Naia’s fins sliced through the warm currents as she raced toward the heart of the reef. Her blue scales shimmered in the dappled sunlight filtering down from the surface, but today their usual luster was dulled by worry. Something was wrong. She could feel it in the water, taste it in the subtle shifts of salinity on her tongue.
As she approached the vast expanse of coral that formed the living foundation of her undersea home, Naia’s heart sank. The vibrant colors she’d known since childhood had faded to sickly browns and grays. Entire sections lay barren, the skeletal remains of once-thriving colonies now ghostly and lifeless.
Naia pressed her palms against a large outcropping, closing her eyes to focus. “Coral,” she whispered, reaching out with her mind. “What’s happening to you?”
At first, there was only silence. Then a faint voice echoed in her thoughts, as ancient and vast as the ocean itself. Child… the coral’s words were weak, barely more than a whisper. The waters grow too warm. Strange things float down from above, choking and poisoning. I am dying…
“No,” Naia gasped, her gills flaring in distress. “There must be something I can do. Tell me how to help you!”
But Coral had fallen silent once more. Naia swam in frantic circles, her mind racing. She was just one mermaid - how could she possibly save an entire reef? There had to be someone who could help, someone with the power and knowledge to heal Coral before it was too late.
An image flashed through her mind: a scarred gray figure, massive and menacing, patrolling the shadowy borders of the kingdom. Finn. The shark-shifter was feared by most, but he was also one of the oldest and wisest beings in these waters. If anyone would know what to do, it would be him.
Naia hesitated, her courage faltering. Seeking out Finn meant venturing into the dangerous outer reaches, far beyond the safety of the reef. But as another chunk of bleached coral crumbled beneath her fingers, she knew she had no choice. Taking a deep breath, Naia set off toward the dark waters of the borderlands.
The journey took her through twisting caverns and over vast abyssal canyons. Schools of fish scattered at her approach, sensing her urgency. By the time Naia reached the murky twilight zone where Finn made his lair, her arms ached from fighting the stronger currents.
She found him circling a jagged outcropping of volcanic rock, his powerful tail propelling him through lazy loops. Even from a distance, Naia could see the network of pale scars crisscrossing his gray hide - testament to countless battles fought protecting the kingdom’s borders.
Gathering her courage, Naia swam closer. “Finn?” she called out. “I need your help.”
The massive shark wheeled toward her, dark eyes glittering. Naia’s heart pounded as he approached, fighting the instinct to flee. Up close, Finn was even more intimidating. His mouth was lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, and she could see the coiled strength in every movement of his streamlined body.
“What business does a reef-dweller have out here in the deep?” Finn’s voice was a low growl that Naia felt as much as heard.
She lifted her chin, refusing to show fear. “I’ve come on behalf of Coral. The reef is dying, and I don’t know how to save it.”
Finn’s eyes narrowed. “The reef has stood for millennia. What makes you think it needs saving now?”
“I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” Naia insisted. “Entire sections bleached white and lifeless. Coral spoke to me - it said the waters are too warm, that strange things are poisoning it from above.”
“Hmph.” Finn circled her slowly, considering. “And what do you expect me to do about it? I’m a guardian, not a healer.”
Naia’s fins twitched in frustration. “You’re the wisest being I know of in these waters. There must be something-”
“Wisdom comes from experience,” Finn interrupted. “And experience tells me that sometimes, things die. It’s the way of nature.”
“This isn’t natural!” Naia burst out. “Coral has been the heart of our kingdom since before any of us were born. We can’t just let it die!”
To her surprise, a flicker of what might have been approval passed through Finn’s dark eyes. “You’ve got spirit, little mermaid. But passion alone won’t be enough to save your reef.”
“Then help me,” Naia pleaded. “Tell me what I need to do.”
Finn was silent for a long moment, still lazily circling. Finally, he spoke. “There are ancient magics that might be able to heal the reef and protect it from further harm. But retrieving them will be dangerous.”
Hope surged through Naia. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“Even if it means leaving the safety of your home? Facing monsters and currents that could tear you apart?”
Naia nodded firmly. “Coral has sheltered and nurtured us for generations. I won’t abandon it now.”
