Chapter 7: Stone cold
The next morning, after washing and dressing, the teens headed out early to search for Lucia, informing the nymphs. Suddenly, just as they were untying their rowboats, a familiar figure approached, holding something under her cloak. Kai gave a warm smile as Fiddle crept toward him, who took his wrist and put something in his palm, wordless as usual. Kai stared at the little item, a tiny box which he promptly opened, revealing a compass. Surprisingly, though, it didn't point north, and Fiddle immediately rushed off for fear of being caught outside the library in the daytime. Confused, the trio wondered what the compass could be for. "Maybe it could lead us to Lucia?" Cori suggested, but Miriam was doubtful. "How would that weirdo of all people know where Lucia is?" she asked, Kai shrugging. "It's worth a shot, Miri. Let's follow it for now." he replied, Miriam nodding reluctantly. He then turned back to face her. "And don't be mean to Fiddle. She's just as nice as you two." he defended, Miri rolling her eyes a little. Cori gave a slight nod, and the trio set off, venturing down an Itarian channel.
Their voices echoed in the darkness, Miriam a little nervous. "Isn't this a bit dangerous…? These things haven't been used for years…" she whispered, but Kai reassured her. "I went down a different one yesterday! Nothing dangerous, but sometimes there's bioluminescent creatures in the water. Not here though…" he mumbled, checking by swirling his oar and being slightly disappointed. The trio travelled further, but this time Kai knew to expect the drop and warned the others, before progressing into the blinding light. Quickly, he pulled out the compass and rotated his boat accordingly, spotting a small tower in the distance. "Follow me." he commanded, the two girls nodding and rowing behind him, approaching the crumbling tower. It perfectly matched the Itarian architecture, but was slightly disconnected from the rest of the city. Judging by its condition, it had clearly sunk, and had suffered the brunt of the submersion. The trio searched for a door, but there was none, only a small opening in the rocks for someone to swim through. Kai stared at Miriam, who looked ashamed, but it was obvious she was too afraid to swim inside. He and Cori stared at each other, before jumping out of their boats.
"We'll be back before you know it, Miri!" Cori smiled, treading water before swimming in first, Kai following close behind. As the wind blew Miriam's hair around, she thought all about their past adventures. Kai was always so brave, happy to help anyone who needed it and loving the exploration of the city. Cori was interested in the traditions, and extremely friendly, constantly cheerful and sweet to everyone she met. While Miriam? A coward, too afraid to step out of line or say the wrong thing, and worse still, afraid of the dark even as a teenager. Silent, she curled up her fists in anxiety and waited for them to come out, hoping they would be quick so they could retrieve Lucia faster.
Inside the dark tower, Kai took Cori's wrist, the two finding some stairs and shakily ascending, worried they would crumble any second. "This is some creepy place your friend sent us to, Kai." Cori whispered, Kai raising an eyebrow. "Well I'm sure there's a reason." he replied, Cori looking down at him briefly with her own raised eyebrows. "Better be a good reason or I'll be checking what's in those breakfast grapes of hers." Cori giggled, Kai also quietly snickering. "Okay, so she's a little weird. But she's really nice! She was amazed at that sunset last night." he whispered, Cori nodding. "I'm glad you've met someone else who cares for you, then." she answered, before finding the end of the stairs and taking Kai's hand to pull him up.
The first thing they noticed was the chain. It stretched out toward a small person on the cold stone floor, ankle bound by a metal shackle. Their voice was muffled by something covering their mouth, and they seemed deathly afraid. Cori bent down toward the person, before noticing a familiar necklace- the seahorse Stavros had given Lucia. Despite her matted hair and fairly unruly appearance, it was clear this was Lucia, and she was in trouble. "Lucia…?" Kai whispered, the girl instantly turning to face him. Though it was muffled, it was obvious she yelled his name in response, Cori instantly realizing she was blindfolded. Gently, she untied the gag and grabbed a loose rock, breaking open the shackle and helping the girl stand up. Without warning, Lucia hugged Cori hard. "Kai…you came to save me…" she whispered, Cori giving a slight giggle. "He doesn't get to take all the credit, you know." she replied, gently stroking Lucia's hair. She then bent down to remove the blindfold-
And was turned to stone.