Page 11 of Taken By the Leviathan King

Chapter six

KRAK’ZOL

Imoogeen’spresenceatmyside feels both right and maddening. Her scent fills the water around us—a tantalizing mix of human and something increasingly Leviathan. The changes in her fascinate me. Each new scale that emerges, each subtle shift in her movements as she adapts to life beneath the waves, draws my attention like a predator tracking prey.

But she is not prey. She is mine. My mate. My equal.

“Where are you taking me?” she asks, her voice carrying easily through the water. Another change—she’s learning to modulate her speech to travel through the currents.

“I would show you my kingdom,” I rumble, unable to keep the pride from my voice. “The true Abyss, not just these palace corridors.”

She arches an eyebrow, a gesture I’m coming to associate with her particular brand of defiance. “And Rynor’s spies? Won’t they be watching?”

“Let them watch,” I growl, my tail lashing with barely contained aggression. “Let them see what happens to those who threaten what is mine.”

“I’m not yours,” she snaps, but there’s less bite in her tone than before. We both know it’s not entirely true anymore.

I lead her through a series of increasingly complex passages, watching as she catalogs each turn, each potential escape route. Always the soldier, my little warrior. The thought pleases me more than it should.

We emerge into the vast expanse of the Luminous Gardens, and I hear her sharp intake of breath. The sight never fails to inspire awe, even in those born to the Abyss. Massive coral formations rise like twisted towers, their surfaces alive with bioluminescent creatures that pulse in synchronized patterns. Schools of crystal fish dart between the structures, their scales refracting light in rainbow cascades.

“This is . . .” Imoogeen trails off, those fierce green eyes wide with wonder.

“Beautiful?” I suggest, moving closer to her. “Magnificent?”

“Dangerous,” she finishes, and my chest swells with pride at her perception. Of course, my mate would see beyond the surface beauty to the lethal reality beneath.

“Yes,” I agree, gesturing to a particularly stunning formation of purple coral. “Those tendrils? Their touch brings paralysis. The crystal fish? Their scales secrete a toxin that can stop a warrior’s heart.”

Imoogeen nods, studying the hazards with professional interest as a group of Leviathan guards swim past, their armor gleaming in the bioluminescent light. Two young acolytes hurry by with arms full of scrolls, their whispered conversation cutting off at the sight of us.

“Everything beautiful here has teeth.”

“As do you, little warrior,” I rumble, unable to resist reaching out to trace the emerging scales along her neck. She shivers but doesn’t pull away.

“Is that why you chose me?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

The question stirs something primal in me. I move closer, using my bulk to guide her back against one of the safer coral formations. A school of tiny, jewel-toned fish dart away from our movement, scattering like starlight. “I chose you because you are fierce,” I growl, letting my claws trail patterns across her skin. “Because you fight even when surrounded, even when outmatched. Because your spirit burns as bright as the Heart of the Deep itself.”

Her pulse quickens, but she holds my gaze. “Pretty words for a kidnapping.”

I can’t help the rumble of amusement that escapes me. Even now, pinned between my body and the coral, she maintains her defiance. A palace guard discreetly redirects traffic away from our alcove, though I catch the knowing glint in his eye. “Would you prefer I simply claimed you? Took what is mine without explanation?”

“I’d prefer you stopped talking about me like I’m property,” she retorts, but her body betrays her. She leans into my touch, even as she argues.

“Not property,” I correct, letting my fangs graze the sensitive spot where her neck meets her shoulder—where my mark lies. “Partner. Equal. Mate.”

A shudder runs through her, and I catch her wrist as she moves to push me away. It takes only two fingers—a reminder of the strength I could use but choose not to. Not with her. Never with her.

“We should keep moving,” she says, her voice rough. “You mentioned something about Rynor’s traps?”

I allow her to change the subject, though every instinct screams to press my advantage, to claim her fully here and now. But she’s right. We have more urgent matters to attend to.

“This way,” I say, releasing her wrist but staying close as we navigate through the garden. “The currents here are treacherous. Follow my lead.”

I guide her through complex patterns of water flow, teaching her how to read the subtle shifts that could mean the difference between life and death. She learns quickly, her movements becoming more fluid, more natural with each passing moment.

“Your brother,” she says as we pause in a relatively calm section. “How did he become such a threat? What drove him to this?”

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