Finn’s massive form shimmered, and suddenly a mer-man floated before her. His lower half was still that of a shark, but his torso and head were humanoid - heavily muscled and covered in the same network of scars. His face was weathered, with a strong jaw and eyes that held depths of hidden pain.
“Then I will guide you,” he said gruffly. “But don’t expect me to coddle you. The journey ahead will test every ounce of your strength and courage.”
Relief and trepidation warred within Naia. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I won’t let you down.”
Finn’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. “We’ll see. Now come - we have a long way to swim before nightfall.”
As they set off into the depths, Naia cast one last look over her shoulder toward her home. Silently, she promised Coral that she would return with the means to save it - or die trying.
The first leg of their journey took them through a maze of underwater canyons. Naia struggled to keep up with Finn’s powerful strokes, her muscles burning with exertion. Just when she thought she couldn’t go on, they emerged into a vast kelp forest.
“We’ll rest here for a bit,” Finn announced, gesturing to a small clearing among the swaying fronds.
Naia sank gratefully onto a bed of soft sand. “How much farther do we have to go?”
“That depends on which of the ancient magics we seek first,” Finn replied. “There are three that together might be strong enough to heal your reef: the Pearl of Purity, the Flame Coral, and the Song of the Deeps.”
Naia’s eyes widened. “I’ve heard legends of the Pearl, but I thought it was just a story.”
Finn shook his head. “It’s real enough. Hidden in the lair of the Kraken, guarded by its thousand arms.”
A shudder ran through Naia. Everyone knew tales of the Kraken - a monstrous squid large enough to crush entire ships in its grasp. “And the others?”
“The Flame Coral grows in the heart of an undersea volcano. Its touch can cleanse toxins from the water, but it burns hotter than the sun. And the Song…” Finn’s expression grew distant. “That one is the most dangerous of all. It can only be learned from the Sirens, and few who seek them out ever return.”
Naia’s head spun as she tried to process the magnitude of the task before them. “Which should we go after first?”
Finn considered for a moment. “The Pearl is closest. We’ll start there and hope your reef can hold out long enough for us to gather the rest.”
As they prepared to set out again, a shoal of brightly colored fish darted past. Naia’s stomach growled, reminding her how long it had been since she’d eaten. Without thinking, she reached out to snag one of the slower stragglers.
A hand clamped around her wrist, yanking it back. Naia looked up in surprise to see Finn glaring at her. “What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded.
“I… I was hungry,” Naia stammered.
Finn’s eyes narrowed. “Those fish are under my protection. No hunting in my waters without permission.”
Naia flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize-”
“No, you didn’t,” Finn cut her off. His grip loosened, but he didn’t let go of her wrist. “Out here, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. One careless move could get us both killed.”
Naia nodded, chastened. “It won’t happen again.”
Finn released her and turned away. “See that it doesn’t. Now come on - we’re losing daylight.”
As they swam on, Naia found herself studying her companion more closely. Despite his gruff manner, she’d glimpsed moments of unexpected gentleness. The way he’d guided her through a particularly treacherous stretch of current, or how he’d slowed his pace when he noticed her tiring. It made her wonder what experiences had shaped him into the feared guardian he’d become.
Lost in thought, Naia almost swam headlong into Finn when he suddenly stopped. “What is it?” she asked, peering around his broad shoulders.
Finn’s eyes were fixed on something in the distance. “Trouble,” he growled.
Following his gaze, Naia gasped. A massive shape was moving through the water toward them, tentacles writhing. The Kraken had found them first.
“Stay behind me,” Finn ordered, shifting back into his full shark form. “If I tell you to run, you run. Understand?”
Naia nodded, her heart pounding. She watched in awe as Finn launched himself at the approaching monster, razor-sharp teeth slashing at the nearest tentacle. The Kraken bellowed, a sound that shook the water around them.
More arms lashed out, trying to ensnare the darting shark. Finn was incredibly fast for his size, dodging and weaving between the grasping limbs. But there were so many, and Naia could see that even his stamina had limits.
A stray tentacle whipped past, narrowly missing her. Without thinking, Naia concentrated and let out a piercing song. The sound waves rippled through the water, momentarily disorienting the Kraken. Its attacks faltered, giving Finn the opening he needed to tear into its softer underbelly.
The monster shrieked and began to retreat. Finn wheeled around, shifting back to his mer-form as he reached Naia. “I told you to stay out of it!” he snapped.
