Tempest Bound: The Fisherman's Lure

Chapter 20:The Descent into Darkness

The weight of the ocean pushing down like a silent, apprehensive presence rapidly obscured the light from above as Seraphine, Rowan, and Amara fell into the Abyssal Divide. The water changed in thickness, temperature, almost bodily weight. In this world without sunlight, just the deep, horrible darkness dominated and would swallow them as they fell.

The mark of Seraphine pulsed with a faint glow, creating an uncomfortable, glittering light all about them. The light produced a limited circle of view; beyond it the ocean was a black abyss full of shadows and silent secrets. She could feel the mark pulsing against her body, a warmth preventing the blackness from entirely closing in. But it was also a lighthouse; she understood they were not alone themselves.

Deep creatures with strange and disruptive traits meant for survival in the roughest oceans floated in the darkness about them. On extended bodies, some had clear skin that exposed pulsating veins and organs softly shining with a phosphorescence. Others examined the group carefully yet curiously; their teeth were needle-like.

Rowan peered about and his tail flicked over the lake, his face tight. "The creatures living here... Before, Seraphine added, they had never seen brightness like yours. They are pulled to it even as they also fear it.

Amara spoke gently, a note of caution laced through her sentences. "The mark is a signal even if it may shield us from minor risks. Here the creatures understand the power it represents; they will come to test your worth.

Seraphine nodded, hardening herself as they dropped her pulse hammering with a mix of panic and exhilaration. She sensed the ocean's interest rising with every pulse of her mark, as though it were watching her and waiting to see whether she would falter. The tunnel seemed to be endless, a huge chasm down into night.

Her back trembled as a low, rumbling sound shot across the sea. Deep and resonant, she had never heard before—echoing from the bottom up. Rowan tensed close to her; he sharply examined the darkness with a pale face.

"That sound...," he continued, his voice full of both awe and dread. The cannot be.

Amara opened her eyes and had a flash of identification across her face. Her voice little more than a gasp, "The kraken," she gasped. "An elderly protector of the Divide, dedicated to protect the sea's mysteries. Few have seen and experienced directly.

The gloom ahead transformed and before Seraphine could fully comprehend Amara's words, a great form started to manifest. Originally, it was just a shadow—a mass of inky blackness seeming to mix with the sea next-door. As it neared, she could see its form—a massive, coiled body wrapped in thick, scaled skin that shimmered faintly in the light of her mark.

Clever and ancient, the kraken studied her with an intensity that set her heart pounding like twin spheres of melted gold. Every coil gracefully defied its immense weight as it slid across the water with a steady, purposeful power. Its tentacles twisted and curved about them to create a barrier blocking every escape path.

Rowan's hand found hers, fiercely gripping, his face set with a focused stare. With a steady yet strained voice, "Stay near me, Seraphine," he said. "This creature... will test you but it won't attack without reason."

Sliding to the other side of Seraphine, Amara fixed her gaze on the kraken—a mixture of respect and horror. Bound to the will of the water, the kraken defends the deep. It won't let us pass unless it determines we deserve. And it also relates to you, Seraphine. Your mark has pointed it to here.

Their comments slammed down on Seraphine's heart, weighing her. She felt a strange connection staring at the kraken, a tug that seemed to fit her mark. Under all there was a subtle challenge, as though it were questioning her will, her worthiness to walk into the Divide. She could feel its force and ancient wisdom.

The kraken's tentacles began to move, gradually and deliberately around Rowan and her. Her will was strong but not horrible, as though it were assessing her strength. The pressure of its hold was not terrible either. Her palm clenched over hers, steadiing her; his presence was a constant solace among the overwhelming presence of the creature.

Her skull seemed to be vibrating with the low, rumbling voice of the kraken. Young sea-child, why have you come? Are you hunting knowledge or power? Will you pay the sea its asked cost?

Seraphine answered, swallowing and her voice almost a whisper. I search for knowledge and wisdom. I look for the truth regarding my father's Coral Crown heritage.

The kraken's eyes slowed down and swung with comprehension. The Crown is not merely a relic, young fellow. It is a link, a promise. Looking for it is like offering a portion of you what the ocean requires. You can afford that expense?

As the weight of her path dropped upon her, Seraphine felt a tsunami of uncertainty. She sharpened herself, though, drawing strength in Rowan's presence, in her father's memories, in the legacy she carried. She did, indeed, say, her voice resolutely determined. "I'm ready...".

The kraken's tentacles tightened, the pressure growing as though attempting her will and pushing her almost to her limit. Pain lanced across her and she hung on, refusing to reveal weakness even if it was severe and scorching. Her eyes, resolved, locked with the thing.

The kraken's voice softened and grew slowness of respect. Quite beautifully, child of the ocean. You may pass. Recall, though, that every choice has a price. More than you could ever imagine the Crown will demand.

Great body gliding back into the shadows and dissolving into the darkness as though it had never been there, the kraken let go with a last, lingering glance. Seraphine felt a calm wonder mixed with relief as the stress released her body slowed down her pulse.

Rowan's hand stayed in hers, his gaze focused both with pride and concern. You did good, Seraphine, he remarked gently. The kraken does not freely bless. It observed your strength and will.

Amara turned to face her, a little smile dancing on her lips. Seraphine, you have demonstrated yourself. The sea speaks to your soul. Still, consider this as only a beginning point. The path ahead will test you in hitherto unimaginable ways.

Seraphine nodded, her will rejuvenated and the weight of the kraken's words lingering in her thoughts. She had turned down this road and embraced the heritage her father left behind. And now, as they dropped, she sensed a new sense of direction—a quiet will guiding her over the night.

The calm water around them stood in startling contrast to the force of the kraken encounter. Additionally somewhat different was the quiet. The creature's hold left residual suffering for Seraphine that triggered memories of the test she had undergone. She had another weight, though, a vulnerability she had not expected.

Rowan hovered in front of her, skepticism flaring in his gaze. Now alone, cut off from Amara by the changing currents, Seraphine felt the whole weight of their expedition, the uncertainty ahead.

His hand met hers, and his touch calmed things. With a restrained intensity, he said, "Seraphine... there's something I need to tell you." About why I'm here and why I choose to keep at your side.

Her heart racing as she felt the intensity of his emotions, she looked at him and sensed the unsaid fears lurking in his eye. She also realized that the journey revolved on the tie they had, a relationship formed in the sea's depths more strong than the ocean's draw closing around them.