"I still don't think you should go," Mahdi said.

"Too late, I'm going. There is no other way to do this," Sera said as she buttoned Neela's new jacket around her. 

"I just don't think you should go. I'm still worried about your condition."

"I'll be fine." Sera moved her hands to see that her buttons were all messed up. "Silt!"

"Hey. No need for language. Let me help you."

Mahdi began to undo Sera's buttons, and fix them. Once he was finished Sera took his hands in hers, and looked into his eyes. "Thank you," Sera whispered.

"Anytime." Mahdi leaned in and kissed Sera deep on her lips, and Sera kissed back deeper.

They broke apart, and touched foreheads. This could be the last time they kissed, the last time they saw each other. They both knew the risk Sera was taking going. It was only last week she was released to leave the palace, but Des and Mahdi had fought her to not leave until now. 

"Hey. I'll be back soon. You won't even know I'm gone," Sera said quietly.

"I will know you're gone. What makes it worse is that I know that you might not come back, and I can't bear to think about you not here," Mahdi said.

"Then don't think about it. Think about our future together. A family, a long life. Think about that. I'll make sure I come back to you."

"I'm holding that to you. I just want you here."

"I know. And I will."

They kissed one last time before the door opened. Neela swam in. "Sera, we need to get going," she said. She was using a different tone then her usual peppy one.

Mahdi and Sera broke. "Okay. We'll be down in just a few minutes," Sera said.

Neela left, and Mahdi and Sera turned back to each other. Mahdi placed a hand over Sera's heart, and right over the scar that ran there. It was smaller now, but still very visible through the collar of her jacket. Sera looked into Mahdi's eyes, and saw a tear begin to run down his cheek. She reached up and brushed it away.

"Hey. It'll be okay. We can swim down to the front, then I really have to leave," Sera said.

"Okay," Mahdi said.

Together they swam out of the room, and to the front doors of the palace where Sera is to meet Neela, Ling, Ava, and Becca. It was early morning, and the sun had not yet risen. The waters were still dark, but they needed every bit of time they could get. Mahdi had his arms wrapped around Sera's waist as they waited. Sera's eyes were closed as she listened to Mahdi's heart beat through his clothes. 

It wasn't long until Des joined them by the doors. He swam in front of Sera, and put his hands on her shoulders. Sera opened her eyes.

"Hey," Des said.

"Hey," Sera said back. She broke the embrace to face her brother. 

"I just wanted to tell you to be careful. Yazeed is going, and he'll be there to help if you need it."

"I know. I'll be fine. Don't worry too much about me please. Just make sure the kingdom doesn't fall apart while I'm gone please. Mahdi will be here to help if you need it."

Des laughed, and so did Sera. "Just promise me you'll come back."

"I will. I already promised Mahdi that I would. If I don't he's going to hold it against me over my grave. I'm coming back."

"Good. I love you so much." 

"I love you too."

Sera bowed her head, and Des leaned over and kissed it. Sera hugged her older brother's waist, and Des held onto Sera. They pulled apart when Yazeed came in to announce it was time to go. Des kissed Sera one last time. Then Sera turned to Mahdi, who she kissed one last time before she left.

Sera went outside to see every troop going to the Southern Sea mounted up, and armed with weapons. Sera swam to her hippokamp Clio. She mounted up just like everyone else. Mahdi grabbed Sera's hand one last time, and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too," Sera whispered back.

"We have to go," Yazeed said.

"Okay."

Mahdi squeezed her hand one last time before going back to the palace doors. Yazeed yelled at the troops, and then they were off to the Southern Sea. Not knowing what laid ahead.