneath it you have returned sah smiled slow and
deliberate I have Naomi tilted her head her expression carefully composed and what have you brought back with you the question was innocent but the meaning was clear what are you now sah stepped closer her gaze never wavering I have returned with knowledge Toby leaned forward knowledge of what Sarah’s smile grew sharper of what is coming the court murmured shifting uneasily Toby narrowed his eyes what do you mean sah took another step her presence commanding the room the ocean does not forget it does not forget give
her voice was smooth almost hypnotic you may sit upon this Throne you may play your games of Power and Legacy she turned her gaze to Naomi who stiffened but none of it will matter Naomi’s hand twitched over her stomach you speak in riddles sah sah let out a small laugh do I she turned back to Toby the ocean came for my son but it is not finished it will come again the tension in the room was suffocating Toby’s fingers curled against the throne’s armrests and what does it want sah met his gaze her eyes glinting like the deep
sea Vengeance a hush fell over the court Toby’s jaw tightened if you have brought a curse upon this Kingdom sah sah simply smiled the palace doors burst open and a gust of wind swept through the chamber the scent of salt filled the air and a low rumbling like distant Thunder echoed through the Halls the ocean had sent its warning sah turned toward the sound a knowing glimmer in her eyes this was only the beginning the Torches lining the Great Hall flickered violently as a gust of wind howled through the palace
the doors swung wide letting in a salty Mist that curled through the air like ghostly fingers every noble every servant every guard in the room stood Frozen their eyes darting toward the stormy night beyond the entrance the scent of the sea was thick too thick it did not belong here this deep within the heart of Zuma Sarah did not flinch she had felt it before the ocean was watching King Toby’s grip on the throne’s armrest tightened his knuckles pale against his dark skin guards he commanded his voice steady but low shut
the doors Two Warriors rushed forward gripping the heavy doors and pushing with all their might the wind resisted them forcing them back as though unseen Hands Held them open then a sound filled the hall a low echoing moan it was not the sound of the wind it was something deeper something ancient a voice carried across the palace Rippling like water over Stone she is marked the words slithered through the air neither spoken nor shouted but felt the Warriors recoiled as the temperature in the Hall dropped Toby’s face
darkened Who Dares enter my palace with tricks and Illusions sah turned her head slightly listening she knew that voice it was the ocean itself speaking through the Mist they are watching she could almost feel eyes on her thousands of them hidden beneath the waves peering from the depths Queen Naomi shifted uncomfortably on her throne her hands resting protectively over her swollen belly what sorcery is this she hissed her voice laced with fear sah took a slow step forward her bare feet barely making a sound against the polished Stone
floor the ocean is not done with us she murmured tilting her chin slightly up Toby’s glare snapped to her enough of your riddles sah he rose from his throne towering over her you return to my Palace after Vanishing into the sea bringing Whispers of Doom and curses and now this he gestured toward the Mist creeping along the ground explain yourself now sah met his gaze her expression unreadable you do not command the ocean Toby a clap of Thunder roared outside shaking the very walls of the palace the Torches flickered wildly casting strange Shadows
over the faces of the Nobles The Voice spoke again she has eaten of the deep she has stolen what was ours and now the debt must be paid the Mist curled around Sarah’s ankles swirling in hypnotic patterns Toby turned to the Palace priest an elderly men draped in white robes who had been watching the scene with wide fearful eyes what does this mean the king demanded the priest stepped forward hesitantly beads of sweat glistening on his forehead great king this is no mere Omen this this is a warning a warning of
what Naomi asked gripping the arms of her throne the priest hesitated the ocean it does not send voices without purpose if it speaks it is because something was taken and when the sea is robbed he swallowed it takes in return a pregnant silence fell over the hall All Eyes turned to sah she felt their gazes their judgment their fear but she did not lower her head because she knew she knew what the ocean had come for Omari her son was alive but he was not truly hers anymore and the Sea wanted him back far from the palace deep in the
mangrove forests where the land met the sea a boy sat at the edge of a quiet Lagoon his skin was darker now kissed by the Shadows of the deep his hair once thick like his father’s now shimmered faintly with strands of silver blue like the crest of a wave under Moonlight his eyes once the warm Brown of the Earth had changed they were vast now endless like staring into the Open Sea he was alone but he was never truly alone The Whispers of the ocean spoke to him curling around his thoughts seeping into his dreams they called to him sang to him
promised him things he did not yet understand he dipped his fingers into the water and the ripples that spread were unnatural they shimmered with a glow that should not have been there Omari lifted his gaze the water stirred a shape moved beneath the surface then from the depths something Rose a figure her face was smooth her hair flowing like ink in the water her eyes the color of storm clouds she did not belong to this world not truly and yet here she was emerging from the deep to gaze upon the boy Omari did not
flinch the woman tilted her head studying him you hear them don’t you he said nothing she took another step the Water Rising with her you are no longer just of the land you belong to the tides now Omari finally spoke his voice softer than it had once been who are you a slow knowing smile curled her lips I am your sister the Lagoon stilled omari’s breath caught my sister is dead he said the woman smile did not fade is she a cold shiver ran down his spine and from the darkness beneath the water something shifted something stirred Omari had been
reborn into a world he did not understand but the ocean understood and it was coming for him Omari stared at the woman who had emerged from the water his heart pounding in his chest my sister is dead he had never known her never seen her but he had heard The Whispers he had heard his mother speak of the mermaid she had slain and now this woman this creature stood before him claiming to be of his blood his fingers twitched and the water beneath them rippled unnaturally he was changing he could feel it the woman
tilted her head watching him with patient Amusement you don’t believe me she murmured but you will Omari swallowed hard who are you she stepped forward the Water Rising around her caressing her form like a living thing I was taken before I could take my first breath she said softly before my song could be sung before my destiny could be fulfilled omari’s breath hitched the mermaid the one his mother had eaten the woman smiled yes little brother I am the daughter of the ocean king and you you are the child born of my stolen flesh
the water around him stirred violently as if the very sea had heard her words and responded omari’s mind reeled if that was true then what did that make him the woman reached out a slender hand come with me she said you belong to the ocean now let me show you the world beneath the waves Omari hesitated the voice in his head the voice that had been whispering to him ever since his return urged him forward but another voice fainter held him back his mother Sarah’s face flashed in his mind the desperation In Her Eyes the
love in her trembling hands when she had held him again she had fought for him given everything to bring him back would he abandon her now the woman seemed to sense his hesitation her eyes darkened slightly you cannot run from what you are Omari she took another step forward the water swirling higher the land will never accept you the sea is your true home Omari clenched his fists I don’t know what I am her lips curled into a knowing smile then let me show you the ocean pulsed beneath them waiting back in zuma King Toby’s patience had finally
snapped the ocean’s warning still echoed through the halls and the Mist had yet to fully vanish the Torches burned low their Flames flickering as if the very air was cursed he turned on sah his eyes blazing with Fury what have you done sah lifted her chin I have done what I must Toby slammed his fist against the arm of his throne you have brought a curse upon this Kingdom the ocean threatens us and you stand there as if this is a game Sarah’s lips twitched in the faintest of smiles you cannot fight the ocean Toby
the king’s nostrils flared I will not bow to it either he turned to his War counsel who had been standing uneasily in the shadows we must be prepared if the ocean comes for Zuma we will be ready the palace priest’s eyes widened in horror you cannot wage war against the gods of the sea it would be Madness Toby’s gaze was like Stone and allowing them to take what his mind would not be a murmur spread through the court the ocean had made its demand it wanted Omari would the King give him up to save the kingdom Naomi’s
voice cut through the silence if the ocean is angry because of Sarah’s Deeds then it is she who must pay the price All Eyes turned to the second Queen she sat Wally on her throne her hands folded over her swollen belly her expression calm but calculating sah smirked you think sacrificing me will save you Naomi’s lips curled into a slow smile I think the Gods Must Be repaid and if it is you they want then why should we all suffer for your sins sah tilted her head slightly as if considering you believe the ocean will take me and
simply forget the boy a tense silence followed sah took a step forward her presence commanding you are a fool Naomi the ocean does not make half Bargains it will not stop until it has everything it is owed Toby’s jaw tightened he hated her hated that she had been the cause of This Disaster but deep down he knew she was right the ocean wanted Omari and if he did not act soon it would come for everything Omari stood at the edge of the Lagoon staring into the depths his supposed sister watched him patiently her gaze
unreadable The Whispers of the sea grew louder in his head he could feel something shifting inside him a power that had always been there waiting a power that had awakened the moment he had been pulled back from Death the ocean had not let him go and now he had to make a choice stay on land and fight against what he was becoming or surrender to the Sea and become something new the water rippled at his feet his sister reached for him once more come home Omari the sea was waiting omari’s heart pounded in his chest the ocean whispered
