Chapter 24

Another hour of uneventful swimming passed. Chloe held the map of the world and led Julie and Ryan through the ocean. Julie kept her wand out and ready. Ryan had the spear that he had retrieved. According to the map, they were almost arriving in the Merfolk Paradise. Up ahead was a large coral reef that blocked the view of what was to come. There were giant sea turtles, the size of cars, swimming through the reef. As the kids got closer, they also saw tiny seahorses, as small as a pinky finger. The kids maneuvered their way around the coral and the animals, careful not to disturb anything. The coral was of different colors in different areas. There was a pale purple like an Easter egg and a vibrant salmon. Some spots were cream with just a hint of yellow.

Julie reached out to feel the coral. It was rough like sandpaper on most parts, but there were small bits that were smooth, washed over by the flow of water, and aged like sea glass. There were ho