The most surreal part of it all, though, was the dome. We were so high that the clouds couldn’t hide the luminescent sphere that I’d wanted to see since I arrived. It created the illusion of the sun’s path across the sky. Currently, the dome was mimicking a westerly sunset. The colors winked in and out of existence, both on the dome and behind it. It was as if the sea itself had learned to mimic life closer to the surface as well. There were hundreds of sea creatures blinking in and out of sight past the sphere, their bioluminescence giving off the impression of hundreds of shooting stars.
I thought that eleven thousand years of this amazing view would almost be worth the imprisonment. There was a peacefulness here that I’d never experienced before. The majestic splendor made me reflect on the mundane nature of my previous life, the life I was destined to return to.
Raif’s arms encircled me, holding me tightly in his embrace. His strong arms crossed protectively around my belly, making me feel safe and more loved than I’d ever felt before. He held me as if he were saying goodbye. I felt him tremble, so I turned to hold him close. It was a moment the poets have been striving to define in rhyme and song for an eternity. Some may have gotten close, depicting two lovers as the only two in existence, held in an embrace that would transcend time and space. Here, it was easy to believe that. Sadly, my thoughts strayed and reality came crashing in. This was not to last.
“This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Are you sure that we have to do this? We could stay here, locked away with Cleito for the rest of our lives,” I whispered softly to him, silently praying he would agree to this suggestion. The longer I was with him, the less I wanted to be anywhere else. There were tears in his eyes as he shook his head. I sighed, turning my head so he wouldn’t see the tears gathering in my own eyes. I stood quietly in the shelter of his arms for another few minutes, just trying to enjoy the moment. We wouldn’t have many more.
“Well, we’d better start looking for Cleito, then.” I pulled from his embrace, knowing if I didn’t, I’d never find the strength to pull away again. We put our packs back on and I clutched his hand. Together we walked toward what I could only imagine was the most spectacular prison ever created.
“It has taken you quite long enough to get here. Do you realize how difficult you have made things for me?” At the sound of Atreyu’s voice, Raif’s strong arms pulled me tightly to his side.
“Atreyu, what brings you here?” Raif was having difficulty controlling his features; the fear in his voice was plainly evident.
“Helping you, of course, you hard headed fool! I knew from the moment you walked into the king’s castle that you two had mated. It was obvious to any who chose to look. You have rarely willingly touched another person before her, Raifuku.” His tone softened. “This is the right course to take, even if Nereus objects. We were not meant to live under the seas. There is much to learn and discover on the surface. We should have adapted thousands of years ago, evolving with the humans. Instead we’ve been stuck watching the things they do while we maintain the old ways. I also do not wish to face Poseidon’s wrath again. He must be allowed to reunite with Cleito or we, as a people, will be eliminated. We must also be allowed to find our mates.” This last statement was said softly as if he were trying to hide the pain lacing his words. “There are wards placed upon the castle preventing any from entering, and Cleito from leaving. I have worked them before and will hold them so that you may enter.” He strode forward, not expecting or wanting a response from us.
His arms extended, and a wind picked up from nowhere, whipping at his robe. His hair danced about his head in a silvery mass that looked like fire. I dwelled for a moment on the pain in his voice when he mentioned finding a mate. I pushed all other thought aside, however, as he led us into Cleito’s castle.
INTRICATE CARVINGS lined the entryway of the castle. It was as beautiful as it was foreboding. Atreyu navigated the halls, twisting and winding until I knew I was utterly lost. My grip on Raif’s hand was almost as tight as his grip on mine. All I could hope was that Atreyu was truly a friend, and was taking us to Cleito. The darkened halls lightened abruptly as we rounded yet another curve. It opened into a vast garden filled with vibrant plants. We were in the heart of her palace, the mountain jutting up around us. Flowers in every shade and shape bloomed everywhere you looked, their pungent odor stimulating the body and mind. There were trees and bushes lining the walkway, and wildlife walked about as if we were out in the wilderness. There were garden walls surrounding us, and in the center of it all was a very plain, very ordinary, circular stone fountain.
Cleito was sitting on a bench at the side of the fountain, waiting for us. She was still as young and as beautiful as the statue I saw of her only two days prior. Her waist length golden tresses were held away from her face with intricate interlocking braids that looked impossible. She turned to face us and I smiled.
She personified beauty—her crystal blue eyes appeared large on her pixy face. She was petite and delicate, like a porcelain doll.