his name wrapping around him like an invisible current pulling him toward its embrace the woman his supposed sister watched him with patient expectant eyes her outstretched hand shimmering like a mirage under the Moonlight come home the words rang in his mind not just from her lips but from the sea itself the tide lapped at his feet calling to him waiting he took a step forward then he stopped a voice softer but just as powerful Rose in his thoughts his mother Sarah’s voice was not as loud as the ocean’s call but it was filled
with something else love desperation hope he clenched his fists if I go with you he said turning his gaze to the woman in the water what will I become the woman’s lips curled into an unreadable smile you will become what you were meant to be not a prince of the land not a child child of Kings but a ruler of the deep Omari swallowed and if I refuse the woman’s expression did not change but something in the air around her grew heavier the ocean does not take rejection kindly Thunder rumbled in the distance the waves grew restless and the Lagoon
once calm Waters churned the air smelled of salt and storm a choice was being forced upon him his body felt different the changes had already begun The Whispers The Strange way the water moved when he touched it the feeling that his feet were no longer meant for dry land but there was still time he turned his back on the woman and began to walk away you cannot run from the sea little brother she called after him her voice as smooth as the rolling tide it is inside you it is you Omari didn’t turn back but as he stepped onto
Solid Ground the waves crashed violently behind him as if warning him that he had made a mistake for now he had chosen land but the ocean was patient it would come for him again back in zuma the tension in the palace was thick as storm clouds King Toby sat in the council chambers his face dark with anger the Elders of the Kingdom whispered among themselves their voices uneasy the sea will not stop until it has what it wants one of the oldest councilmen said his wrinkled hands gripping the edge of the table the boy
is marked he should be given to them Toby’s jaw clenched I will not sacrifice my son he is no longer just your son my king another Elder said cautiously he is something else now something unnatural the murmurs grew louder then naom spoke if the ocean is angry then let us be rid of the cause she said smoothly her hands resting protectively over her belly we still have a future we still have my child sah standing near the edge of the room let out a bitter laugh you truly believe giving me to the ocean will stop this she shook her head
foolish woman you do not understand the ways of the deep the ocean does not just want revenge it wants balance Naomi’s eyes flashed then let it take you instead of destroying us all sah stepped forward her presence commanding despite the danger that surrounded her the ocean will take what it is owed it will come for all of you not just me she turned her gaze to Toby you cannot fight it you cannot rule over it as you rule over this Kingdom the king face darkened I will not surrender my Throne to the Sea then you will drown with it
sah said simply the chamber fell into silence for the first time the mighty king Toby looked uncertain and Naomi sensing the shift in power clenched her hands into fists she would not let sah regain control not now not ever the next morning the first Village was swallowed the people of Zuma awoke to find the Eastern coastlines gone devoured by the ocean the waves had risen in the night creeping onto the land like silent Hunters dragging entire homes Into the Depths the air smelled of salt and despair fishermen who had set out before
Dawn never returned their boats drifted back empty torn apart by unseen hands and from the sea a voice echoed over the land return the child or the waves will rise the kingdom was thrown into chaos mothers wept for lost Sons fathers stood and stunned horror at the destruction the people turned to their King but their King had no answers and in the heart of the palace sah stood at the window watching the tides consume the land the ocean was done waiting it was coming the whales of mour filled the streets of Zuma women
clutched their children to their chests Whispering desperate prayers to the gods fishermen refused to enter the waters their boats left to rot on the shore Merchants fled Inland their carts overloaded with whatever belongings they could Salvage the kingdom was dying slowly being swallowed by The Wrath of the ocean and the people had begun to talk it started as Whispers the child must go then it became murmurs the king must choose and now it was a demand a large crowd had gathered outside the palace Gates their faces
gaunt with fear and Desperation the cries of men women and Elders rang out like a single deafening voice give the ocean what it wants save Zuma inside the Palace king Toby sat motionless on his throne staring at nothing his fingers dug into the carved wood of his seat his knuckles white the weight of a kingdom surviv rival pressed upon Him heavier than any Crown he had ever worn his son his own blood the child who had returned from Death the child whose very existence had summoned the fury of the sea could he truly give
him up a hand rested on his shoulder he looked up to find Naomi standing beside him her expression calm unreadable my king she murmured you must decide before the ocean decides for you Toby’s throat tightened was there truly a choice left sah knew what was coming she could see it in the way the guards avoided her eyes in the way the servants whispered behind her back in the way Naomi walked through the palace like a vulture circling a dying Beast she knew what they wanted they wanted her son and she would never let them have him she found
Omari in the quiet of the gardens sitting beneath the Twisted branches of the Sacred bobab tree his fingers trailed through a bowl of water he had set before him and as she approached she saw the liquid move not from the wind not from his touch but from something deeper something within him she knelt beside him gently placing her hands over his Omari she whispered he did not look at her his dark eyes were fixed on the water watching as it shifted and swirled like a living thing it calls to me he said softly the sea it wants me Sarah’s heart
clenched you are not theirs she said fiercely you are my son you belong to me Omari finally met her gaze then why do I feel like I don’t she CED his face in her hands because they are trying to steal you from me but I will not let them do you hear me Omari I will not let them a shadow passed over his face a sadness too heavy for a child to Bear what if I am meant to go Sarah’s grip tightened no the wind carried the distant sound of the Angry Crowd outside the palace walls their cries grew louder and sah knew she was running out of time that
night as the Torches burned low and the palace Halls lay shrouded in easy silence the king made his decision he could not fight the ocean he could not sacrifice his kingdom he could not let his people suffer for the sins of one woman and so as the moon reached its highest peak the guards entered Sarah’s Chambers she had been waiting the moment the door creaked open she lunged grabbing the ceremonial dagger hidden beneath her robes the first guard barely had time to react before she drove the the blade into his side the second guard
however was quicker a hand seized her wrist twisting it cruy Payne shot up her arm as the dagger clattered to the floor take her came the cold voice of the palace Commander sah struggled screamed cursed but it was useless they had come for her and worse they had come for her son as they dragged her through the Halls she saw Naomi St standing in the shadows her arms crossed over her pregnant belly the second Queen smiled Sarah’s blood boiled you she spat you did this Naomi tilted her head slightly feigning innocence the ocean must be appeased
sister sah thrashed against the guard’s grip but it was hopeless they were taking her to the Dungeons and soon they would come for Amari unless she stopped them first the moment sah was locked away the preparations began by Dawn a boat would be sent out into the Raging Sea Omari would be placed upon it and the ocean would take what it was owed King Toby stood on the palace balcony watching as the waves crashed violently against the shore the Mist had returned curling through the streets like ghostly fingers a terrible feeling settled in
his chest this was not just the Rage of the ocean this was a warning Naomi approached him from behind her voice soft and smooth you are making the right choice Toby did not respond was he or had he just sealed his Kingdom’s fate the air in the dungeon was thick with dampness the scent of rot and saltwater clinging to the stone walls sah sat on the cold ground her wrists bound her mind racing time was slipping away above her the palace bustled with preparations for Omari sacrifice she could hear the hurried footsteps of the guards the murmurs of
servants the distant Roar of the crowd outside the gates they were all waiting for the moment the king would surrender his son to the Sea she clenched her fists her nails digging into her Palms she had to get out she had to save him a soft scuffling sound made her snap her head up a small figure slipped through the Shadows moving swiftly toward her mother a whisper came Sarah’s breath caught Amina the young servant girl barely 12 Seasons old knelt beside her her wide eyes filled with fear the palace is restless she said her voice
shaking the people say the ocean will not stop until the prince is gone Sarah reached out gripping amina’s hands tightly and what do you believe Amina swallowed hard I believe you my queen she glanced toward the heavy iron door there is no time they will come for the prince before the sun rises Sarah’s heart pounded then help me please Amina hesitated then pulled a small sharp Dagger from beneath her robes I stole this from the Armory she whispered I will cut your bonds but you must go quickly Sarah’s throat tightened
with emotion this child was risking everything for her I will not forget this little one she murmured Amina sliced through the ropes and Sarah’s hands fell free ignoring the pain in her stiff limbs she forced herself to her feet there was no time for gratitude only Escape only Omari Omari sat on the floor of his Chambers staring out at the Restless sea he could feel it the pull the Whispers The Hunger the ocean had called to him all his life now it was demanding him he knew what was coming he had heard the guards Whispering outside his door he
had seen the way his father refused to meet his eyes by Sunrise he would be taken to the water he should have been afraid instead he felt calm or perhaps resigned the door creaked open and his father stepped inside the great king Toby ruler of Zuma conqueror of lands stood before him now as a man not a King For the First Time Omari saw the sorrow in his father’s face Toby knelt before his son he did not speak for a long time finally he whispered I am sorry Omari looked at him his young face unreadable are you the king