“I was trying to help!” Naia protested.
“You could have gotten yourself killed,” Finn growled. But there was a hint of grudging respect in his eyes. “Although… that wasn’t bad for a reef-dweller.”
Naia felt a surge of pride at the backhanded compliment. “So what now? The Kraken is still out there somewhere.”
Finn nodded grimly. “We’ll have to find another way into its lair. There’s a network of caves nearby - we might be able to sneak in through one of the back entrances.”
As they swam on, Naia noticed dark clouds of what looked like ink dispersing in the water behind them. “You’re bleeding,” she realized with a start.
Finn glanced down at the gash across his ribs as if noticing it for the first time. “It’s nothing. I’ve had worse.”
But Naia could see the way he favored that side as he swam. Without warning, she darted forward and pressed her palms against the wound. Finn jerked back, startled, but Naia held firm. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the healing songs she’d learned as a child. A soft glow emanated from her hands, knitting the torn flesh back together.
When she opened her eyes, Finn was staring at her with an unreadable expression. “You didn’t have to do that,” he said gruffly.
Naia shrugged. “We’re in this together, aren’t we? Besides, I can’t have my guide slowing us down.”
The corner of Finn’s mouth twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. “Fair enough. Now let’s find that cave before the Kraken comes back for round two.”
They eventually located a narrow crevice that seemed to lead in the right direction. Finn went first, his broader shoulders scraping against the rock walls. Naia followed close behind, trying not to think about the tons of stone pressing down above them.
The passage twisted and turned, growing darker the deeper they went. Just as Naia was starting to wonder if they’d made a mistake, she caught a glimmer of light up ahead. They emerged into a vast cavern, its walls encrusted with luminescent algae that cast everything in an eerie blue glow.
And there, nestled in a bed of dark seaweed, was a pearl the size of Naia’s fist. It pulsed with a pure white radiance that seemed to push back the shadows around it.
“The Pearl of Purity,” Finn breathed. “I never thought I’d see it with my own eyes.”
Naia started to swim forward, but Finn’s arm shot out to block her path. “Wait,” he cautioned. “It can’t be this easy. There has to be a catch.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the seaweed around the pearl began to writhe. Naia recoiled as she realized it wasn’t seaweed at all, but the Kraken’s tentacles. The monster had been lying in wait, using the pearl as bait.
“Run!” Finn shouted, shoving Naia toward the exit. But it was too late. Tentacles lashed out, slamming the cave mouth shut and plunging them into darkness.
Naia’s heart raced as she felt the water churning around them. A sickly sweet scent filled her nostrils, making her head spin. Some kind of toxin, she realized dimly. Her limbs grew heavy, and she felt herself starting to drift.
Through the haze, she heard Finn calling her name. But it sounded so far away…
Naia jolted awake with a gasp, her gills working overtime. She was wrapped in something soft yet unyielding - one of the Kraken’s tentacles, she realized with a surge of panic. Twisting her head, she saw Finn a short distance away, similarly restrained.
The Kraken’s massive eye regarded them balefully. A deep voice resonated in their minds, ancient and filled with malice. “Thieves,” it rumbled. “You dare to enter my domain and attempt to steal my treasure?”
“We meant no disrespect,” Finn said quickly. “We seek the Pearl only to save a dying reef. Surely one as old and wise as yourself can understand the importance of maintaining the balance of the oceans.”
The Kraken’s eye narrowed. “Pretty words, shark-shifter. But why should I care about the fate of some insignificant coral?”
Naia found her voice. “Because everything in the sea is connected,” she said. “The reef provides a home for countless species. If it dies, the effects will ripple outward. Even you will feel them eventually.”
There was a long silence as the Kraken considered her words. Finally, it spoke again. “Perhaps you speak truly. But I will not simply hand over my pearl to the first creatures who come asking. If you wish to claim it, you must prove yourselves worthy.”
“How?” Finn demanded.
“A test,” the Kraken replied. “Of courage, wisdom, and sacrifice. Are you willing to face it?”
Naia and Finn exchanged glances. There was no real choice - without the pearl, they had no hope of saving Coral. “We are,” they said in unison.
