Why can't this beast understand that she chose me?
Why can't he accept it—let go and find another mate?
It's done.
I mated with her. I consumed her. I loved her. We bonded.
I will never give her up.
She's mine.
The Beast King is powerful—too powerful. His speed rivals mine, his defense unyielding. One wrong move and I would be finished. Still, backing down has never been in my nature. I would fight until my last breath before letting him take her from me.
Our strength is evenly matched, but his rage makes him deadlier. Rage sharpens him. It fuels him.
Then—chaos.
From a distance, Chance's frantic voice cut through the clash of steel and water.
We stopped fighting.
Did he just say Sienna was snatched?
By whom?
"Boss!" Chance shouted, breathless as he rushed forward. "Sienna was taken by the Birds! She went for a swim—one of them grabbed her. I tried to follow, but it was impossible."
My whole world shook.
Before I could react, Gideon let out a low, furious growl.
"The Birds took her." His eyes burned as he turned toward the horizon. "Then I have nothing else to do here. I'm going to her."
He threw his head back and released a howl—not of war, but of yearning. His pack answered immediately, shadows racing after him.
"You don't have to do anything anymore, King of the Beasts!" I called after him. "You are no longer responsible for her—that duty is mine!"
He spun so fast I thought he would strike me. His face stopped inches from mine, his fury tangible.
"You said it yourself," he snarled. "This world has no rules. She chooses who she wants. I marked her first. I found her first. And I will keep her."
Then he turned away.
"May the best ruler wins the Goddess," he called over his shoulder before disappearing beyond the waves.
I stood there, stunned.
Sienna… the Goddess of Abundance.
Then why does she not know?
Was she the forgotten goddess the old merfolk spoke of—the one foretold to return but never did?
I turned to my kingdom.
Children were running into their parents' arms, tears and laughter blending together. Families reunited. Smiles bloomed everywhere I looked.
My chest tightened.
Warmth spread through me—her warmth.
What is this feeling?
Seeing my people happy fills me with a satisfaction deeper than any treasure I have ever claimed. Their joy feels… sacred. Peaceful.
Is this her power?
If what that vile goddess said is true—if our bond shattered the curse and saved Mariner's Bay—then I must save her.
My treasure.
"Chance," I said firmly, "prepare the fleet. We set out immediately. We will cross the waters and bring her back—before Gideon or the Goddess of Debauchery reaches her."
"Right away, King!"
I needed my people to know the truth.
I ordered the conch to be blown. Its deep call echoed across the kingdom, silencing the waters.
"Citizens of Mariner's Bay," I declared, my voice carrying through the tides. "We were blessed—and saved—by the presence of the Goddess of Abundance. Our kingdom was cursed for generations, and it was broken through the bond between the goddess and me."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"In a cruel twist of fate, she has been taken from us by lawless creatures—enemies of our clan. We must repay her kindness. We must bring her home!"
The response was immediate.
One voice became many. Determination surged through the bay like a rising tide.
They would follow me.
They would help me bring her back—where she belongs.
In my arms. In Mariner's Bay.
I will not rest until I do.
I must find her before Gideon does. The fire in his eyes, the danger radiating from him, his desperation—these are not things I can ignore. She has bound us both, and I know now that winning her heart will not be simple.
It will be a battle until the end.
Sienna… I hope you're safe.
I regret sending you away when you should have been at my side. I did what I thought was best—to protect you. I swear, once I find you, you will never leave me again.
I was lost in my thoughts when small hands tugged at my cloak.
"King," one of the children said softly. "Please bring Ms. Sienna back. She might be scared… she might be crying. Please save her."
My throat tightened.
I knelt and smiled at them, nodding. "She will come home. I promise."
As we prepared to leave, Pietri and the other children began to sing—the song she taught them. Their voices rose together, bright and hopeful, filling the bay with light.
My sunshine…
Why would anyone take you from me?
Do they want you—or do they seek revenge against my kingdom? Do they wish to challenge my rule?
The Birds are vain, arrogant creatures—obsessed with grandeur and dominance.
Sienna, please be strong.
I feel her still—woven into my spirit, guiding me. Our bond hums beneath my skin, unbroken. It will lead me to her, no matter where she is.
My love and loyalty are hers.
Forever.