The Sunken City

The waves crashed against the sides of their small boat as Lia adjusted the compass in her hand. Beside her, Max leaned over the edge, scanning the horizon for any sign of their destination.

“This has to be it,” Lia said, her voice firm despite the unease in her stomach. “The map points here. The Sunken City is real—I know it.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “And if it’s not? We’ll have wasted two days at sea chasing a myth.”

Lia shot him a glare. “It’s not a myth. My mother’s journals were clear. She found it once, and I’m going to finish what she started.”

Max sighed but said nothing. The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the ocean in shades of gold and crimson. Suddenly, the water beneath them shimmered unnaturally.

“Do you see that?” Max asked, his voice hushed.

Lia leaned over the side and gasped. Beneath the surface, structures emerged—a labyrinth of stone buildings and towering spires. The Sunken City.

“Drop anchor,” she said, excitement bubbling in her chest.

Moments later, they were diving into the water, their lanterns cutting through the murky depths. As they swam closer, the city’s intricate carvings and glittering mosaics came into focus. It was breathtaking—a place frozen in time.

“This is incredible,” Max said, his voice muffled by his breathing apparatus.

Lia pointed to a large temple at the city’s center. “That’s where we’ll find it. The Heart of Sol.”

Max frowned. “And you’re sure it’s a good idea to take it? Don’t these things usually have, I don’t know… curses?”

Lia rolled her eyes and swam ahead. “We’ll be fine. Just stick close.”

Inside the temple, the water felt heavier, and an unnatural stillness filled the air. At the center of the chamber, a pedestal glowed faintly, holding a large, golden orb—the Heart of Sol. It pulsed with light, illuminating the ancient symbols carved into the walls.

“There it is,” Lia whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

As she reached for the orb, Max grabbed her arm. “Wait. Don’t you think it’s weird that this place is perfectly preserved? Like something’s been protecting it?”

Lia hesitated but shook her head. “This is my chance, Max. I can’t turn back now.”

She lifted the orb, and for a moment, nothing happened. Then the ground beneath them began to shake. The symbols on the walls glowed brighter, and a low rumble echoed through the chamber.

Max cursed. “You just had to touch it!”

Lia clutched the orb to her chest. “Swim! Now!”

They darted out of the temple as the city began to come alive. Statues moved, their eyes glowing with golden light, and massive currents tore through the water, pulling them in every direction.

A shadow passed over them—a colossal sea serpent, its body coiled around the city. It roared, its voice vibrating through the water.

“Tell me you have a plan!” Max shouted, narrowly avoiding the serpent’s tail.

“Working on it!” Lia yelled back.

They reached the boat, scrambling aboard just as the serpent surged out of the water, its eyes fixed on the orb in Lia’s hands.

“Throw it back!” Max screamed.

“No!” Lia shouted. “This is what my mother died for!”

The serpent lunged, and Lia made a split-second decision. She hurled the orb into the ocean. The serpent dove after it, disappearing beneath the waves.

For a moment, all was silent. Then the water calmed, and the shimmering city faded back into the depths.

Max collapsed onto the deck, panting. “Next time, maybe listen when I say something might be cursed.”

Lia sat in stunned silence, staring at the spot where the city had vanished. “We found it,” she murmured. “That’s what matters.”

Max shook his head. “You’re unbelievable.”

The waves carried them back toward the horizon, the memory of the Sunken City etched into their minds forever.