flinched would you have done this Omari continued his voice eerily calm if I were the son of your other Queen Toby’s silence was answer enough Omari turned his gaze back to the ocean then you are not sorry Toby bowed his head shame heavy in his chest I wish there was another way Omari did not look at him there always is the words cut deeper than any blade Toby Rose to his feet feeling like the lowest man in his own kingdom sleep my son but Omari did not sleep he sat awake waiting for the moment they would come for him sah moved
through the palace like a shadow slipping past the guards who had grown complacent they believed her to be locked away away they had underestimated her she reached the courtyard where the horses were kept the Moonlight glinted off the Golden Saddles of the royal steeds but she could not take one the sound of hooves would alert the guards she had to go on foot she pressed herself against the palace walls moving quickly through the pathways that led to the Eastern Wing where Omari was being kept she was nearly there when a voice
stopped her I expected you to try something like this sah spun around her breath catching Naomi the second Queen stood in her path a soft smirk playing on her lips she was draped in Royal silks her rounded belly proof of the child she carried the child she believed would be the only Heir Sarah’s fingers tightened around the hilt of her dagger move Naomi did not move you are a mother she said softly tilting her head you fight for your child she placed a hand over her stomach so do I Sarah’s jaw clenched you do not
fight you betray Naomi laughed a soft Wicked sound and you you are no different sah knew she could not waste time every second spent here was a second closer to losing Omari forever so she plunged Naomi was fast but sah was faster she grabbed the second Queen by the wrist twisting it hard Naomi gasped in pain her body jerking backward Sariah leaned in close her voice a deadly whisper if my son dies you will not live to see yours born Naomi’s eyes flashed with Fury but before she could respond sah shoved her aside and ran the door to a Mar’s
Chambers was just ahead and behind her the storm was Rising before the sun could rise the people of Zuma woke to a terrible sound the sea was screaming the waves crashed against the shores with monstrous Force surging past the beaches swallowing the lower villages in one violent Rush The Mist thickened curling around the palace like a serpent creeping through the streets sinking into the cracks of the city the ocean was inside Zuma now a great shadow Rose from the depths a figure taller than any man its glowing eyes filled
with ancient rage the ocean King had come and he had not come for one child he had come for all the palace trembled as a deep echoing voice filled the air a voice that rumbled like crashing waves ancient and terrible you have taken from me now I take from you the ocean Kings formed towered over the city his body shifting like liquid and solid all at once his eyes glowed in unnatural blue burning with an anger older than time itself with a single motion of his great hand the ocean surged forward swallowing the lower City in a monstrous wave homes
were torn from their foundations screaming villagers swept away as the water devoured everything in its path inside the Palace king Toby stood Frozen watching his kingdom drown before his eyes Naomi now pale with fear clutched her belly and turned to him you should have given the child to the Sea when you had the chance Toby’s hands clenched into fists there is still time but Naomi only shook her head no the sea does not bargain it only takes a deafening crack split the air as another surge of water smashed through the palace Gates the
ocean was inside inside the Royal Halls now there would be no running the ocean King took a step forward and with each movement the tides Abey his command bring me the boy his voice shook the heavens and then the great doors of the Eastern Wing burst open sah ran into the throne room her robe soaked from the rising Waters her hair wild her dagger clutched tightly in her hand and behind her Omari the boy Stood Beside his mother his dark eyes locked onto the Towering figure outside and for the first time the ocean
King hesitated Omari did not cower he did not hide instead he took a step forward toward the god of the sea and he spoke the throne room fell silent even the crashing waves seemed to pause as the boy faced the ocean King omari’s voice was quiet but it carried through the air like an unshakable current why must I die for the sins of others the ocean King’s glowing eyes narrowed you are born of stolen blood he said your life belongs to the Sea Omari did not flinch did I take it the god did not answer Omari stepped closer did I kill your
daughter sah gasped reaching for him but the boy did not stop he walked until he stood at the very edge of the flooded throne room where the water lapped at his feet she begged for her life the ocean King growled his voice a thunderous wave she pleaded for mercy and yet she was slain omari’s gaze flickered toward his mother sah lowered her head her face filled with grief but she did not deny it the truth hung between them like a noose the boy turned back to the gu God then take the one who killed her a gasp echoed through the room Sarah’s eyes
widened Omari no Omari lifted a hand silencing her you want Vengeance don’t you he said his voice steady then take the one who spilled your daughter’s blood the ocean kingk expression Twisted with Fury you would offer your own mother omari’s hands curled into FS I offer fairness a murmur ran through the watching Nobles the boy was bargaining with a god Toby took a slow step forward his voice was hoarse he is just a child Omari turned toward him his eyes dark as the ocean’s depths but you were not the words struck the king like a
blow Omari looked back at the ocean King you came for me because I was born of stolen magic but she he pointed at Sariah is the one who made the bargain she is the one who spilled innocent blood the ocean King considered the boy for a long moment his massive form shifted the water stirring in anticipation and then he spoke if the mother is given he rumbled the child shall live the room fell into chaos no Sarah’s voice cut through the air she pulled Omari behind her shielding him with her body if I die who will protect him Toby took a sharp
breath he had never seen sah plead for anything before omari’s small hand clutched the back of her robe mother she turned kneeling before him cupping his face in her trembling hands I will not let you die she whispered I will not let them take you tears welled in omari’s eyes but he shook his head then I will go with you her heart shattered a massive wave crashed against the palace shaking the walls the ocean King was losing patience decide Sarah looked up at the God then back at her son and she knew there was
no choice at all she Rose to her feet and turned to face the ocean King her fate had been sealed the moment she killed his daughter then take me she said her voice strong Toby surged forward Sarah no she turned to him her expression unreadable you should have fought for him she said simply but you did not her words cut deeper than any blade she turned back to Omari her hands brushed over his face One Last Time live my son and before anyone could stop her sah stepped into the water the ocean roared as the waves pulled sah under the last
thing she saw was omari’s face his tears mixing with the seawater that swallowed her whole for a moment there was only silence then the ocean King lifted his hand and the great tide that had risen over Zuma stopped the city the palace the people all Frozen in that single breathless moment then the waves receded the Mist unraveled the howling wind softened into a whisper the palace though flooded and broken still stood and Omari Omari still stood the ocean King turned his gaze upon the boy and for the first time
there was something in his glowing eyes that was not rage something that almost resembled respect she paid the price he said and so you shall live and then just as suddenly as he had come the ocean King was gone the storm ceased the ocean stilled and the people of Zuma drenched and trembling realized they had survived but at what cost Omari stood at the edge of the water his small hands clenched at his sides his mother was gone his father had betrayed them both and the ocean the ocean I had won but in its Victory it
had left behind something else something far more dangerous a boy who had faced the wrath of a God and lived the air was thick with the scent of salt and ruin the palace Once A Mighty Fortress now stood broken soaked in ocean water in the cries of its people Omari did not move he stood at the edge of the Great Hall staring at the retreating waves somewhere bene them his mother lay in the cold dark depths dead a single tear rolled down his cheek lost in the water that dripped from his soaked skin he did not SOB he did not wail but
inside his chest something heavy Twisted turning his sorrow into something else something dangerous behind him voices Rose in fearful murmurs the ocean King has spared us but at what cost lost the boy is he still cursed King Toby finally stepped forward his robes drenched his face pale he had survived just barely the weight of what had just happened pressed down on him but his gaze remained fixed on his son Omari turned their eyes met for the first time Toby saw something in his son that frightened him not the face of a
child not the boy who had once clung to to his mother’s robes Omari looked at him as if he were nothing as if he were a stranger Toby swallowed hard come my son but Omari did not move his voice when he spoke was quiet but sharp as a blade I am not your son the words struck Toby harder than the waves had a hush fell over the Nobles the servants the soldiers the prince the child for whom a mother had died had just rejected his own father and in the silence Naomi stepped forward she was still holding her belly the child inside her kicking wildly as
if sensing the storm in the air Omari she said carefully her voice laced with a sweetness that did not reach her eyes you are upset but the sea has left you that means you are free you are still the prince of Zuma the air Omari turned to her for a moment he said nothing then his lips curled into something that was almost a smile but it held no warmth the air he echoed softly Naomi hesitated yes you are the firstborn omari’s smile faded his gaze dropped to her stomach no he murmured I am not Naomi stiffened Toby stepped closer
Omari listen to but Omari was already turning away the boy walked step by step toward the open Palace doors toward the drowned City and no one stopped him because For the First Time In Zuma’s long history no one knew what this child had become the storm had passed but the city of Zuma would never be the same fishermen pulled bodies from the streets women wept for husbands lost to the waves the temple drums once symbols of strength and power now beat with the sorrow of the fallen and the people whispered they whispered about the boy
the sea should have taken him he stood before a God and did not bow he is cursed Omari walked through the ruin streets his bare feet sinking into the wet sand the water had retreated but it had left behind wreckage broken homes and shattered lives some villagers watched him pass their faces Twisted with fear others averted their eyes no one reached for him no one called his name at last he reached the edge of the city where the great cliffs met the ocean he stood at the very edge looking down at the Raging Sea below the waters
