Chapter 127

Briar’s POV

Kai stepped forward at that moment, his hand reaching for my shoulder. "And we would follow you to destroy them."

"All of us," Kylan added firmly.

"To the end," Kieran confirmed.

I felt warmth spread through my chest at their unwavering support, but before I could respond, the massive doors to the throne room swung open. A small delegation entered, and I felt my jaw drop slightly.

They weren’t sirens.

Leading the group was a woman who appeared to be made entirely of flowing water, her form constantly shifting and reforming. Behind her were beings with scales that shimmered in colors I didn’t have names for, others with fins and features that marked them as merfolk but distinctly different from sirens.

"Your Highness," the water woman said, bowing deeply. "We are the caretakers of the Lost Kingdom. We have maintained this place in your absence, awaiting the royal line’s return.&q