Shui Yi's eyes widened as the mysterious girl yanked her back, covering the mermaid's mouth with one hand.
The girl clicked her tongue. "Tsk. You're not allowed to touch my Master."
With a huff, she lowered her hand and flicked her silver-blue hair over her shoulder. As quick as the wind, she darted to Long Fei, shamelessly nudging him for a head pat.
"Master, you took forever. I had to entertain myself."
He let out a quiet sigh of relief and gently patted her head. "Ling Yue, impeccable timing as always."
Shui Yi rubbed her mouth, trying to warm it up. A strange warmth bloomed in her chest despite just being scolded. This girl's presence felt comforting, like the sea's gentle embrace—an unexpected rush of familiarity. It felt like she had found a piece of home. A smile tugged at her lips.
Before she could act on the sudden urge to embrace this girl, she caught herself. She quickly took a step back, pursed her lips, rubbed her arm, and cast her gaze to the floor.
"Thank you for saving me, back there. You're the whale, aren't you?"
The girl appraised the mermaid from head to toe, a spark of curiosity flickering in her eyes. She stood tall, hands on hips, head held high. "I'm surprised you figured that out on your own. I'm Ling Yue, the most loyal and talented guardian pet," she said with a cheeky grin.
"Though we've known each other for millennia," she added, gesturing to herself and Long Fei. "So, you better watch yourself around your elders."
"Guardian pet? What does that mean exactly?"
"Means I protect him," the guardian said fiercely. She crossed her arms. "I've been around long before you showed up. Don't think you can just stroll in and start making demands. We're not your subjects."
Shui Yi winced as she's never been spoken to like that before. Despite the girl's attitude, it was crystal clear she cared deeply for her master.
Long Fei's calm voice cut through the tension. "Ling Yue, be polite."
"But Master~," she whined, pointing at the mermaid, "You can't even look at her."
Shui Yi's cheeks flushed at the implication, and she quickly fanned her face. "So, you're this thief's pet? Fetch anything for him?"
"Thief?! He wouldn't even steal a grain of rice. Unlike someone who gave away a sacred relic to a random stranger."
She shook her head and flicked her tail in irritation. "Take that back right now!" she snapped, her claws extended as a warning.
Long Fei quickly stepped in and secured his guardian by her shoulders as she kicked and clawed the air. He didn't let go until she settled. "Deep breaths..." he motioned for her to calm down. "You know Her Highness had a sheltered life. She needs to learn a lot from you. Let's stay focused on why we're here. Don't say unnecessary things." His tone was firm, giving his pet a stern look.
Ling Yue grumbled, but obeyed, her arms crossed tightly. "Fine. But just you wait when he's not around... you'll see."
Shui Yi couldn't help but tease. "Does your entourage never end?"
The guardian huffed, clearly offended. "Hey. I saved you from those pirates, so show some respect."
"Oh really? I thought it was some hungry whale with impeccable timing," the mermaid retorted with a light tone.
"Listen here, former princess. You insulted my Master. So I had no reason to keep you in my mouth," she stuck her tongue out, though the edge in her eyes didn't go unnoticed. "You made him uncomfortable."
The exiled princess cringed, recalling her behavior. Her head drew back like a turtle hiding in its shell at the thought that there was another witness. It was not her finest moment.
Ling Yue turned her attention back to Long Fei, her eyes widening. "Master, aren't you cold?" Her gaze shifted to his robe, still wrapped around the exiled royal's waist. She gasped, reaching into her mystical satchel and pulling out luxurious garments.
"I thought you might need a change of clothes," she said, handing them over to him. He gave her an appreciative smile and headed toward a nearby bush.
She glared at the outcast. "Haven't you heard of modesty? You need to put on some proper clothes."
She tugged at her arm, leaving no room for protest. "That robe? I'll burn it later. I've got something more appropriate for you."
Before the princess could protest, Ling Yue dragged her behind a nearby tree with surprising strength. "Hold still," she said as she retrieved some fabric from her satchel. "I've got something for you to wear."
Shui Yi froze, her face crimson as she tried to back away. "What is this?!" She was swiftly pinned between the trees and quickly wrapped in the fabric.
"This feels like... like dried seaweed!" she gasped, struggling to move.
The guardian grinned, tightening the collar around her neck. "It's stealthy. It'll work. You won't stand out in this." She stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "There. Now we can leave. You're covered."
The fabric clung to the mermaid's body like a second skin, sleek and malleable, designed for action. Shui Yi tugged at the sleeves in vain, wishing they were more breathable.
Ling Yue's eyes glinted with mischief. "What's the matter? Not used to being dressed?"
"I never imagined this is how I'd be dressed," the royal muttered, still struggling with the strange material.
***
Long Fei raised a brow as he approached, his gaze briefly flicking to his confidante with a slight smile. "Not quite what I had in mind either," he murmured, biting back a chuckle. The stealth clothes were far from elegance, but he supposed they would suffice.
His loyal companion gave him a sly grin, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. "It'll do for now. Besides, it's better than walking around half-dressed."
The mermaid sighed, tugging at the collar, biting her lower lip, clearly uncomfortable. He couldn't blame her; the unflattering attire was a far cry from 'royalty'. He would only wear that for covert night missions.
A guttural groan rumbled through the mist.
His expression instantly hardened as he pulled the mermaid behind him and shifted his stance to shield her. His companion's playful demeanor vanished, her voice cutting and serious as it pierced the tension: "Stay sharp, former princess. We've got company."
The trembling princess clutched the back of his cloak, her grip tightening with each passing moment. He scanned the twirling mist and shifted slightly, preparing for whatever danger lurked, hidden in the dark haze.
A barely audible scrape on the damp earth echoed, sending a shiver down his spine. The hairs on the back of his neck stood, his senses heightened. He clenched his jaw. Too many dark auras were circling in the mist, waiting to pounce.
Ling Yue shifted beside him, her claws flexing like a predator ready to strike. Her instincts had been honed by countless battles. Her eyes narrowed, and a low growl rumbled from her throat.
"Brace yourself. This is going to get ugly."