churned dark and Restless he could feel it a connection he did not understand then from the depths a voice Rose you still hear me omari’s breath caught his small hands clenched at his sides the voice was not loud it did not shake the skies or threaten destruction it was soft it was steady it came from the water and yet it came from within him too he did not answer but he did not turn away because he knew deep in his bones that the ocean had not let him go it had only begun back in the palace Naomi sat in her Chambers her hands resting on her
belly the child inside her had settled but the unease in her heart had not she had seen the look in omari’s eyes that boy is not a prince he is something else and she would not let him take her child’s place a soft knock sounded at the door enter she called the door creaked open and a hooded figure slipped inside is it done Naomi whispered the figure lowered their Hood revealing an old woman with as sharp as a hawks the Royal healer a woman who knew many things including the art of poisons she held out a small vial a
liquid as clear as water swirled inside Naomi took it carefully her fingers trembling one drop the Healer murmured and the ocean’s Mark will be no more Naomi exhaled she had made her decision the prince would not live to see the sunrise because Zuma did not need a cursed air it needed a king the halls of the palace were eerily silent that night the storm had left the kingdom shaken and grief hung thick in the air but in the shadows another storm brewed one unseen one whispered behind closed doors Naomi stood in the Royal Kitchen
watching the servants prepare the evening meal her fingers tightened around the small vial hidden in her robes just one drop she glanced around the cooks bustled about stirring pots slicing fresh fruit roasting meat over open Flames then she saw it the golden goblin Omari she moved swiftly when no one was looking she uncored the vial and let a single drop slip into the prince’s drink the liquid was clear tasteless no one would ever suspect by the time the cup reached him it would be too late she turned smoothing her
expression no one had seen her but as she walked back to her Chambers she could still hear the Healer words in her mind one drop and the ocean’s Mark will be no more she exhaled slowly it had to be done Omari sat alone in the Grand Dining Hall the room was too large for just one child the empty seats made it feel even colder once his mother had sat beside him her warmth a shield against the loneliness but now there was no one no one except the ghosts of the past a servant placed the Golden Goblet before him your drink my prince Omari
did not speak he only nodded his fingers brushed the rim of the cup he should have felt thirsty exhausted but something felt off a ripple ran through his veins something foreign something unseen and then he heard it again the voice do not drink omari’s eyes widened his fingers froze the ocean was speaking to him his heart pounded he looked around the room but there was no one there just the flickering torches and the heavy Silence of the palace slowly he lowered the cup he did not drink instead he sat in the quiet
listening and the voice came again they want you dead a a chill ran down his spine for the first time Omari realized the truth he was not safe in this Palace and the true enemy was not the ocean it was the ones who called themselves his family Naomi waited she sat in her Chambers hands folded in her lap her breath shallow any moment now a servant would come rushing in with the news the prince was dead the ocean’s curse had been broken but the minute stretched nothing came a single knock on her door made her heart leap she stood
quickly smoothing her robes yes the door opened and a palace guard stepped in his expression was unreadable the prince he said Naomi forced a calm nod yes he did not drink the poison Naomi’s stomach turned to ice what he left the dining hall untouched he has retired to his Chambers her hands clenched into fists how the poison was undetectable there was no reason for him to suspect anything unless she swallowed hard unless something was protecting him something greater than she had anticipated Omari sat on the floor of
his Chambers staring at the untouched goblet in his hands the voice in his head had saved him but it had done more than that it had changed something inside him he could feel it now the pull of the water he turned to the large clay Basin in the corner of his room filled with fresh water for washing slowly cautiously he reached out a hand the water stirred his breath caught he moved his fingers slightly and the water moved with him omari’s eyes widened his heart pounded he had always felt the ocean’s presence but now it was
inside him this was not just a mark it was a power and if Naomi thought she could kill him she had made one mistake she had left him alive long enough to become something greater morning came with Whispers The Noble spoke of the storm of the deaths of the ocean King’s Wrath but another rumor had begun to spread one that sent chills down their spines the prince had survived Omari walked through the halls of the palace head held high servants flinched as he passed guards stepped aside even the Nobles averted their eyes
because they had all expected him to die and yet he was still here still breathing still watching and he knew now Beyond any doubt this kingdom was not his home it was his prison but soon very soon it would become his kingdom or it would fall the night air was thick with tension Beyond The Palace walls the waves crashed against the shores their Rhythm uneven Restless like an angry heartbeat inside the Great Hall King Toby sat upon his throne deep in thought the Torches flickered casting Long Shadows across his face around him his
Council murmured among themselves their voices laced with unease the ocean spared the boy one of the elders muttered shaking his head this is a bad Omen a curse another added he should not be alive King Toby remained silent his jaw tight he had seen the way Omari looked at him not as a son not even as a prince as an enemy finally he raised a hand silencing the murmurs the child is my blood he said though the words felt empty even as he spoke them he will be watched closely he will not act against this Kingdom but even as he said it doubt
curled in his chest Naomi sat at his side her fingers lightly caressing the armrest of her seat she did not speak she did not need to because she knew something the others did not Omari had not died which meant she had underestimated him and that was something she would not do again Omari stood on the palace balcony staring out at the dark waves below he could hear them now not just crashing against the shore but speaking a voice low and commanding echoed in his mind you are not safe here he closed his eyes he knew it was true his mother was gone
his father no longer saw him as a son Naomi wanted him dead and now the ocean itself was calling him slowly he lifted his hand Palm facing the sky a gust of wind stirred around him in the distance the waves Rose ever so slightly answering his unspoken call he exhaled sharply this power whatever it was was growing stronger but what did it mean would he become like the ocean King bending the waters to his will or was he merely upon Pawn in a game far greater than himself behind him a voice cut through the silence you felt it didn’t you Omari
turned sharply standing in the shadows of the balcony entrance was an old woman the Royal healer the same woman who had given Naomi the poison meant to kill him he stiffened what do you want the woman stepped forward her sharp eyes gleaming I came to see if the rumors were true she murmured that the ocean did not just spare you but that it has claimed you omari’s fingers curled into fists you tried to kill me the Healer smiled a slow knowing smile I did as the queen asked but I also knew something she did not Omari
frowned what the Healer leaned in slightly lowering her voice the ocean never lets go of what belongs to it a chill ran down omari’s spine belongs to it the Healer straightened studying him you have two choices boy stay here and wait for the palace to destroy you her gaze flickered toward the sea or answer the call of the water omari’s breath quickened could he really leave would the ocean take him or would it swallow him whole he had no answers but deep inside he knew one thing if he stayed he would not live long enough to ask Naomi
paced in her Chambers her frustration boiling beneath her skin Omari was still alive and worse he was changing the way he carried himself the way the servants whispered about him he was no longer just a boy he was becoming something else a threat her hands pressed against her belly feeling the steady kick of her unborn child her child the true Heir the rightful future of Zuma Omari had to go she would not fail again and this time she would not rely on poison she would use something much deadlier the king’s own hands the next
morning Omari awoke to the sound of hurried footsteps outside his chamber he sat up quickly heart pounding something was wrong a sharp knock rattled his door Prince Omari a guard’s voice called the king demands your presence Omari hesitated the summons felt different this time the air was too still the palace too quiet had the time come had Naomi finally turned his father against him he rose from his bed and stepped toward the door as soon as he opened it two guards grabbed his arms Omari tensed what is this the king will speak
with you in the Hall of judgment the guard said coldly the Hall of judgment omari’s blood ran cold that was where criminals were sentenced not princes not airs his heart pounded but he said nothing as they led him down the long corridors of the palace servants turned away as he passed he could see fear in their eyes not fear for him fear of him they knew something had changed when the Great doors to the hall of Jud judement opened Omari was shoved inside his father sat upon his throne his face dark with anger around him the
Nobles whispered Naomi sat at his side her hands resting on her swollen belly her expression carefully neutral but her eyes her eyes held Victory Omari clenched his jaw she had done it she had finally convinced the king to turn against his own son King Toby’s voice was like thunder in the hall Prince Omari he said his tone heavy you stand before this court accused of treason Omari barely kept his expression neutral treason the Nobles murmured King Toby’s fingers tightened on his throne the ocean has marked you
and now there are Whispers that you have embraced its curse Omari felt every pair of eyes on him watching judging Naomi had done more than accuse him she had turned the entire Kingdom against him I have done no such thing Omari said his voice steady I have always been loyal to Zuma Naomi spoke then her voice smooth like honey and yet the ocean protects you the storm that drowned City spared only you the night you were meant to die you did not drink your wine why Omari forced himself to remain calm because I knew it was
