Marina Snaptail's Arc

Chapter 7 of 7

The tide had not yet turned when a second shell messenger found Marina. King Neptios wanted her in the secret chamber before the queen cast her final word. Marina swam down through the quiet streets, badge warm against her chest. Sister Liera waited at the hidden door and let her pass without a word. Inside, the king stood beside the queen, and Nerilith Vaeles waited in the shadow behind them. King Neptios raised a hand and a slow image bloomed in the water between them. A land above the waves, dark under a black sky, lit only by pale moons. "This was our home," he said. "Nocturnal Illumysia. Our people lived on its shores before Bubblantis was ever built." He let the image turn. "Raventh Mournscale cursed the land to eternal night. He wanted the queen. When she chose me, his anger burned the sky shut. We fled beneath the sea and raised this city to hide." Queen Seraphina lifted her staff. Its pink stone brightened. "His magic is old and deep," she said. "Mine is younger. I feed it into the tall crystal spire above our roofs. That spire hides us. It bends his sight away from our waters. So long as it stands, he cannot find the door he seeks." She looked at Marina. "You have earned the truth. You will carry it as the Voice. Speak it only where we tell you." Marina felt the shape of the plan form before she could stop it. "Then let me speak it wider," she said. "Tell the merchants. Tell the guides. Tell every guard at every post. If our people know what was stolen, they will fight for it. We can raise an army from this city and take back the land above." Nerilith hissed a sharp warning. The queen did not blink. "No, Marina. Speak it to no one. Not a guide, not a merchant, not a friend. If Raventh hears one whisper of an army, the spire will not hold. He will come before we can lift a blade." King Neptios stepped closer. "You will be the Voice. You will greet every visitor. You will hold this truth inside you and smile above it. That is the cost." Marina bowed her head. The badge on her chest felt heavier than before. "I accept," she said. Queen Seraphina touched the badge, and the metal cooled and set. The title was hers. The dream of an army was gone the moment it was born. Nerilith moved to Marina's side and spoke low. "Now you know why I frightened you from the door. There will be more doors. I will show you which ones to guard." Marina nodded. She had the title she wanted. She now had a secret she could never lay down.