“Very well.” The tentacles released them, and they found themselves deposited on a rocky shelf overlooking a deep chasm. The pearl hovered at the center, suspended by strands of the Kraken’s ink.
“One of you must retrieve the pearl,” the Kraken intoned. “But be warned - the chasm is filled with my venom. A single touch will mean certain death. The other must use their voice to keep the poison at bay, but doing so will drain their very life force. Choose wisely.”
Naia’s mind raced. She was smaller and more agile, with a better chance of navigating the treacherous currents. But her voice was stronger - she might be able to hold the venom back long enough for Finn to make it.
Before she could voice her thoughts, Finn spoke. “I’ll go for the pearl. You sing.”
Naia blinked in surprise. “But-”
“No arguments,” Finn cut her off. “You’re the one connected to the reef. If anyone’s going to sacrifice themselves here, it should be me.”
Naia wanted to protest, but she could see the determination in Finn’s eyes. She nodded reluctantly. “Be careful,” she whispered.
Finn gave her a crooked smile. “Always am, reef-dweller.”
As he dove into the chasm, Naia took a deep breath and began to sing. It was unlike any song she’d sung before - raw and primal, pulling from the very depths of her being. She could feel her energy draining with each note, but she forced herself to keep going.
Her voice formed a shimmering barrier around Finn as he swam, holding back the creeping tendrils of venom. Naia watched anxiously as he twisted and turned, fighting against hostile currents. He was so close now, fingers outstretched toward the pearl…
A particularly strong eddy caught Finn, spinning him off course. Naia saw his eyes widen in alarm as he drifted dangerously close to the edge of her protective bubble. With the last of her strength, she poured everything she had into one final, soaring note.
The sound waves rippled outward, propelling Finn the last few inches. His hand closed around the pearl just as Naia’s song faded into silence. She slumped forward, utterly spent.
Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her to safety. Naia forced her eyes open to see Finn’s concerned face hovering over her. “You did it,” she mumbled.
“We did it,” Finn corrected gently. He held up the pearl, its pure light washing over them both. Naia felt strength flowing back into her limbs, chasing away the bone-deep exhaustion.
“Well done.” The Kraken’s voice was oddly approving. “You have proven yourselves worthy of the Pearl of Purity. Use it wisely.”
As they prepared to leave, Naia turned back to the ancient being. “Thank you,” she said sincerely. “We won’t forget this.”
The Kraken’s eye crinkled in what might have been amusement. “See that you don’t, little mermaid. The oceans have a long memory.”
With the pearl secured, Naia and Finn set out for their next destination - the undersea volcano where the Flame Coral grew. The journey was long and arduous, taking them through treacherous currents and past schools of predatory fish.
But as they swam, Naia found herself drawing strength from Finn’s steady presence beside her. She was seeing a different side of the gruff guardian - one that was loyal, brave, and even occasionally funny in a dry sort of way.
“So how does a reef-dweller end up with the gift of coral-speech anyway?” Finn asked during one of their rest stops.
Naia shrugged. “I’m not sure, really. I’ve always been able to do it, for as long as I can remember. My parents used to joke that I must have swallowed a piece of coral as a baby.”
Finn snorted. “Parents, huh? Must be nice.”
There was an undercurrent of old pain in his voice that made Naia’s heart ache. “You didn’t know yours?” she asked softly.
Finn was quiet for a long moment. “They were killed by hunters when I was young,” he said finally. “I’ve been on my own ever since.”
“I’m so sorry,” Naia whispered. She reached out, hesitating only briefly before placing her hand on his arm. To her surprise, Finn didn’t pull away.
“It was a long time ago,” he said gruffly. But Naia could see the shadows in his eyes and understood a little better the walls he’d built around himself.
As they neared the volcano, the water grew steadily warmer. Plumes of bubbles rose from cracks in the seafloor, and the acrid scent of sulfur filled the water. Naia’s gills worked overtime, struggling to filter out the impurities.
“There,” Finn pointed. In the distance, Naia could make out the looming shape of the volcano. Its slopes were bare of all life save for a faint orange glow near the summit - the Flame Coral.
“How are we supposed to get near it without being cooked alive?” Naia wondered aloud.
Finn’s expression was grim. “Very carefully. The Pearl should offer some protection, but we’ll still need to be quick.”