poisoned gasps filled the room the Nobles turned to look at Naomi King Toby’s eyes darkened poison Naomi’s expression did not change a convenient lie who would dare poison a prince Omari took a step forward you would Naomi’s eyes narrowed and what proof do you have of such a claim Omari had none but the truth did not need proof it only needed belief and right now belief was against him King Toby’s voice cut through the Whispers enough he said Omari you have always been my son but I cannot ignore what is before me omari’s hands clenched
into fists what was before him a frightened Court a kingdom drowning in fear a father too blind to see he was being played Omari swallowed the bitterness in his throat and what is My Punishment King Toby hesitated his jaw was tight his eyes conflicted but Naomi spoke before he could answer he must be exiled the words echoed in the hall King Toby turned sharply toward her Exile Naomi nodded her voice soft but firm if the ocean has truly marked him then let the ocean take him a hush fell over the room and Omari understood they were sending him to Die
the guards escorted Omari to his Chambers giving him one final night within the palace before his Exile one final night to prepare for a fate he could not Escape he sat by the window staring out at the ocean the waves moved restlessly whispering to him calling him for the first time he considered answering a quiet knock pulled him from his thoughts when he turned he expected to see a guard but it was the Healer the same woman who had tried to poison him omari’s eyes narrowed what do you want the Healer stepped forward her face unre readable
you do not belong here anymore Prince Omari I know she hesitated then in a voice barely above a whisper she said that is why I have come to help you omari’s eyes flickered with suspicion why the Healer knelt before him her voice urgent because I have seen your fate child and I know this if you die Zuma dies with you but the words sent a chill through him die Zuma what did she mean the Healer pulled a small pouch from her robes and pressed it into his hand take this it will help you survive the journey to the ocean
Omari hesitated before taking it the pouch felt warm alive the Healer met his gaze and when the ocean calls you do not run then without another word she turned and left Omari stared at the pouch in his hands his fate had been decided but was Exile truly his end or was it only the beginning the morning of omari’s Exile arrived with an eerie Stillness No Birds Sang no wind stirred the palm trees even the ocean which had raged for days now lay quiet as if watching a crowd gathered at the Palace Gates there faces a mix of curiosity and
unease the people of Zuma had whispered of this day since the night the ocean spared him some believed the prince carried a great curse others believed the sea would take him back dragging him into its depths as punishment for his mother’s crime King Toby sat upon his Golden Throne silent and Grim Naomi Stood Beside him her hands gently resting on her swollen belly she had one the future of Zuma now belonged to her unborn child the guards pushed Omari forward his hands were bound with thick rope though he did not resist he had
already accepted that there was no escape from this a deep voice broke the silence my son Omari turned to face his father King Toby’s gaze was Heavy lined with something that almost looked like regret but it was too late for regret now I give you one last chance the king said swear loyalty to me renounce whatever power the ocean has given you and I will spare you from this fate omari’s heart pounded swear loyalty to a father who had turned his back on him to a kingdom that wanted him dead his voice was steady when he
answered I have always been loyal to Zuma he lifted his chin but Zuma has never been loyal to me gasps rippled through the crowd King Toby’s jaw tightened but he said nothing Naomi however smiled that was all the confirmation she needed she turned to the guards take him to the shores she ordered Let the Ocean decide his fate Omari held his head high as the guards shoved him forward he was no longer a prince he was no longer the air to Zuma but deep inside he knew his story was far from Over the path to the shore was long
winding through the outskirts of the city the people of Zuma lined the streets watching as the Fallen Prince was dragged toward his fate some whispered prayers others turned away unwilling to meet his gaze but a few a few looked at him with something else hope they knew what Naomi did not the ocean did not kill him that night which meant it had a purpose for him by the time they reached the shore the sun was high in the sky the tide stretched far the waves licking at the sand as if eager to claim him the guards stopped at the water’s edge this
is where we leave you one said Omari looked at the endless Horizon for the first time doubt crept into his mind what if the ocean had had no place for him what if it simply swallowed him whole a sharp pain shot through his palm he looked down remembering the small pouch the Healer had given him and when the ocean calls you do not run slowly he untied the pouch inside was a small shell smooth and glowing faintly he ran his fingers over it the moment he did a voice echoed in his mind You Are Not Alone Omari inhaled
sharply the ocean was speaking to him and this time he was ready to answer with one last look at the Kingdom that had cast him out Omari stepped into the water the waves rushed forward wrapping around him then without warning the sea pulled him under the people on the shore gasped some screamed others turned and fled unwilling to watch what they believed was a Prince’s final breath but Omari did not struggle he did not fight he let the ocean take him and as the water swallowed him whole A New Journey began Darkness swallowed Omari as the ocean
dragged him beneath the waves the water pressed against his skin heavy and endless he held his breath waiting for the crushing weight of the sea to consume him but something strange happened the the water was warm not cold and merciless like he had expected instead it wrapped around him like an Embrace as if the sea itself recognized him his lungs burned he needed air Panic gripped his chest but then a voice soft as a whisper deep as the ocean floor breathe child of the stolen heart omari’s instincts screamed at him to
hold on but the voice it was undeniable so he obeyed he opened his mouth water rushed in and instead of drowning he breathed the ocean filled his lungs but it did not kill him it fed him it became part of him his eyes fluttered open and he gasped he could see not with the blurry confusion of a drowning man but with clarity the ocean was alive around him schools of fish swirled in spirals of silver and gold luminescent plants swayed with the currents the seabed stretched endlessly deeper than he had ever imagined and before him stood something
ancient something powerful a figure loomed in the water its body shifting like the tide its face was neither men nor beast but something between its eyes deep black and endless bore into him Omari knew who this was before it even spoke the ocean King the father of the mermaid his mother had slain the ruler of the very Waters that now cradled Omari and the being who had waited 18 years to claim him Omari hovered in the water Frozen beneath the ocean King’s gaze he did not speak he did not move the water itself seemed to
pulse with the ruler’s breath the currents rising and falling with each shift of his massive form you have come at last the ocean King rumbled his voice vibrating through the water like a distant storm the child born of betrayal Omari clenched his fists I did not ask to be born the ocean King’s dark eyes narrowed and yet here you are a wave of power surged through the water wrapping around Omari like invisible hands he felt his body stiffen held in place by forces Beyond his control the ocean King swam closer do you know what was
stolen from me Omari swallowed hard your daughter the water trembled the ocean King’s voice darkened say her name Omari hesitated he had never known it his mother had never spoken it she had only ever called her her the mermaid the ocean King’s silence was Heavy then with the force of a crashing wave he spoke her name was seu seu Omari felt the name settle in his bones it was a name filled with sorrow with Rage with power the name of the sister he never knew you want revenge Omari said you want to take me in her place
the ocean King’s gaze bore into him do you think your life is worth hers Omari did not answer because the truth was it wasn’t nothing could ever replace a life stolen nothing could ever erase what his mother had done but Omari was not his mother and if the ocean wanted Vengeance then he would not fight it he lifted his chin if my life will bring you peace then take it silence the current stilled the water around him hushed waiting for the ocean King’s judgment and then the great ruler laughed a deep rolling sound that made
the sea itself tremble omari’s stomach Twisted this was not the laughter of a men amused this was the laughter of a God who had waited too long for this moment foolish child the ocean King murmured did you think it would be so simple a current surged forward wrapping around Omari like a noose death is too kind of Fate for you Omari struggled but the ocean was Stronger the ocean King leaned close his voice like a whispering tide you are my prisoner now then with a single flick of his hand Omari was dragged into the abyss omari’s World
turned into a blur of Rushing Water as the ocean dragged him deeper he twisted struggling against the Unseen force that bound him but it was like trying to fight the tide itself the pressure grew heavier pressing against his chest his bones his very Soul he was no longer falling he was being claimed dark shapes loomed ahead towering Coral structures that pulsed with an eerie blue glow strange creatures slithered through the Shadows their eyes glinting like stolen pearls Omar had never seen this part of the ocean
before this was no ordinary sea this was a place of forgotten things and at its Center stood a fortress carved from Black Stone its walls covered in ancient symbols that glowed faintly in the dim light a city of the deep Untouched by the world above the ocean kingk voice echoed through the waters welcome to the abyss child of the stolen heart Omari was yanked forward pulled through a Grand Archway into a vast Hall giant columns Rose toward the surface disappearing into the endless dark schools of fish darted away as he
was thrown onto a Cold Stone floor the current released him for a moment he simply lay there catching his breath his heart hammering in his chest then slowly he pushed himself up he was not alone figures stood in the shadows watching him some had the bodies of men but the eyes of fish others had tails like eels their skin glowing faintly they whispered among themselves in a language he could not understand Omari turned his gaze back to the ocean King who loomed above him like a storm waiting to break why bring me here Omari
