Teasing

(Chapter 115:Caelyn pov)

The water was colder than I expected. It clung to my skin as I stood at the edge of the Sea King's domain, the waves lapping against my boots. Nereus watched me from his throne of coral and bone, his expression unreadable.

"You didn't have to do this," I said, though the words felt hollow. We both knew I would have, no matter the cost.

Nereus tilted his head, silver hair spilling over his shoulders. "Didn't I?" His voice was smooth, but there was an edge beneath it—something dangerous. "Your cause is noble, wolf. But noble intentions don't win wars. Power does."

I clenched my jaw. "I don't need a lecture. I need your strength."

"And I gave it to you." He stood, stepping closer. The salt in the air thickened, wrapping around us like a vice. "But power demands a price. You knew that when you came to me."

I did. And still, I had offered myself. For Mira. For all of us.