Dawn came without light.
The Coral Palace glowed from within, bioluminescent algae coating the walls in soft blues and greens. Lin Tian opened his eyes to find Mira still curled against him, her tail wrapped around his leg.
Yue Chan was already awake.
She sat at the edge of the silk hammock, her fingers tracing patterns in the water.
"The King wants to see you," she said without turning.
Lin Tian sat up.
The sonic barrier had held through the night, keeping them hidden from whatever lurked in the deeper dark. But now it was time to leave.
He dressed quickly.
The others were already gathering in the main hall. Su Lan stood with her arms crossed, her eyes scanning the chamber. Xueya's breath formed tiny crystals in the water. Yan Jiao leaned against a pillar, her Earth-Sunderer resting across her shoulders.
Linle sat cross-legged on the floor, her vines floating around her like green hair.
Lu Cang stood guard at the entrance.
The King waited at the center of the hall.