asked if not for death then what the ocean kingk dark eyes studied him you misunderstand child his voice rumbled like distant Thunder death would be a mercy but Mercy is not what you deserve he raised a hand the water around Omari tightened a sharp pain shot through his chest his lungs burning as if they were being squeezed from the inside he gasped clutching his ribs but there was no air to take in only the crushing weight of the ocean’s wrath the ocean King stepped closer your mother stole a life from me his voice was calm
but the water trembled with his Fury she took my daughter seph you and so I will take something from her Omari clenched his jaw I am not hers to give the ocean kingk lips curled in something between amusement and Scorn no you are not but that does not change the blood in your veins he lifted his arm and the symbols carved into to the walls of the Fortress began to Glow brighter the water shifted the air felt thick with something ancient something powerful omari’s skin burned a force unraveled inside him twisting through
his limbs like Vines his breath hitched his heartbeat thundered in his ears then a voice whispered in his mind do not resist it was not the ocean King’s voice it was softer familiar like a song he had once known but forgotten for a moment he thought he saw her a flicker of silver hair a pair of deep sorrowful eyes seu then the pain struck him like a wave crashing against the shore he cried out his body arching as something Broke Free inside him the water around him exploded The Fortress Shook and Omari Omari was no longer the same when the
pain finally eased Omari collapsed onto the stone floor gasping his body felt different stronger lighter changed he slowly pushed himself up his hands trembling that was when he saw it his skin it was no longer the Deep Brown of his mother’s people it shimmered now faintly like the scales of a fish catching the light he turned his hands over horrified his nails were sharper his fingers felt longer webbed slightly at the edges he looked up at the ocean King whose expression was unreadable what have you done to me the
ruler of the sea watched him for a long moment before speaking I have returned what was stolen omari’s heart pounded what does that mean the ocean King stepped forward his presence overwhelming you are no longer just your mother’s son his dark eyes gleamed you are of the ocean now omari’s breath caught in his throat he turned his gaze to the water to his own reflection and what stared back was no longer just a prince of Zuma it was something else entirely Omari could not move he could not look away from his Reflection from
the shimmering unnatural Sheen of his own skin his fingers trembled as he traced the faint iridescent glow that now coated his arms the webbing between his fingers was barely visible but it was there this was not a trick of the water this was real no he whispered this isn’t me the ocean King remained silent his gaze heavy with the weight of judgment around them the Fortress trembled as if the very sea itself had stirred at omari’s Awakening the murmurs of the gathered sea dwellers Rose like the rolling tide some whispered in awe
others in fear Omari clenched his fists you had no right the ocean King’s eyes gleamed did your mother have the right when she carved the heart for my daughter’s chest Omari flinched the words cut deep I am not my mother he said voice tight I never asked for this I never asked for any of this the ocean King tilted his head and yet the blood in your veins tells a different story Omari shook his head violently stepping back his breath coming in Shallow gasps the water around him felt different now more alive like it pulsed
with a heartbeat that was not his own it whispered to him it called to him the ocean King stepped forward you have been bound to the Sea since the moment of your birth the moment your mother consumed seph’s heart the moment she stole what was never hers to take omari’s stomach Twisted seph’s heart his mother had eaten it that magic had made him possible and now now the ocean had taken back its claim his body belonged to the Sea his mind rebelled against the thought but his Soul his soul knew the truth a shudder ran through him what do you want
from me the ocean King’s expression remained unreadable what do you think Omari swallowed the lump in his throat the ocean King had not bound him here for no reason there was a purpose to all of this a purpose Omari feared he already knew you want me to serve you he said voice barely above a whisper the ocean King watched him closely I want you to understand Omari frowned understand what the ocean King raised a hand and the ocean answered the Fortress melted away the Deep crushing Waters parted revealing a vision in the
currents omari’s eyes widened as he saw Zuma his home or at least what was left of it the Golden City once so proud was drowning streets once filled with music and laughter were now flooded waves crashing over rooftops pulling homes into the abyss the Grand Palace where his father ruled stood battered against the tide soldiers stood at the gates their Spears raised in defiance but the sea was merciless the ocean had come for them the ocean had come for him omari’s breath hitched no he whispered his people people his father his brother the
ocean King’s voice was calm you were given to the Sea the moment your mother sinned against it but your people stood by and watched they did nothing and now the debt must be paid Omari shook his head violently this isn’t Justice this is this is Slaughter the ocean kingk gaze did not waver do you think the gods care for fairness do you think the ocean has a heart that can forgive Omari gritted his teeth he could feel the ocean’s Fury the way it pulsed through his veins the way it echoed in his bones he was part of it now but he
was also Zuma’s Prince the son of a queen the blood of a kingdom he could not let this happen his people were Not Innocent but neither were they monsters and his brother the king’s Second Son the one who had been born without magic without a curse he had done nothing wrong Omari clenched his fists there has to be another way the ocean King’s dark eyes flickered with something unreadable then find it a sudden Force struck omari’s chest and the world spun the Fortress the abyss the murmuring sea dwellers everything shattered and Omari
was falling falling falling back to Zuma Omari awoke to the sound of Screams he gasped his lungs suddenly empty no longer filled with the Sea’s breath the air felt wrong against his skin too dry too heavy he coughed violently rolling onto his side as the world around him spun sand he was lying on Sand the salty scent of the ocean filled his nose but it was not the welcoming scent of home it was thick with rot with ruin with death he pushed himself up his arms shaking beneath him and then he saw it Zuma or what was left of it the once
proud city was half submerged entire districts swallowed by the ocean’s wrath the Grand Marketplace where Traders from distant lands once gathered was gone the temples where Elders prayed to the gods for wisdom lay broken and in the distance on the steps of the palace stood his father King Toby a sword in his grip his golden robes drenched in seawater and blood and At His Feet omari’s breath caught in his throat his brother the Young Prince lay motionless his chest barely Rising with breath and standing above him was
Naomi the king’s second Queen the one who had always hated Omari she held a dagger in her hand and when she turned to look at Omari her eyes burned with Triumph she had been waiting for him omari’s breath caught in his throat as he locked eyes with Queen Naomi she stood over his brother’s still form her dagger gleaming in the flickering torch light the sea rage had not yet swallowed the palace but it had marked it the grand pillars once unshakable were cracked the steps were slick with seawater and the sound of
distant screams echoed through the city but Naomi stood tall Untouched by the ruin around her her lips curled into a slow deliberate smile so the ocean decided to return you after all Omari barely heard her his gaze was fixed on the frail boy at her feet his younger brother Kato the trueborn son of King Toby and the only Prince Untouched by dark magic Ko’s small chest barely moved his eyes were half closed his skin pale omari’s hands clenched into fists what have you done to him Naomi tilted her head me she let out a soft
laugh oh Omari I did nothing to your brother that the ocean would not have done itself the gods are simply correcting their mistake she nudged Ko’s body with her foot the boy let out a weak gasp Omari saw red step away from him his voice was low dangerous unfamiliar even to himself Naomi’s smile widened and if I don’t the air around Omari shifted something deep within him stirred the ocean it was still inside him flowing through his veins whispering in his mind waiting his his fingers twitched Naomi’s smile faltered just for a moment she
sees it she feels it too she knows what I am now King Toby who had stood Frozen until now finally spoke his voice was horse broken Omari Omari turned to him his father looked older than he had ever seen him his once proud posture was slumped his Royal robes were torn soaked in seawater and blood and his eyes asterisk asterisk those Fierce unshakable eyes that had once ruled Zuma with strength and wisdom asterisk asterisk were filled with something Omari had never seen before fear not fear of Naomi not fear of the storm fear of him
omari’s stomach Twisted father but before he could say another word Naomi moved like a serpent striking she lunged forward dagger aimed at Ko’s throat Omari reacted the ocean inside him answered with a single breath the air shifted and then the water Rose from the cracked Palace Steps From the flooded streets below from the very air itself water rushed forward a wave of shimmering unnatural blue crashed between Naomi and KO slamming into the Queen’s body body with impossible Force she screamed the dagger flew from her hand
she tumbled backward hitting the stone hard gasping as the water coiled around her wrists like living chains Omari barely realized what he had done the power had moved through him like a second heartbeat effortless instinctive Naomi’s body was now bound to the Palace floor held fast by tendrils of seawater that refused to Let Her Go she gasped for air eyes wide with shock then rage you she choked you wretched sea child you dare Omari took a slow step forward the ocean in his blood pulsed give me one reason why I shouldn’t drown
you where you stand for the first time Naomi’s confidence wavered for the first time she felt small Omari stood over Naomi his breathing heavy his body still still humming with the remnants of his power he could end this right here right now one thought one command and the ocean would take her she had always despised him had always plotted against him she had hated his mother had rejoiced when she had fallen from Grace she had used his father’s love as a shield and had waited for her moment to strike and here she was trapped
