Marina

Chapter 20: On Poseidon

Dedicated to: chariteecoats for your unconditional support! Thank you from the very bottom of my heart💜

I feel the immediate chill of the ocean breeze and breathe in the slightly salty smell that hangs in the air around the town. It's quiet and calm in the small port town, just the sound of the ocean waves nearby and the cicadas hanging onto the coconut and palm trees. It's almost a soothing song that nature is serenading me with, one that I needed so desperately at the moment. I decided to close my eyes for the moment, just for a second of peace. I just had too much going on in my head for me to relax.

I rolled my neck and let my arms rest on the cold metal balcony, watching the waves go back and forth onto the shore. I let my mind linger for a moment as I think back at what happened. Something that shouldn't have happened. Something I will not let happen again.

I can't help but think about my mother. The woman that caused such a large war and then ran away. What will people think if they find out about my existence? I wonder what people think about my mother; thinking back to how Corry spoke about her being a known warrior makes me think it can't be too bad. I wonder what made her become known as such a big warrior. Regardless, I wish I had known more. More than what my father told me before he -

The familiar clogging in my throat stops my mind from wandering once again. I shake my head and focus on the waves again. I pull the robe around me tighter as I feel a strong shiver fill my body. I should probably head back but I can't seem to want to leave just yet. I spend a bit more time before I finally decide to head back inside. If I'm lucky, Elian will be back on the couch and, maybe if I'm lucky, he'll be asleep. I clear my throat and with one last look at the ocean, I turn back and reach for the handle. And then, I hear it. A loud and familiar screech. Too close for comfort. I feel my palms begin to sweat as I turn slowly. My heart begins to pound faster and faster until I'm fully facing the pier.

I gasp and feel my eyes widen as I see them - Mortanimas. On land.

"Shit!" I scramble to yank open the balcony door and Elian gets up from the same spot on the bed. His eyes widen and he begins to speak softly, "Look, I'm sorry -"

"Mortanimas," I cut him off breathlessly. Why am I breathing so heavily? Why do my hands feel so numb?

Elian blicks in shock before he runs to the couch and reaches for his sword hidden under it. He unsheaths it and quickly pulls on his shoes. He rushes to put them on and he turns to me quickly, "Put your shoes on. Now. Be quick." I nod and quickly go to my shoes next to the bed. I notice my hands shaking as I pull them back on.

I get up quickly and face Elain who has his battle face on, "Where did you see them? In the water?"

I shake my head quickly as we begin making our way out of the room, "No, coming out of the water."