I need to save her—even if it means abandoning my kingdom.
She is more important to me than anything else in this world.
I left Juno in the capable hands of my second-in-command and most trusted friend, Roman—Theo's older brother. He didn't question my decision, even when I promised him I would bring his brother back. Some of my pack volunteered to follow me without hesitation. Saving the Goddess mattered to them as much as it did to me.
It took time before I could leave. I made sure the kingdom was secure, every border reinforced, every command given. And still—my thoughts never strayed far from her.
Sienna's advice had saved us. Under her guidance, the land healed. Trees that once stood brittle and dying bloomed anew, their roots rich with life. She truly was the Goddess of Abundance. I owed her more than words could ever repay.
More than that—I missed her.
I shouldn't have left her.
But what's done is done. I will get her back, no matter the cost.
I waited for a sign. A call. A signal.
I was never worried about Theo. I knew—deep in my bones—that he was alive. Day after day, we scouted the sands, the jagged rocks, the endless shoreline where land met sea. And then, finally, it came.
Theo's scent.
A trail left in his furs—faint, but unmistakable. And layered over it—
Her.
Sienna was alive.
Safe.
With Theo.
My resolve hardened into steel. I would bring them both home.
We ran without rest, day bleeding into night, until the air grew heavy with salt and magic. Before us rose the invisible gates of the enchanted sea kingdom—Mariner's Bay.
I knew of its ruler.
Rocco—the Sea King. Cunning. Greedy. Boastful.
Stories spoke of his forces raiding both land and sea, scavenging for treasures to hoard and worship. Corrupted beast souls roamed these waters—Morro, the Oracle, and others like them—tainting the sanctity of this world. They all needed to be stopped.
I only hoped Sienna would be happy to see me.
That we could continue where we left off.
If the Sea King knew the threat I brought to his shores, he wouldn't have made this so difficult.
At the gates, I threw back my head and let out a howl—a battle cry that shook the air.
The sea responded.
The water parted like a living dome splitting in two, revealing figures advancing toward us. They stopped at a calculated distance. Behind them stood an army of cold-eyed, bloodthirsty mermen.
And there—among them—
Theo.
At the front stood Rocco himself.
Commanding. Shrewd. His scales shimmered under the shifting light, and his golden trident pulsed with power.
"Theo," I called out, relief and fury colliding in my chest. "I'm glad to see you alive. Come with us. Where is Sienna?"
Rocco's lips curled into a mocking smile.
"Did you bring something valuable in exchange for your precious subject?"
"I didn't," I said evenly. "I come in peace—unless you want war. Choose wisely. If you choose the latter, it will not end well for you or your kingdom."
He didn't flinch.
Instead, he chuckled.
"You know," he said casually, "I'm in a very generous mood. You may have your subject back. I've changed. I've found a treasure more valuable than anything in this world." He gestured lazily. "Go, beast. Rejoin your kind."
Theo didn't move.
"Where is Sienna?" he demanded, his voice rough with restrained rage. "I won't leave without her. I promised my king I would protect her."
My gaze swept the shore.
Nothing.
No warmth. No pulse. No presence.
She wasn't here.
Rage ignited in my veins.
"Where is Sienna?" I snarled.
Rocco's smile widened—insulting, triumphant.
"She isn't yours to take. You're too late. She's mine. All mine."
A furious howl tore from my chest.
"She's marked by me! She belongs by my side. The Goddess of Abundance belongs to me!"
Confusion flickered across his face—but only briefly.
"You don't own her," he snapped. "She chooses who she wants. There is no law that binds her to you! And what nonsense is this—Goddess?!"
Before I could strike, the sea churned violently.
Soulless merfolk emerged from the depths—eyes vacant, movements jerky, voices chanting in unison:
"Must find treasure. Must find treasure."
A merman cried out in horror, "Boss—these are our people!"
As the cursed mob advanced toward Mariner's Bay, a chilling laugh echoed through the air.
"Oh my… what do we have here?" a familiar voice purred. "Two kings at war—for that little witch."
Vera.
She stepped out of the void itself, dark power rippling around her like smoke.
She had caused this.
Wherever she went, chaos followed.
Rocco raised his trident defensively.
"Who are you? What have you done to my people?!"
"Didn't the Beast King tell you?" she mocked. "I am Vera—the Goddess of Debauchery. I've come for my vessel… and my payment." Her eyes gleamed. "This cursed kingdom is mine. Why do you think you all worship treasure?"
Rocco's grip tightened.
"Let my people go," he said firmly. "Take every treasure we have. I understand now. None of us care for it anymore."
The chanting stopped.
One by one, the merfolk faltered—then collapsed, blinking as awareness returned. The curse shattered like glass.
Rocco stared in disbelief.
Vera recoiled, fury twisting her features.
"How?!" she shrieked. "You—Sea King! Did you bond with her?! Did she break my curse? That weak vessel!" Her gaze burned with madness. "Where is she?!"
With a final scream, she vanished—her vow echoing behind her.
Bond?
Mate?
Cold dread slid down my spine.
I bared my fangs, claws ready.
I needed answers.
I needed her.
Rocco met my gaze now—certain, possessive.
I attacked.
He dodged with impossible speed, retaliating with razor-sharp water daggers.
"No one will take her from me!" he roared.
Our forces collided—land against sea.
"Give her back!" I shouted, blow after blow. "Where is Sienna?!"
We were evenly matched. Each strike cracked stone, sent waves crashing. If this continued, neither of us would survive.
Then—
A desperate voice rang out from behind him.
"King! We have a problem—Sienna… I lost her. She was snatched!"