helpless at his Mercy she had wanted to kill his brother and now now he had the power to stop her forever the water tightened around her throat she coughed her lips parting in a strangled gasp Omari barely registered the movement his hands were outstretched as if pulling invisible strings his fingers trembled not with fear but with power he could feel the ocean’s hunger it wanted her it wanted revenge and for a moment he wanted to give it Omari his father’s voice Omari flinched his gaze snapping toward King Toby the Old King stared at him his
expression unreadable Let Her Go omari’s chest Rose and fell with heavy breaths his heart thundered his father still looked afraid of him but there was something else in his eyes too a test a challenge what kind of Prince Will You Be Omari looked down at Naomi again she was gasping now struggling against the water’s hold but she could not break free her once perfect composure was shattered and for the first time she was afraid omari’s fingers curled the ocean waited one word One thought and she drowns but then a weak cough a small
trembling voice brother omari’s head snapped toward Kato the boy was awake barely his dark eyes fluttered open unfocused filled with pain but he was alive alive Omari let out a shuddering breath breath then he released the water the tendrils unraveled the ocean retreated Naomi collapsed coughing violently her body shaking she stared at Omari with wide hateful eyes but she did not speak she had lost Omari turned away from her he knelt beside his brother carefully lifting him into his arms Ko’s body was light too light too fragile he let out a
soft pained breath barely able to keep his eyes open Omari held him close he had saved him and in doing so he had made his choice he was not his mother he was not a monster he was Zuma’s Prince and the ocean’s Fury would not decide his fate Omari held his brother close his heart still pounding from the power he had just wielded the ocean had answered him without hesitation bending to his will like an obedient servant but it was no servant he could feel it still whispering to him urging him it was not satisfied the storm outside raged on and
the waters continued to rise the palace walls groaned under the weight of the ocean’s Fury Zumo was still drowning this isn’t over King Toby staggered forward placing a shaking hand on omari’s shoulder we must leave this place he said his voice horse the city it won’t survive much longer Omari looked around the Grand Palace the heart of Zuma’s power was crumbling the marble pillars were cracked water gushing through the broken floors the once Golden Throne Room was now a ruin its beauty lost to the Wrath of the sea Omari swallowed hard the
ocean is coming from me he knew it everyone in this Palace had stood silent as his mother slaughtered the mermaid the ocean King wanted more than a single life in return he wanted judgment and if Omari didn’t do something soon Zuma would be swallowed whole father Omari said urgently take KO and go King Toby frowned what are you talking about we must all leave no omari’s voice was firm he looked at the king the men who had raised him who had once shunned him who had now seen what he was truly capable of this storm it’s not just any storm it
won’t stop until the ocean King has what he wants the old King’s expression darkened he already knew and what does he want Omari took a deep breath me the words felt heavy on his tongue but he knew they were true King Toby shook his head no Omari met his father’s eyes you can’t stop this Naomi still coughing let out a low bitter laugh from the floor so the ocean finally calls for its child she wiped blood from her mouth looking up at him with hatred perhaps it should have taken you from the start Omari ignored her his mind was
racing if the ocean King want him then running wasn’t an option I have to go to him but how the ocean was everywhere now but it was wild Untamed if he went into those Waters unprepared he wouldn’t survive unless Omari turned to his father again the temple King Toby frowned what the Temple of yema Omari said the sacred pool there it’s the only place place where the ocean’s voice can be heard clearly if I go there I can speak to the ocean King directly I can reason with him King Toby hesitated that Temple was abandoned long
ago no one knows if yema still listens Omari clenched his fists then I’ll make her listen for a long moment there was only the sound of the storm then finally King Toby gave a slow nod go his voice was heavy but if you do not return know that you were always my son omari’s breath caught in his throat it was the first time his father had ever spoken those words so openly but there was no time to dwell on it Omari turned stepping away from his father and brother leaving behind the ruins of the palace the storm hauled around him but
he didn’t stop the ocean was calling and he was ready to answer the streets of Zuma were nearly unrecognizable flood waters filled the narrow Pathways the once bustling Market Streets now eerily empty boats that had been tied at the Docks now drifted freely some smashed against the remains of buildings bodies some human some animal floated in the water a grim reminder of the ocean’s wrath Omari pushed forward his feet barely touching the ground as he moved with unnatural speed the ocean’s power was coursing through him guiding him the Temple of
yema was outside the main city nestled within the sacred Hills it had been abandoned for years ever since the gods had grown silent but Omari had no choice he had to believe by the time he reached the base of the hills the storm was even worse rain lashed at his face and the ground trembled beneath him the ocean was angry Omari forced himself forward climbing the Rocky Steps his muscles burning with exhaustion the sacred pool lay at the very top hidden within the Temple’s ruined walls as he reached the entrance he
hesitated if I step inside there’s no turning back he swallowed his fear and then he entered the sacred pool was Untouched by the storm it lay in the center of the temple ruins glowing with an eerie blue light the water was still too still it was waiting Omari stepped forward his reflection wavered beneath him he took a deep breath then he spoke ocean King I know you can hear me his voice echoed through the temple silence omari’s hands clenched into fists you’ve taken enough Zuma is drowning my people are dying I won’t let
this continue the water rippled then a voice you speak as if you have power over me child the words did not come from the water they came from everywhere the walls trembled the air grew heavy and the water in the pool began to rise a shape emerged tall shadowed ancient the ocean King his body was made of water his form shifting like the waves his eyes glowed like the deepest part of the sea and when he spoke his voice was both beautiful and terrible your mother took what was not hers she spilled Royal Blood beneath my
waves Omari swallowed hard I know and she paid the price the ocean King’s eyes narrowed Ro yet the curse remains and the ocean does not forget Omari met his gaze then take me but spare Zuma a long silence the ocean King studied him his shifting form unreadable then at last he spoke a sacrifice must be made the temple trembled the pool darkened Omari felt a terrible weight press against his chest the ocean will take what it is owed the only question is what will you offer omari’s heart pounded he had come here to save Zuma
but now he had to decide what price he was willing to pay omari’s breath came in Shallow gasps as the ocean King’s words hung in the air the temple around him groaned as if the very Stones understood the weight of the bargain the sacred pool had grown dark its glow swallowed by an unseen Force the ocean King stepped forward his towering form shifting like a living tide you offer yourself Prince but the ocean does not accept meaningless sacrifice Omari clenched his fists then tell me what must I give to end this the ocean Kings gaze bore into
him the blood of the mother the one who defied the sea Omari froze Sarah his mother had already suffered she had lost the king’s love she had been cast aside she had watched her throne slip through her fingers and now the ocean wanted her life omari’s heart pounded in his chest kill my own mother she had been desperate when she made her choice she had wanted to give the king a son to prove her worth she had gone too far yes but she had already paid for it hadn’t she Omari looked into the ocean King’s piercing
blue eyes there must be another way the deity’s voice was like the crashing of waves against Stone the ocean’s law is older than Kings older than Thrones a life was taken a life must be given Omari shook his head no there there has to be another way the ocean King’s form rippled his face unreadable then I will take the city outside the winds roared the temple walls shook violently Omari could hear the ocean Rising it’s hunger growing if he refused Zumo would drown his people would perish because of his mother’s crime omari’s hands
trembled there has to be another way and then a voice if the ocean wants my life then let it take me Omari turned sharply sah stood at the entrance of the temple she looked different the proud Regal Queen he had once known was gone in her place stood a woman who had aged Beyond her years her once glorious robe soak from the storm her eyes Hollow but her voice was steady she stepped forward Ward her gaze never leaving the ocean King it was my hand that ended your daughter’s life my hands that tore out her heart her lips trembled but she
lifted her chin if you demand Justice then take it from me omari’s throat tightened mother no she looked at him then really looked at him there was no fear in her eyes only sorrow I did this to you her voice was soft I cursed you before you were even born Omari felt his chest tighten he had spent his whole life believing he was an outcast a prince that didn’t belong his mother had done everything everything to secure his place in this world but in doing so she had doomed them all sah turned back to the ocean King I am the
one who stole from you let the Prince live let Zuma live take only me the ocean King was silent for a long time then your sacrifice is accepted the moment the words were spoken the sacred pool surged upward tendrils of water wrapping around Sarah’s legs she gasped but did not fight Omari lunged forward no there has to be another way his mother turned to him one last last time and for the first time she smiled be the king Zuma deserves then the water swallowed her hole the storm ended instantly the wind stilled the Raging Waters
receded the trembling Earth grew silent Omari fell to his knees staring at the spot where his mother had stood the sacred pool had returned to its normal glowing blue the ocean Kings for form began to fade the debt has been paid his voice was quieter now no longer a roar but a whisper on the wind the ocean forgets nothing but today it forgives then he was gone Omari remained on his knees the weight of it all crashing over him sah was gone Zuma was saved but at what cost the Journey Back to the Palace was silent the floodwaters
had begun to retreat leaving behind destruction and loss King Toby was waiting when he saw omari’s face his expression turned to stone she’s gone Omari nodded the Old King exhaled slowly he said nothing but in that moment Omari saw something in his father’s eyes that he had never seen before regret and for the first time Omari realized his mother had not only fought for her own Survival she had fought for his days passed the city mourned its dead the people rebuilt and Omari Omari was crowned King King Toby had stepped down his heart
