The ocean felt different the moment I woke.
Not dangerous or peaceful either.
But aware.
That was the only word my mind could grasp.
Aware… of me.
I opened my eyes slowly, expecting the familiar ceiling of my chamber, but glowing currents drifted above instead. Soft strands of blue light swirled like living ribbons, responding the instant my breathing changed.
They moved closer.
Watching and waiting.
A shiver crawled across my skin.
Ever since the Rite, sleep no longer felt like rest. It felt like sinking into something deeper… like the ocean itself was thinking through me...
So I have being dreaming...that's good because I can't imagine the ocean Emperor been on his knees for me...
I pushed myself upright.
The bed of woven pearl-silk shifted beneath my hands, warm despite being surrounded by water. My heartbeat sounded louder than usual, echoing strangely inside my ears.
Then I felt it.
A pull.
Not physical.