They swam higher, circling the volcano’s peak. Naia could feel the heat intensifying with every stroke. By the time they reached the glowing coral, sweat beaded on her brow despite the surrounding water.
“I’ll grab it,” Finn said. “You keep watch for any signs the volcano might be waking up.”
Naia nodded, her eyes scanning the roiling lava below. She tried not to think about what would happen if it decided to erupt while they were this close.
Finn edged closer to the Flame Coral, the pearl clutched tightly in one hand. Its protective aura shimmered around him, but Naia could see the strain on his face as he fought against the intense heat.
Just as his fingers closed around a branch of the coral, the volcano gave an ominous rumble. Naia’s eyes widened in horror as she saw a massive bubble of lava rising toward the surface. “Finn!” she shouted. “We have to go now!”
Finn wrenched the coral free and spun around. But he’d moved too quickly - the pearl slipped from his grasp, tumbling down toward the churning lava below.
Without thinking, Naia dove after it. She could hear Finn shouting her name, but she blocked it out, focused solely on the falling pearl. The heat was incredible, searing her scales and making it hard to breathe. But she pushed on, stretching out her hand…
Her fingers closed around the pearl just as the lava bubble burst. Naia screamed as molten rock splashed against her tail, the pain unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her to safety as the water erupted into steam around them.
They shot to the surface, Naia gasping for air as Finn held her close. “Are you insane?” he demanded, his voice raw with fear and anger. “You could have been killed!”
Naia held up the pearl weakly. “Couldn’t… let it be destroyed,” she managed. “We need it… for Coral.”
Finn’s expression softened. “You incredible, foolish mermaid,” he murmured. Then, to Naia’s utter shock, he leaned down and kissed her.
It was over almost before she had time to process what was happening. Finn pulled back, looking almost as surprised as she felt. “We should get you somewhere safe to treat those burns,” he said gruffly.
Naia nodded, still too stunned to speak. As Finn carried her to a nearby reef to rest, she found herself wondering if maybe she wasn’t the only one whose heart had been touched by their journey.
The final leg of their quest took them to the domain of the Sirens. Naia had recovered enough to swim on her own, but Finn stayed close, his protective instincts clearly on high alert after her brush with death.
As they neared the Sirens’ island, an eerie melody drifted through the water. Naia felt an almost overwhelming urge to swim toward it. “Is that…?”
Finn nodded grimly. “The Sirens’ song. Whatever you do, don’t listen to it. Focus on my voice instead.”
Naia tried, but the haunting music seemed to bypass her ears entirely, resonating in her very bones. Images flashed through her mind - her family, her home, Coral in all its vibrant glory. She found herself drifting off course, drawn inexorably toward the sound.
A hand gripped her arm, anchoring her. “Naia,” Finn’s voice cut through the fog. “Stay with me. Remember why we’re here.”
She blinked, shaking off the song’s influence. “Right. Sorry.”
They pressed on, fighting against the Sirens’ pull. As they rounded a coral formation, Naia caught her first glimpse of the singers. They were beautiful and terrible, with voices that could reshape reality itself. Their eyes locked onto the newcomers, and their song intensified.
Finn’s grip on Naia’s arm tightened. “Whatever happens,” he growled, “don’t let go of me.”
They swam forward together, the Sirens’ melody battering against them like a physical force. Naia’s vision blurred, the world around her shifting and changing. She saw herself back home, welcomed as a hero for saving the reef. Her parents embraced her, tears of joy in their eyes…
“It’s not real,” Finn’s voice cut through the illusion. “Fight it, Naia.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, focusing on the feeling of Finn’s hand in hers. When she opened them again, the false visions had faded. They were floating before the Sirens, who regarded them with cold curiosity.
“Why have you come here, mortals?” their voices chimed as one. “Do you seek to steal our song for yourselves?”
“We’ve come to learn,” Naia said, forcing herself to meet their unsettling gaze. “Our home is dying. We need the power of your music to heal it.”
The Sirens laughed, the sound like breaking glass. “Our songs are not meant for healing, little one. They are for luring, for changing, for destroying. Why should we teach you anything?”
“Because the ocean is all of our home,” Finn spoke up. “If one part dies, we all suffer for it.”
