Chapter 57

She rumbled softly, a sound that was both a greeting and a reassurance. " I told you I would change as you did," she said in my mind, her voice as steady and familiar as ever, though now with an added depth of power.

" You’re… you’re incredible," I whispered, my hands smoothing over her fur, feeling the power beneath her skin. " I don’t even have the words."

" Neither do I," she replied, her tone amused. " It seems we’re both growing, Meara."

I pulled back slightly, still marveling at her transformation. " You look like you could take on an army by yourself," I joked, though there was a truth to my words. With Luka by her side, they truly did look like an unstoppable force.

Kaden approached us, his eyes gleaming with approval. " She’s magnificent," he said, his voice filled with pride as he looked between Merilla and me. " Just like you."

I blushed at his words, unable to meet his gaze. There was something about the way he said it that made my heart flutter, though I wasn’t sure why.

Luka let out a soft growl, clearly pleased with Merilla’s new form as he nudged her playfully. She responded in kind, batting him gently with a massive paw, her movements elegant yet powerful. It was as if they were equals now, two halves of a whole.

I couldn’t stop smiling. Everything felt right in that moment. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was truly on the right path. My powers were growing, and so was my bond with Merilla. And with Kaden by my side, guiding me, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, I would be ready.

We continued our training for the rest of the afternoon, but my mind kept wandering back to Merilla’s transformation. It felt like a turning point, a sign that I was moving toward something greater.


*****


The sun was a blazing ball of orange and pink, slowly sinking behind the horizon, casting long shadows across the land as we finished packing. The day's training had left my muscles sore, but the excitement bubbling inside me was more than enough to push past the fatigue. Vicky and Beth had already made sure that my belongings were carefully packed and loaded into the carriages, their efficiency leaving me with little to do but wait.

" Are you ready?" Kaden’s voice brought me out of my thoughts, his presence as commanding as ever. He stood just a few steps away, looking relaxed despite the journey ahead.

" As ready as I’ll ever be," I replied with a smile, smoothing the front of my travel tunic. The dress I would wear for the Crystal-Light Ball was tucked safely away, but even in this simple attire, I felt a certain anticipation. The thought of the ball, the unknown excitement of the Water Kingdom—it all made my pulse quicken.

The carriages were lined up, packed with our belongings, while the guards scurried around, securing everything for the trip. Zaden, Mike, and Seth were mounted on their horses, the rhythmic stomp of hooves echoing softly in the evening air as they adjusted their reins. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. It wasn’t every day you traveled to another kingdom—especially not to one as mysterious as the Water Kingdom.

" Come on," Kaden said, his voice gentle, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone as he gestured toward Merilla, who was already lying down, waiting for me. " Time to ride in style."

I looked at Merilla, her sleek, newly transformed form shimmering in the soft light of dusk. The massive white tiger lowered herself to the ground, her sapphire eyes watching me patiently. It was one thing to ride a horse, but a tiger? I couldn't help the rush of excitement that coursed through me. Not only would it be a spectacular sight, but it was also deeply personal—my spirit animal and I were bonded in a way that made riding her feel natural.

" Let’s see if I can make it look as fierce as it feels," I murmured, walking over and carefully climbing onto Merilla’s back. Her muscles rippled beneath me, solid and powerful, and I grinned as I settled into place. " Ready, girl?"

Merilla gave a low rumble, almost like a purr, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was still new, this connection we shared, but it felt right. Like we were meant to ride into the unknown together.

Beside me, Kaden had mounted Luka, his massive lion-like spirit animal. The two of them looked regal, powerful, and as Luka moved beside Merilla, I couldn’t help but feel the electricity between Kaden and me, the bond we shared humming in the air around us. His gaze flicked toward me, and for a moment, he just stared, his dark eyes reflecting the fading light.

" You look fierce," he said, his voice teasing, but there was a warmth there that made my heart skip a beat.

" Thanks. I’m sure the Water Kingdom won’t know what hit them," I replied with a wink, urging Merilla forward until we were side by side.

As we began the journey, Zaden, Mike, and Seth followed closely behind on their horses, while the guards trailed further back, surrounding the carriages loaded with everything we’d need for the trip. The rhythmic sound of hooves and padded footsteps filled the air, a steady cadence as we moved away from the familiar grounds.

The sky was darkening, stars slowly appearing as the last traces of daylight faded away. The cool breeze brushed against my face, carrying with it the scent of fresh earth and leaves. I breathed in deeply, savoring the moment.

Kaden’s voice broke the comfortable silence. " You’ve been quiet."

I glanced over at him. " Just thinking about the Water Kingdom. You mentioned it once, but you never told me much about it."

He chuckled softly, his eyes glinting in the low light.

" The Water Kingdom is something special. It's probably my favorite kingdom, though the others are beautiful in their own ways."

" Favorite, huh?" I raised an eyebrow. " Why’s that?"

He paused for a moment, as if thinking of the best way to describe it. " It’s the way the kingdom is connected to the water, how the people there live in harmony with it. The cities are breathtaking—some built right on the water, others completely submerged beneath the surface. The technology they use is beyond anything you’ve seen, far more advanced than any of the other kingdoms."

" Underwater cities?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

He nodded, a smile playing on his lips. " Yes. Entire cities beneath the surface, with buildings that look like they’ve been sculpted from the water itself. It’s a marvel. They’ve mastered the art of blending nature with technology in a way that’s almost… magical. Even the houses above water are spectacular, nestled among the mountains and greenery. The whole place is just… alive."

I could hear the admiration in his voice as he spoke, and it was contagious. My excitement for the journey only grew. " I can’t wait to see it," I said, my voice full of wonder. " It sounds incredible."

" It is," Kaden agreed. " And the people are just as unique as the kingdom itself. They’re strong, resilient, but they value balance and peace. It’s no wonder they thrive in a place like that."

As we rode, I found myself imagining what it would be like to walk through an underwater city, to see the mountains and the endless waters Kaden spoke of. There was a quiet sort of magic in the idea, one that stirred something deep within me. The Water Kingdom wasn’t just a place we were traveling to for the Crystal-Light Ball—it was a world entirely different from anything I had known, and the thought of exploring it, of seeing it firsthand, filled me with a sense of adventure.

The road ahead stretched on, illuminated by the moonlight, and I leaned forward slightly, urging Merilla to pick up the pace. She responded instantly, her powerful legs carrying us effortlessly through the night.

Kaden kept pace beside me, Luka moving with the same graceful strength.

" Tell me more," I said, glancing at him with a smile.

" What else should I expect?"

Kaden chuckled again, shaking his head. " You’re insatiable."

" I like to be prepared," I shot back, unable to hide my grin.

He sighed, though there was a playful glint in his eyes. " Well, I’ll warn you now—the Water Kingdom has its challenges. Their politics can be... tricky. There are old rivalries and power struggles beneath the surface, even among the nobility. But if you know how to navigate them, you’ll be fine."

I nodded thoughtfully. " Sounds like I’ll need to be on my toes."

Kaden gave a small, approving smile. "You’ll be fine, Meara. Just trust yourself, and you’ll do great."

I appreciated the confidence in his voice, and as the journey continued, the night wrapping around us like a comforting blanket, I felt more ready than ever for what lay ahead.


*****