20. The Pearl

Two boys emerged from the darkness. They looked exactly the same; each wore a blue cloak with spiky coral shoulder pads. Long earrings of algae hung from their ears. They shared a nonchalant facial expression and a fish-like bone structure, just like the other sirens. Their short, vibrant blue hair danced in the cold wind gently blowing from the deep darkness behind them.

“Follow us. The master is waiting for you,” the boys said in unison to Thorn.

Thorn was heavily intrigued. Who would make such a great effort to see him? He wanted to find out. Thorn followed the boys.

They paced through the darkness in silence. The further they walked in, the colder it felt. Thorn could sense that his fiery energy was immensely repressed.

The corridor was unexpectedly wide and grand. It seemed to be carved through a mountain of obsidian. With every step forward, the walls became a shade brighter. When they finally arrived at an open hall, the surroundings was bright as day.

“Master, they are her