The Sirens considered this. “Pretty words,” one said. “But words alone are not enough. If you truly wish to learn our song, you must prove you understand its power. Use your own voice to show us what drives you - your deepest fears, your greatest hopes. Lay your soul bare before us, and perhaps we will teach you.”
Naia glanced at Finn, who nodded encouragingly. Taking a deep breath, she began to sing. It was a song of love for her home, of the vibrant life that teemed among Coral’s branches. But it was also a lament for what was being lost, the slow death she had witnessed. She poured all of her fear and determination into the music, hitting notes she’d never reached before.
As the last echoes faded, Naia became aware of a change in the water around them. The Sirens were singing again, but this time their voices blended with hers in perfect harmony. The melody wrapped around her like a living thing, filling her with its power.
When it was over, the lead Siren nodded solemnly. “You have earned the right to wield our song, young one. Use it wisely, for it carries both the power to heal and to destroy.”
Naia bowed her head in gratitude. “Thank you. I won’t forget this.”
As they swam away from the island, Naia’s mind spun with the enormity of what had just happened. She now carried within her the three ancient magics they had sought - the Pearl of Purity, the Flame Coral, and the Song of the Deeps. But would it be enough to save Coral?
“We should hurry back,” Finn said, a note of urgency in his voice. “I don’t like leaving the borders unguarded for this long.”
Naia nodded in agreement, but as they set off, a troubling thought nagged at her. Once they healed the reef, would Finn simply return to his solitary patrols? The thought of never seeing him again made her heart ache in a way she hadn’t expected.
They pushed themselves to the limit, racing back toward Naia’s home as fast as their tired bodies would allow. As they neared the reef, Naia gasped in dismay. In the time they’d been gone, Coral’s condition had deteriorated even further. Entire sections had crumbled away, and what remained was a sickly gray.
“We have to hurry,” Naia said, fighting back tears. She could feel Coral’s life force flickering, growing weaker by the moment.
They positioned themselves at the heart of the reef. Naia clutched the pearl in one hand and a piece of the Flame Coral in the other. “I’m not sure how to do this,” she admitted.
Finn placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Trust your instincts. You’ve come this far - I know you can do it.”
Naia nodded, taking a deep breath. She began to sing, weaving together everything she had learned from the Sirens. The pearl and coral in her hands started to glow, their energies merging with the song.
A shimmering wave of power radiated outward from Naia, washing over the dying reef. Where it touched, color began to seep back into the bleached coral. Broken sections knit themselves back together, and new polyps sprouted from barren rock.
Finn watched in awe as life returned to the reef. Fish darted out of hiding places, and anemones unfurled their tentacles. It was as if the entire ecosystem was waking up from a long slumber.
Naia’s voice soared higher, the song reaching its crescendo. With a final burst of energy, she poured everything she had into healing her home. The pearl and Flame Coral dissolved, their essence merging completely with the reef.
As the last notes faded, Naia slumped forward, utterly drained. Finn caught her before she could fall, cradling her gently against his chest. “You did it,” he murmured. “Look.”
Naia forced her eyes open, and tears of joy sprang to them as she took in the transformed reef. Coral was more vibrant than she’d ever seen it, pulsing with renewed life and energy. She could feel its gratitude washing over her in waves.
Thank you, child, Coral’s ancient voice resonated in her mind. You have given us new life, and new purpose. We will not forget this gift.
“I couldn’t have done it alone,” Naia said softly, looking up at Finn. Their eyes met, and a wealth of unspoken emotions passed between them.
Finn cleared his throat. “I should… probably get back to my post,” he said reluctantly. “Now that the reef is safe.”
Naia’s heart sank. “You could stay,” she offered. “I’m sure Coral wouldn’t mind having such a strong protector close by.”
Finn hesitated, conflict clear on his face. “I’m not sure I’d fit in here. I’m used to being alone.”
“You don’t have to be,” Naia said softly. She reached up, tracing the line of an old scar on his cheek. “There’s room in this reef for all kinds, even grumpy shark-shifters.”
A slow smile spread across Finn’s face - the first full, genuine smile Naia had seen from him. “Well, when you put it that way… I suppose I could stick around. Just to make sure you don’t go diving into any more volcanoes.”
Naia laughed, her heart light with joy and possibility. As Finn leaned down to kiss her again, she knew that they had found something even more precious than ancient magic - a love as vast and enduring as the ocean itself.