Book Seven: Chapter 148

“So, Caretaker--”

“Your daughter is alive,” Mike said, cutting her off. “She was heading out into the bay to tell you that the Captain is the real enemy.”

“You lie.” The princess sneered at Mike. “My daughter may yet live, but she is likely under your thrall. For that’s what you do. Francois explained it all to me. You seduce, you manipulate, you--”

Ratu sent a wave of fire forward, which was captured by a rising wall of water from the fountain, summoned by one of the merfolk. The naga’s skin rippled, revealing gemstone scales that pulsed with power. On her kimono, the dragon circled hungrily in excitement.

“We don’t have time for diplomacy,” she said. “You two go! I’ll try not to kill her.”

“Be careful,” Mike said. Ingrid led him through the lobby as tendrils of water formed above the conflagration and crashed down onto the tile.

Ratu casually stepped to the side and summoned a jet of fire that turned the tendrils into steam. A determined grin ap