The Mad Ҡìղց

Coral waters

Ayana stormed into the house like a tempest, her eyes wild with urgency. "Is he awake?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

Chang, seated calmly beside her grandson, shook her head. "No," she replied quietly, her hands resting gently on her lap. She watched Ayana with a measured gaze, her face betraying no emotion.

"Excuse me," Ayana muttered, brushing past Chang. The older woman sighed and moved aside, knowing better than to interfere.

Without hesitation, Ayana raised her hand and slapped Wang across the face, the sound echoing in the quiet room. Those gathered gasped in unison, their eyes widening in shock. Wang stirred but remained deep in sleep, barely reacting to the slap. His body shifted slightly as if seeking comfort in his unconscious state.

Ayana, her eyes narrowed in determination, wasn't finished. She kicked him sharply, this time infusing the strike with a pulse of magic. Wang winced, the pain cutting through his slumber, and he sat up abruptly, his eyes burning with anger.

"What?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. His dark eyes met Ayana's, full of fury and confusion.

"Wake up," Ayana ordered coldly, then slapped him again, this time even harder.

In a blur of movement, Wang was on his feet. His teeth bared in a snarl as he glared at her. "Slap me again, and you'll regret it," he threatened, his voice a deadly whisper.

Ayana smirked, satisfied. "Good, that's the fire I need. Get angry. Very angry," she said, her tone icy.

Where are you going? Duan Dan asked, her voice filled with concern.

"The Coral Waters," Ayana replied with a determined edge, her dark eyes glinting with purpose.

"No," Meng said firmly, her voice devoid of emotion. "He is not going."

Ayana turned to face Meng, her brow furrowed. "The last time I sensed Zhan, he was at the mountain, but now... now he's at the Coral Waters. That's why I couldn't sense where he was. That's why you couldn't find him." She leaned closer, urgency lacing her words. "We have to go now."

Meng remained unmoved, crossing her arms. "You're powerful, Ayana. You don't need Wang. Go alone if you must."

Ayana shook her head. "I don't want to be in anyone's favor. Wang has a right to rescue his mate, and I'll... take a tour while I'm there." A wry smile touched her lips as she glanced at the horizon. "Besides, the Coral Waters answer to no one—not even the goddess. They do what they please."

Feng Mian, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. "The Coral Waters... they are unpredictable. Even you can't be certain of their intentions, Ayana. Is it worth the risk?"

Ayana's eyes hardened. "Zhan is there. The waters may be treacherous, but we have no choice. If we don't act now, we may never see him again."

Silence fell over the group, the weight of Ayana's words sinking in. The Coral Waters were a dangerous and mysterious place, known for shifting currents, magical tides, and forces beyond human understanding. Even those who dared to venture close often spoke of the water itself seeming alive—pulling them in, toying with them, or worse.

Wang, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "I will go," he said, his voice thick with emotion. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of fear and hope swelling within him. "If Zhan is truly there, I have to go."

Ayana met his gaze, her expression softening. "I know how much he means to you. But remember, Wang, the Coral Waters are unlike anything you've encountered before. We will need to be cautious."