Week Two: The Borderlands
The landscape continued to change—grasslands giving way to volcanic soil, scattered hardy plants to fields of obsidian glass and cooled lava flows.
The air grew hot and sulfurous.
Zale struggled.
Without regular ocean access, his scales were drying, cracking slightly at the edges. His breathing grew labored. The mer-prince who'd moved with fluid grace in water now walked with visible effort.
"We need to find him water," Alex said to Naga on the eighth day. "Real water, not just these shallow streams. He's dying slowly."
"I know," Naga said grimly. "But there are no major water sources between here and dragon territory. Just ash fields and lava plains."
[SYSTEM ALERT: Mate Bond Degradation Warning]
[Zale's health: 67% and declining]
[Estimated time until critical: 4-5 days]
[Recommendation: URGENT water source needed]
"System, please tell me you have something," Alex said silently.
[Checking shop options...]
[Available items:
