Page 5 of Taken By the Leviathan King

“To ensure your survival?” he cuts in, closing the distance between us in two swift strides. “To protect you from those who would use you as a pawn in their games?”

I glare up at him, refusing to back down even as his proximity sends my pulse racing. “And how are you any different? You took me, changed me, all to suit your own agenda.”

Something flashes in his eyes—regret, maybe, or frustration. “You’re right,” he says, the admission catching me off guard. “I acted hastily, driven by instinct and the need to keep you safe. For that, I apologize.”

The sincerity in his voice threatens to disarm me, but I refuse to let go of my anger entirely. “An apology doesn’t change what you did.”

“No,” he agrees, a flicker of something unreadable in his silver eyes. “It doesn’t. But perhaps understanding why I did it—why Ihadto change you—will.” He pauses, his gaze hardening. “I sensed treachery the moment your shuttle descended. Not all on Sanos desire a treaty with humankind, yet their petty squabbles are inconsequential. You are my concern, Imoogeen. Your safety is paramount.” His tail lashes behind him, a clear sign of agitation that my tactical mind immediately files away. “Regardless, the Abyss is not safe for you to wander alone, now. My brother Rynor grows bold in his ambitions.”

That catches my attention, pushing aside some of my fury. “Your brother? What does he have to do with any of this?”

Krak’zol’s expression darkens, a storm gathering in those silver depths. “Rynor has long coveted my throne. With the surface kings gathered and tensions high, he sees an opportunity to strike.” His massive hand reaches out, claws ghosting along my arm in a touch so gentle it makes me shiver. “And you, my fierce little warrior, have now become a valuable piece in his game.”

I step back, needing distance to think clearly. “Because I’m human? Or because you’ve decided I’m your…what did you call it? Mate?”

“Both,” he says again, and this time there’s no amusement in his tone. “Rynor knows that claiming you would weaken my position. The Leviathan Kings have not taken a surface mate in millennia. To do so now, with war brewing…” He trails off, his gaze intense. “It complicates things.”

“Then let me go,” I argue, even as a part of me rebels against the idea. “If I’m causing problems—”

“No.” The word comes out as a growl that vibrates through my very bones. “You are mine now, Imoogeen.” His tail coils tighter around my leg. “And you will learn that what I claim, I keep.”

I bristle at his possessiveness, even as something deep inside me purrs at his declaration. “I’m not a possession to be claimed, Krak’zol. I have a mission, a team to protect. Samantha is still out there—”

“I’ve told you already, your scientist is safe with Kaerius,” he interrupts, moving closer again. This time I hold my ground, refusing to be intimidated. “But she is not your concern right now. Your safety is.”

“My safety?” I laugh, the sound sharp and bitter. “You kidnapped me, changed my biology without consent, and now you’re telling me it’s for my own good? Forgive me if I’m not feeling particularly grateful.”

Something flashes in his eyes—regret? Guilt?—before it’s swallowed by that predatory intensity. “I saved your life,” he reminds me, voice low and rough. “But I understand your anger. Come. Let me show you why all of this was necessary.”

Before I can protest, he takes my hand, his massive palm swallowing mine whole. Calluses and ridges abrade my skin, and I hate how good it feels. He doesn’t just hold my hand; he possesses it. And a thrill races through my body at the thought of being possessed. The contact sends a spark of awareness through me, and I have to fight the urge to lean into his touch.He leads me through the archway and into a vast corridor that seems to stretch endlessly in both directions.

As we move through the water, I can’t help but marvel at the ease of it. My body cuts through the currents like I was born to it, each movement fluid and graceful. It’s intoxicating, this newfound freedom, and I find myself relaxing despite my best efforts to stay on guard.

Krak’zol guides me through a maze of tunnels, each one more breathtaking than the last. His hand never leaves my back, his touch both guiding and claiming. The rough texture of his scales against my bare skin is a constant, dizzying reminder: I’m walking through his kingdom, and he is showing it off with me.

We pass chambers filled with bioluminescent creatures that paint the water in swirls of color, their light pulsing in hypnotic patterns. In one vast cavern, a school of fish with translucent bodies and glowing organs swims in perfect unison, creating a living tapestry of light and shadow.

“This is…incredible,” I breathe, unable to hide my awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Krak’zol’s grip on my hand tightens slightly, and when I look up at him, his expression is softer than I’ve ever seen it. “This is but a fraction of the wonders the Abyss holds,” he says, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. “I would show you all of it, if you’d let me.”

The offer hangs between us, heavy with implication. For a moment, I’m tempted. The scientist in me yearns to explore this alien world, to uncover its secrets. But the soldier in me, the one responsible for Earth’s last hope, can’t forget my mission.

“It’s beautiful,” I concede, forcing myself to focus. “But it doesn’t explain why you brought me here, or why your brother is suddenly such a threat.”

Krak’zol’s expression hardens, and he pulls me closer as we enter a new chamber. This one is darker, lit only by the faintglow of bioluminescent algae clinging to the walls. In the center stands a massive stone table, its surface covered in intricate carvings and glowing crystals arranged in what looks like a map.

“The Abyss is not just our home,” Krak’zol explains, his voice low and urgent. “It is the source of our power. The crystals that grow here, the living energy that flows through these waters—they are what make us who we are.” He gestures to the map, and I watch in fascination as the crystals shift and pulse, forming new patterns. “But that power is not infinite. It must be balanced, protected.”

I lean closer, studying the map. “And let me guess—your brother doesn’t care about balance?”

Krak’zol’s jaw tightens, a muscle ticking beneath the surface. “Rynor believes that by harnessing more of the Abyss’s power, he can expand our territory, take control of the other ocean realms.” His gaze locks onto mine, intense and unwavering. “He would drain this place dry, destroy everything that makes it sacred, all for the sake of conquest.”

The implications hit me like a physical blow. “And the humans? My team?”

“Pawns in his game,” Krak’zol growls, his tail lashing behind him in agitation. “He sees you as a queen to be stolen. If Rynor captures you, he’ll parade you through the Abyss, demonstrating how easily he can rip away what is mine and steal my kingdom.”

I pull away, anger and frustration bubbling up inside me. “So what, I’m just supposed to stay here and play house while my team is in danger, while your brother plots war?”

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