heavy with loss he had no more strength to rule and so Omari took the throne his people whispered about him the son of the ocean the prince born from a curse the king who bargained with the sea but Omari made a vow the day Zumo would never forget his mother’s sins but neither would they forget her sacrifice the ocean had taken its price now it was time for a new king to Reign the crown was heavier than Omari had imagined not in weight but in burden for weeks Zuma had been quiet the people still mourned the palace Halls once filled
with music and laughter now echoed with Whispers of what had happened the Old King Toby rarely spoke and the ocean the ocean had been silent too silent Omari stood at the palace balcony staring at the waters beyond the city walls the sea had taken its price his mother was gone his kingdom had been SP spared but something within him refused to rest the ocean never forgets and neither did he a gust of wind carried the scent of salt and something else something bitter it stung his nostrils sent a shiver down his
spine he clenched his jaw no it’s over yet deep in his heart he knew the ocean had more to say it was the fisherman who saw it first an old man named daloo who had spent his life pulling fish from the sea came running through the city Gates his face Twisted with fear his feet splashed through the puddles left by the floods his voice Rising above the quiet Marketplace the ocean speaks again people turned mothers clutched their children the memory of the flood was too fresh too raw Omari heard the commotion from the palace and rushed to the city
Square by the time he arrived the crowd had gathered around the trembling fisherman he was kneeling in the mud his hands shaking as he spoke I saw them Spirits walking on the water Omari stiffened Spirits the fisherman nodded frantically not just any Spirits the ones we lost to the flood a chill ran down omari’s spine the people gasped mothers whispered prayers under their breath the dead did not return unless the ocean called them back Omari rode to the shore his Royal Guards struggling to keep up the wind had
changed the once still waves had begun to churn again restless and then he saw them figures barely visible in the Mist standing on the water some were men some were women some were were children their forms were thin ghostly like they were made of the sea itself and yet Omari knew them they were the ones Zuma had lost the people who had been swallowed by the flood and at their Center one figure stood taller a woman with flowing dark hair her body half Shadow half water his breath caught mother she lifted her head and for the
first time since the ocean had taken her Queen sah opened her eyes but they were not her eyes they were the oceans Sariah’s lips parted and when she spoke it was not her voice it was something deeper something endless the debt is not yet paid omari’s heart pounded you said the ocean forgave us she tilted her head the ocean does not lie it forgave but it did not forget behind her the spirit stood unmoving eyes Hollow faces unreadable Omari swallowed hard what more do you want sah or whatever now controlled her smiled the sea always takes what it is
owed then she raised her hand and the tide rushed forward the tide surged forward with terrifying speed swallowing the shore pulling both boats and debris into its churning depths the people of Zuma screamed scrambling back toward the city Gates the guards armed with Spears formed a defensive line but against what against water against ghosts Omari did not move he stood firm as the waves licked At His Feet his eyes locked onto the figure that had once been his mother you have taken your price he said his voice steady despite
the storm inside him what more does the ocean demand Sarah’s ocean blue eyes gleamed her expression unreadable the wind whipped her dark hair wildly around her face and when she spoke the voice that emerged was not hers alone it was layered ancient echoing like the depths of the sea itself the child the words struck like lightning omari’s blood turned to ice what child sah took a step forward forward her bare feet leaving ripples on the water’s surface the child born from the true Queen the child that was not
cursed omari’s breath caught in his throat she meant Naomi’s child The Unborn air growing within her inside the Palace Queen Naomi stood at the highest tower her hands pressed against the Cold Stone as she watched the ocean rage her heart pounded she could feel it it the pull of something dark something ancient she was no fool she had seen the way the elders had looked at Omari when he took the throne they whispered behind closed doors some still believed he should not be king that the throne should pass to a
child born without a curse a child born from her now the ocean itself demanded her child Naomi placed a protective hand over her belly never she turned sharply calling for her handmaidens prepare my horse I ride to the shore the servants hesitated my queen it is dangerous now Naomi did not intend to sit idle while the Sea Gods decided her fate if the ocean wanted her child it would have to fight her for it Omari clenched his fists you cannot have Naomi’s child the storm raged harder as if the sea itself had been
insulted Sarah’s face remained impassive the ocean does not bargain my son he took a step forward his feet sinking into the wet sand neither do I Sarah’s head tilted slightly the way a predator might examine prey you believe yourself strong enough to deny the sea omari’s jaw tightened I am king of Zuma and I am its past sah raised her hands and the spirits behind her began to move the Lost Souls of Zuma men women children stepped forward Their Eyes Were Hollow their body shifting between mist and water omari’s heart pounded he could
not fight the dead but he could not surrender either a sharp cry echoed behind him he turned Naomi had arrived Naomi dismounted her horse with a Grace that bide her fear her long red robes billowed in the sea wind as she marched toward Omari her eyes blazing what is happening she demanded Omari barely had time to process her presence before Sarah’s gaze shifted to Naomi for a long agonizing moment mother and queen regarded one another then sah spoke you carry a child untou tched by the curse Naomi’s hand went to her belly she took a deep
breath yes and I will not give it to you sah stepped forward the waves followed her curling around Naomi’s feet but she did not flinch omari’s breath caught would the ocean strike her down then Sarah did something unexpected she smiled not in Triumph but in sorrow it was never about the child she whispered Omari frowned what Sarah’s face Twisted for a moment just a moment he saw his mother again not a spirit not a vengeful Queen but a woman weighed down by choices she could not undo the ocean did not demand your child’s life she said it demanded
your love omari’s breath caught the pieces clicked into place the ocean had taken Sariah’s life but that had not been enough because Omari had let her go without a fight he had accepted her sacrifice without question and now the ocean had come to test his heart would he let another mother be taken would he repeat the same mistake Omari turned to Naomi her eyes were locked onto sah defiant and unshaken then without a word he stepped between them no more Sariah’s eyes darkened you would defy me Omari clenched his jaw I would defy the ocean
itself Thunder roared the spirits wavered and then the ocean began to retreat sah looked at him truly looked at him the rage in her eyes flickered dimmed and then then she whispered finally you understand the ocean stilled the spirits faded like Mist in the morning sun and sah she turned away walking into the waves her form dissolving with every step omari’s chest heaved he had not won by force he had won by choosing Love by choosing to fight for the ones who remained and the ocean at last it had been satisfied four now the waves grew calm
the wind once howling in Rage softened into a whisper the spirits that had walked upon the sea faded like Mist in the morning sun and sah she took one last glance at Omari her expression unreadable then without another word she stepped backward into the water her body dissolving into foam merging with the tide the ocean at last had let her go Omari stood Frozen his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths his heart achd but for the first time it was not with fear or guilt it was with peace Naomi reached for his hand her grip warm
and steady he turned to her seeing the fire in her eyes the strength of a woman who had stood unshaken even when the ocean itself had come for a child and for the first time since the storm began Omari smiled the days that followed were filled with Whispers the people of Zuma had seen the spirits they had heard the ocean speak some feared another storm others knelt at the shore offering prayers to the sea but no floods came no curses fell upon the land the ocean had relented and so the people turned their eyes to the Palace toward their king and
queen toward the child who would soon be born Omari gathered the elders the Warriors the fishermen Zuma has seen enough fear he declared it is time to build not mourn and so Zumo was rebuilt the flooded streets were cleared homes were restored the grand walls that had once protected them were strengthened not with stone alone but with unity for the first time in Generations Zuma was not ruled by fear of the sea it was ruled by hope the day finally came the palace was filled with anticipation the air thick with tension and
excitement midwives rushed in and out of Naomi’s Chambers Whispering words of encouragement as the queen fought through the final moments of Labor Omari paced outside his fists clenched his heart pounding then a cry clear strong alive the doors opened and an elder woman stepped out smiling it is done Omari stepped inside there in Naomi’s arms wrapped in soft linen was their son his tiny hands curled into fists his chest rising and falling with steady breaths his skin was smooth and warm his dark eyes filled with life Omari knelt beside Naomi
pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead you are the strongest woman I have ever known Naomi smiled weakly and you Omari are the king our people need they looked down at their son a child born without curses a child Untouched by dark magic a child of Hope Omari exhaled pressing a hand to his son’s small chest he shall be named Jabari a name that meant the Fearless One the ocean had tested them the past had tried to claim them but here in The Quiet Light of morning a new era had begun and for the first time in his life
Omari knew the curse was finally broken far beyond the shores of Zuma the waves rolled gently under the Moonlight no storms raged no Spirits stirred but deep in the water where the sunlight could not reach something ancient watched it had taken its price it had tested their hearts and it had found its answer for now the ocean was at peace four now
