After that, Ondine the Rivernyx had slipped back beneath the surface, but not before summoning Élisa forward into the water… and without a word, the elf had obeyed — stepping in without even bothering to undress.
The water rippled around her like a whirlpool, wrapping her in a silent embrace, then pulled her toward the creature who waited, motionless.
The Rivernyx gently touched the elf's shaved head and did something neither Dylan nor Maggie could quite make out — but whatever it was, it made Élisa shudder.
Then the creature removed a large silver bracelet from her own arm and handed it to the elf.
"I wanted to offer you at least some encouragement," she said, her voice a dying ripple, before turning away and vanishing once more into the depths.
"Wait! Lady Ondine…" cried Élisa, trying to dive after her.
