Though Seraphine thought her world had shrunk to the never-ending questions churning within her, on the deck of The Horizon's Call, the enormous skies spread out in timeless majesty. Her ankle throbbed softly, a consistent heat that strengthened her. Rowan, who lay opposite her with his gaze riveted on the black water whose placid surface concealed many mysteries, caught her sight.
As his shining scales caught the first indications of dawn, Rowan's tail curled under him. Though he could not stand as she did, his presence was unchanging. In that calm area full of unspoken realities, Seraphine's need for answers blazed more than ever.
She at last spoke after taking a long breath. "Rowan," she replied, her voice shaking with both terror and resolve, "I need to know everything." Pointing to her ankle, she said, "And my father—there's a link, right?"
Rowan's eyes seemed to examine his memory for many lengthy seconds as if choosing which facts to disclose. A clear wall of opposition existed between them. Eventually, he groaned, his shoulders sagging as if under the weight of his history.
"Seraphine," he said quietly, "the mark is not just a sign. The sea itself is tied to you by a covenant—a profound, intimate bond. Regarding your father... His voice faded and changed as he went on, "He sought something ancient and strong." That quest is what gives you this mark now.
A dreadful power twisted her heart. Though he had never revealed the whole degree of his passion, Seraphine understood her father had been drawn to the sea's enigmas. Standing on the deck of The Horizon's Call now, she felt the terrible burden of his legacy.
What was he after? She muttered, her voice quiet but urgent.
Rowan looked at her. His voice was both humble and afraid as he stated, "An ancient relic called the Coral Crown." It is a weapon, not just a treasure; it is a source of never-ending strength. Legends claim it sprang from coral and reflects the sea's soul.
Seraphine felt a shiver down her back. Though the Crown had always been consigned to the domain of faraway legend, she had heard its name in quiet whispers before. Rowan's remarks have made its deadly attraction very real now.
Would he risk all for that? Her voice wavered. Would he leave me for something so lethal?
Rowan's face changed to one of silent grief. "He thought it contained solutions to mysteries no human has ever known—answers The Crown, however, wants a horrible price. Those who want it are always branded, tied to the river of destiny until it summons them home. Your father incurred the expense for your granddad.
The knowledge hit her like a physical blow. Her father had pursued something that had completely taken him, not just knowledge. Now, unknowingly, she found herself trapped in the same unending loop.
A strong will started to burn inside her. "Then I have to look for it," she said, her voice firm and consistent. Truth is something I have to know; no price is too high. I have to know why he gambled everything.
Rowan's expression changed to one of respect and sadness as he seemed to grasp the perilous road she was selecting. You are starting on a path with no simple return. The water does not pardon those who pursue the Crown; it always summons them back.
Feeling the relic's tug deep into her bones, Seraphine raised her head. She stated emphatically, "This is my father's legacy." I can no longer return.
Dawn's quiet entrance cut into their talk. A booming, rasping voice shattered the stillness as the first light of the morning crept over the horizon and washed the silver deck in a gentle glow. Stepping forward was Old Man Harlow, the oldest and most superstitious sailor on board.
So, after the Coral Crown, are you pursuing anything as well? He inquired, his voice aged and raspy.
Seraphine nodded, bracing herself for the well-known stories. She said, "I have searches to do." Harlow's expression changed to one of knowledge. The crown is no ordinary item, boy. Invisible to human sight, troops defend it. The guardian you saw is just one; far more terrible ones lie in the deep.
Rowan's gaze became grave; Seraphine's interest intensified. "What do they mean, precisely?"
Harlow's eyes wandered as if remembering a long-ago past. Stories exist of sea witches—ancient beings with more power than we know. Some battled one another for the Crown's power; others claim their souls are chained to the abyss by age-old curses. Then there are the siren queens...
Her eyes became wide. Though she had heard of sirens—creatures believed to lure sailors to their doom—the idea of siren queens was something else completely. "Siren queens?" she said incredulously.
Harlow said softly, "Aye." Every one lords over their species and protects the mysteries of the water. Long ago, they battled for the Coral Crown's power. Should they find out you are pursuing it, be warned—they do not welcome trespassers.
Seraphine's resolve was unshaken despite the seriousness of his warning. Just as the tides were tied to the sea, she was meant to follow this route. She promised herself to the trip with a deep breath.
Rowan's touch was consistent as he softly stroked her shoulder. We have to get ready, he said. The journey ahead will challenge us both. The Crown rests at a location where no one dares venture—a land where the wrath of the sea knows no limits.
Seraphine nodded, her thoughts already whirling with plans. Motivated by the need to know the reality behind her father's mission, she was prepared to face any obstacles in front of her even if the trip called for all of her resources.
Old Man Harlow gazed at her with regret and respect. He gently said, "Lass, you have your father's spirit in you."But be warned: the Crown will challenge you and could cause you to question even the items you value most."
Seraphine looked at Rowan resolutely after swallowing hard. She had selected her course and was ready to pursue it. Rowan and Seraphine began their preparations with instruments collected, maps examined, and Harlow's old tales resonating in their ears. Every action they took would take them into uncharted, dangerous seas.
Harlow's last remarks exposed the actual character of the ocean: "The sea isn't just waves and water; it's a place of spirits and creatures older than man. The Coral Crown... it rests at the very center of it all.
Understanding that this trip was about facing a power that may upend all she knew, Seraphine's optimism mixed with caution. It was not merely about taming the water or outsmarting its guardians.
Rowan's calm voice cut through her distractions. "Are you prepared for this?"
Determined to help him, she said, "I am. Let's go right away looking for the crown.
Their gaze shifted to the horizon, a promise of undiscovered seas, dangerous tales, and maybe the solutions she had long sought.