The Sunken City of Varuna

The submarine’s floodlights cut through the murky depths of the Indian Ocean, revealing the lost ruins of an ancient civilization. Dr. Alex Carter pressed his face to the viewport, his pulse quickening.

“There it is,” he whispered. “Varuna—the Sunken City.”

Beside him, marine archaeologist Priya Das adjusted the sonar readings. “This place shouldn’t exist,” she murmured. “The legends say it was swallowed by the sea over two thousand years ago.”

Alex grinned. “Looks like the legends were right.”

The submarine glided past colossal statues of forgotten gods, their once-proud faces eroded by time. Massive stone pillars stretched toward the surface, remnants of temples that had long since crumbled. Schools of fish darted through broken archways, while bioluminescent creatures cast eerie glows across the ruins.

Priya studied the readings. “We’re nearing the central plaza. That’s where the Temple of the Tides should be.”

As they navigated through the ruins, a structure unlike any other loomed ahead. The temple was perfectly intact, its grand entrance adorned with intricate carvings of waves and celestial patterns.

Alex pointed. “That’s where we’ll find the Heart of Varuna.”

According to legend, the Heart of Varuna was an artifact of immense power—capable of controlling the sea itself. It was said to have been the reason the city was destroyed, its people punished for wielding forces beyond their understanding.

Priya frowned. “You do realize that every story about this artifact ends in disaster, right?”

Alex smirked. “Good thing we’re just here to study it.”

They suited up and exited the sub, swimming cautiously toward the temple. The entrance was flanked by two enormous statues of sea serpents, their stone eyes gleaming as if they were watching.

Inside, the water was unnaturally still. At the temple’s center sat an altar, upon which rested a crystal sphere pulsating with a soft blue light.

Alex reached out. “The Heart…”

Before Priya could stop him, his fingers brushed the sphere. A low tremor rumbled through the ruins. The carvings along the walls glowed, and from the shadows, something moved.

A deep, echoing growl filled the chamber.

Priya’s breath hitched. “Tell me that’s just a current.”

The ground beneath them shifted. Out of the darkness slithered a massive form—an ancient guardian, its eyes glowing the same eerie blue as the artifact. It resembled a serpent, but its body was lined with fin-like appendages, and its skin shimmered like the ocean’s surface.

Alex’s heart pounded. “That’s not a current.”

The creature lunged. They barely dodged its attack, propelling themselves toward the exit as the beast coiled around the temple.

Priya shouted, “Drop the artifact!”

Alex hesitated, but as the guardian closed in, he let go. The moment the sphere left his hands, the tremors ceased, and the creature’s glowing eyes dimmed. It retreated, curling protectively around the altar once more.

Panting, they swam back to the submarine. As they climbed inside, Priya glared at Alex. “Next time, let’s NOT touch the cursed relic.”

Alex grinned despite himself. “Agreed.”

As they ascended toward the surface, the Sunken City of Varuna faded into the darkness once more—its secrets safe for now.