103. The Underworld of seas

103. The Underworld of Lakes
The journey to the underworld of lakes began early when Amy, Nayla, Persephone and Pandora gathered at the water portal hidden behind the main fountain of Arkanum. The circle of runes engraved on the stones shone in greenish blue when Nayla drew a symbol in the air, invoking the passage.
"Take a deep breath," she warned, smiling, her long green hair swaying like seaweed in the invisible stream. " The trip can give a little cold in the belly."
In seconds, the magic water swallowed all four, and when they opened their eyes, they were immersed in a vast underwater kingdom. Towers of coral rose in the distance, illuminated by sparkling spheres that floated like bright lanterns. Silver shoals swim in sync, forming almost hypnotic patterns.
"It’s... wonderful..." Pandora whispered, extending her hand to feel the light magical vibration of the water around.
Nayla smiled, proud. 
"Welcome to my home."
Before they could take another step, Nayla distributed small rings made of shells and silver. 
"These are breath rings. They will allow you to speak, breathe and even dance under water as if it were dry land."
Each put on their ring, and the feeling of weight from the water disappeared, as if breathing pure air.
"Now, I need you fit for the party." Nayla opened a bag of enchanted pearls and took out elegant swimsuits, made with fabrics that changed color as the light reflected. Also delivered necklaces of pearls, each with its own brightness.
Pandora dressed her naturally, smiling before the lightness of the fabric. Persephone, despite the initial critical look, raised his chin. 
"Well, at least the cut is sophisticated."
Amy, however, stopped, hesitant. She held her swimsuit with trembling hands. 
"I don’t know if I can... is that... appear like this... in front of everyone."
Nayla approached, the soft expression. 
"Amy, here no one wears clothes like in the human world. We mermaids have our tails and cover our breasts with algae or shells. You are wearing magic swimsuits just to not get naked, but if you want, you can have nothing. Only don’t complain later if some merfolk starts courting you."
"What a horror!" Amy widened her eyes. "I thought the newts were cute, romantic, and knew how to respect women!"
Nayla uttered a melodious laugh, shaking his head. 
"They are, but you need to understand: we mermaids rarely relate to them except when we want to bear children. They are needy and live by seeking women of other species, especially human."
Persephone arched her eyebrows, interested. 
"I read once that they make women languish in love until death. Is it true?"
Nayla sighed. 
"They do not mean harm. They are so romantic and intense that women end up falling madly in love. But as they can not stay long out of the water, often drag their partners to the bottom of the sea, where they end up becoming aquatic spirits... nymphs, or ghosts of the ocean. Some even marry these spirits."
"This is... morbid." Amy hugged her arms, nervous.
"It’s just an old story... but there is truth in it. So I warn you: don’t be seduced. Or you can stay here forever, stuck in the sea like ghost wives." Nayla smiled. "Unless, of course, you want that fate."
Pandora laughed loudly. 
"If it’s a mermaid, I can consider. But a merman? I don’t like men."
"Nor I." Persephone completed, with contempt in the look. "All men are equal, not worth the air they breathe."
Amy bit her lip, scared. 
"I’ll be careful."
"That’s all I ask." Nayla said, passing her arm over Amy’s shoulder, reassuring her. "Stay close to me and nothing bad will happen."
She approached a large coral door that opened to the illuminated palace. The distant sound of underwater songs, soft and charming, began to reach them.
"Now, let’s go or we’ll be late." Nayla said, clearing her way.
And so, side by side, the four crossed the gates of the underwater kingdom, about to meet the feast of mermaids and merfolk.

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The coral hall of the submerged palace seemed to shine in all directions. Luminous shells adorned the walls, releasing soft light in bluish and greenish tones. The songs echoed in waves that vibrated through the water, creating an environment at once magical and enigmatic.
When Pandora, Nayla, Amy and Persephone entered, all eyes turned to them. Merfolk, beautiful and imposing, interrupted their conversations and smiled, curious. Some had light skin, blond hair that fluttered like golden threads in the current; others were black, with well-defined muscles, with eyes shining in shades of deep blue or gold. The hair varied between long and short, some white as the sea foam, others black as the night submerged.
Pandora walked naturally, his gentle smile winning immediate sympathy. Already Persephone looked at each newt as if they were a threat, the eyes half-closed in contempt. Amy, in turn, turned away her distressed gaze, fearing the irresistible incantation of which Nayla had spoken.
Nayla noticed and whispered:
"Act natural, like me and Pandora. They like tough girls and also shy ones. So at the moment... Persephone and Amy, you are the most coveted."
The two raised their eyes, but did not have time to answer. Three blond merfolk, with long hair and sculptural bodies, approached with seductive smiles. The one in the center, with bright green eyes, bowed in reverence.
"Ladies, would you grant us the honor of a dance?"
Persephone snorted loudly, crossing his arms. 
"By Loki! I deserve it!"
Amy blushed, not knowing where to stick her face. Pandora held the laughter, trying to disguise it.
Before the situation got complicated, Nayla stepped forward firmly:
"They’re my girlfriends. And I’m not willing to share them with you guys."
The merman in the center blinked, surprised, before retreating with a polite smile.
"Oh! I’m sorry, Nayla. We didn’t mean to disrespect you. It’s good to see you back."
With a nod, the three moved away, leaving a trail of frustrated glances from the other merfolk who were still watching the group.
Persephone turned slowly to Nayla, a playful smile popping up on her lips. "So we’re your girlfriends now? I just want to confirm that you will still let us go home."
Nayla let out a melodious laugh, the green eyes shining. 
"You are unbearable. Shall we dance?"
The invitation was welcome, and soon the whole hall filled with movement. Merfolk twirled in graceful swirls with aquatic nymphs, while mermaids of glistening tails intertwined in fluid choreographies.
Amy took a hesitant step towards Pandora, gathering courage to ask her for the first dance. But before she could open her mouth, Persephone was already ahead.
"Dance with me, Pandora?"
The fairy winked at her and smiled softly. 
 "Of course."
Holding Persephone’s hand, Pandora was led to the center of the hall. Amy’s heart sank. She sighed deeply, trying to hide her jealousy.
Nayla, who was watching attentively, approached with a mischievous air.
"What’s up? Let’s dance or are you eyeing some merfolk?"
"No way!" Amy replied quickly, shaking her head.
Nayla laughed and held her hand. 
"So let’s go. I don’t want to be without a pair."
And so, as Pandora and Persephone moved in sync under the envious looks of the merfolk, Amy was guided by Nayla in a graceful turn.
The whole hall seemed to vibrate with the music and the contrast of feelings: jealousy, desire, fun and a thread of rivalry flickering like reflections of light in the deep waters.