Page 10 of Taken By the Leviathan King

“Additions,” I repeat, not entirely reassured.Great, what’s next, more gills and a blowhole?My mind races with possibilities, each more alarming than the last. “Like what,exactly? Will I grow a tail?” The question slips out before I can stop it.

Nira’s laughter ripples through the water between us, musical and light. Her eyes crinkle at the corners with genuine amusement.

“What?” I demand, heat rising to my cheeks. “It’s a legitimate question.”

She composes herself, though a smile still plays at the corners of her mouth. “Perhaps you should discover the full extent of your transformation as it happens,” she says cryptically. “Some surprises are worth the wait.”

I narrow my eyes at her, not appreciating being kept in the dark about my own body. “That’s not an answer.”

Her only response is another enigmatic smile as she continues her examination, leaving me to wonder just how much of my humanity I’ll retain—and what new parts of me might be waiting to emerge.

I sigh, studying her face for any sign of deception. Finding none, I nod slowly. “Fine. What else should I expect?”

Nira’s expression grows serious, the ambient light catching the fine lines around her eyes that I hadn’t noticed before. “The bond will continue to strengthen, drawing you and Krak’zol closer together. You may find yourself experiencing intense emotions, heightened physical awareness of each other.”

A flash of heat courses through me at her words, as my mind flashes to the image of Krak’zol, the way his muscles rippled beneath his scaled skin, and I curse inwardly. This was not the time for… distractions. I push the thoughts away, focusing on the implications.

“And if something happens to one of us? With Rynor’s threat looming . . .”

Nira’s posture stiffens almost imperceptibly, a flicker of something dark crossing her features at the mention of Rynor’sname. It’s gone so quickly I might have imagined it, but my soldier’s instincts catalog the reaction automatically.

“The severing of a bond can be . . . traumatic,” she admits, her melodic voice slightly tighter than before. “Especially if it occurs before the bond is fully formed. It is one of the reasons Krak’zol is so protective of you. He knows the danger Rynor poses, not just to his kingdom, but to your connection.”

I consider probing that reaction—there’s clearly history there—but decide against it. Everyone in the Abyss seems to have reason enough to hate Rynor without needing personal grievances. The monster trying to destroy an entire ecosystem and seize power; that’s sufficient cause for anyone’s discomfort.

The weight of it all settles heavy in my chest. I’m not just caught up in Leviathan politics anymore—I’m intrinsically linked to their future, to Krak’zol’s fate. The soldier in me rebels against the idea, but another part . . . a part I’m not ready to name . . . thrills at the connection.

“Tell me about your people,” I say, needing a distraction from my own tangled emotions. “Your customs, your history. If I’m going to navigate this new world, I need to understand it.”

Nira’s eyes light up, clearly pleased by my interest. “Our people have dwelt in the Abyss for millennia,” she begins, her voice taking on a rhythmic quality that speaks of oft-told tales. “We were born of the Heart of the Deep, shaped by its power and bound to its rhythms.”

As she speaks, weaving stories of ancient battles and sacred rituals, I find myself drawn in despite my initial skepticism. The Leviathans are more than just the warriors I’ve encountered. They’re a people with a rich culture, with art and music and traditions that span generations.

“The bond-bite itself is one of our most sacred rites,” Nira explains. “It is not given lightly, nor is it easily broken. When a Leviathan chooses a mate, it is for life.”

The implications of that statement hit me like a punch to the gut. “For life?” I repeat, my voice barely above a whisper. “But Krak’zol barely knows me. How could he make that kind of commitment?”

Nira’s expression softens. “Our people feel deeply, Imogen. When we recognize our true mate, we know it in our bones, in the very essence of our being. Krak’zol may not know every detail of your life, but he knows your soul. The bond would not have taken if you were not truly compatible.”

Iwantto argue, to point out all the reasons why this is insane. But I can’t deny the pull I feel towards Krak’zol, the way my body seems to hum with awareness whenever he’s near. It’s more than just physical attraction—it’s like he’s become a part of me, as essential as the water I now breathe.

“I’m not ready for forever,” I admit, voicing the fear that’s been gnawing at me since I first woke in this strange new world. “I have a mission, a team to protect. I can’t just abandon everything I’ve known for . . . forthis.”

Nira takes my hand, her touch gentle but firm. “No one is asking you to abandon your past, Imogen. The bond doesn’t erase who you are. It enhances it. Your strength, your loyalty to your people—these are the very qualities that drew Krak’zol to you. Embrace them, use them. They may be the key to saving both our worlds.”

Her words settle something within me, a resolve forming where there was only confusion before. I may not fully understand this bond, may not be ready to accept all it implies, but I can use it. If my connection to Krak’zol can help stop Rynor, can protect my team and secure a future for both our peoples . . . well, that’s a price I’m willing to pay.

A familiar scent reaches me, a mix of salt and iron that makes my newly sensitive gills flare and my pulse quicken involuntarily. I know who it is before I even turn. He fills thedoorway, his massive frame blocking out the ambient light of the corridor beyond.

“Imoogeen,” he rumbles, my name a caress on his tongue. “I trust Nira has been helpful?”

I nod, suddenly hyper-aware of every point of contact between my body and the moss-covered platform. “She’s been . . . enlightening,” I manage, fighting to keep my voice steady.

Krak’zol’s nostrils flare, and I see his pupils dilate.Can he smell the change in me? The growing acceptance of our bond?The thought sends a shiver down my spine, equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

“Good,” he says, his voice a low growl that seems to vibrate through my very bones. “We have much to discuss. Rynor’s forces are on the move.”

Just like that, the spell is broken. I’m back in soldier mode, pushing aside the confusing tangle of emotions to focus on the threat at hand. “Tell me everything,” I say, sliding off the platform and moving to Krak’zol’s side.

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