Chapter 8: Welcome Home.
Amari’s eyes widened at the sheer size of Sylvia. She was much bigger than he had imagined.
Safiya, on the other hand, was paralyzed with fear. She couldn’t move, certain that death was near.
Sylvia’s piercing gaze locked onto them as she spoke, her voice commanding the air around them.
"Speak, humans. Why do you dare approach my lake?"
"We’re just passing through," Amari answered calmly. "We don’t mean any trouble."
Sylvia narrowed her eyes. "Such a casual tone to use in the presence of a demi-god... You treacherous human."
Silence fell between them.
Sylvia studied them closely—first Safiya, who trembled visibly, the fear evident in her face. Then Amari.
Unlike Safiya, Amari wasn’t panicked. In fact, he didn’t seem scared at all. He stood his ground, staring directly into Sylvia’s glowing eyes without hesitation.
That made her furious.
She had struck fear into the hearts of warriors, entire nations cowering before her. But this boy—this frail child—showed no fear at all.
With growing frustration, she opened her mouth wide, preparing to devour them whole.