Aquatania's Impetus

Published by: eXtasy Books

Author : Gabriella Bradley

ISBN :978-1-4874-4352-8

Page :390

Word Count :106000

Publication Date :2025-08-22

Series : #

Heat Level :

Available Formats :

Category : Science Fiction Romance , Science Fiction , Fantasy , What's New

Product Code: 978-1-4874-4352-8

0 reviews
Write a review

She can save her world…but only by risking the life of the man she loves.

A deadly virus attacks the inhabitants of Zephyria. Princess Aquatania, a sea dragon shifter and sorceress, also a brilliant scientist and doctor, is determined to combat the contagion that swiftly afflicts most lifeforms.

Aquatania devises a daring plan, harnessing various strains of dragon blood in her quest for a cure for the population. To find it, she must journey into the crushing depths of the ocean.

At her side is Kieran, the formidable fire dragon general of the royal legions. As they plunge into a perilous quest beneath the waves, their contrasting powers—her command of the sea, his mastery of flame—become their greatest weapon…and the spark of an unbreakable bond.

With the virus spreading and enemies closing in from above and below, Aquatania and Kieran must race against time, trust in each other completely, and risk everything.

This wasn’t a scheduled communication or even a standard emergency. This was the royal emergency frequency, reserved for situations that threatened sky island settlements or sea kingdoms alike.

Aquatania moved swiftly, her scientific satisfaction evaporating like sea spray in desert heat. She finished securing the samples in a locked preservation chamber. Whatever the emergency, her breakthrough was too valuable to risk. With practiced motions, she shut down equipment that could become unstable if left unattended, her fingers flying across control panels and sealing mechanisms.

“Accept transmission,” she commanded, her voice steady despite the apprehension building in her chest.

The shell’s apex opened like a blossoming anemone, projecting a holographic image that hovered at eye level above her desk. The three-dimensional figure of a man appeared, his formal robes of office identifying him as an administrative official from Aethoria, the floating city known for its artisans and innovation. His normally immaculate appearance was disheveled, his hair askew, his robes wrinkled, and his eyes wide with barely contained panic.

“Princess Aquatania,” he said, bowing hastily. His voice wavered with strain. “Forgive the intrusion, Your Highness, but we face an unprecedented crisis.”

“Councilor Thorne,” she recognized him now. He was Aethoria’s Minister of Public Welfare. “What’s happening?”

“People are falling ill by the dozens, Your Highness. High fever, chills, and a strange red rash.” His holographic hands trembled. “We’ve never seen anything like it. The illness manifested three days ago in the eastern quarter. We thought it was isolated, perhaps something brought by traders from the Midnight Isles, but it’s spreading throughout the city with alarming speed.”

Aquatania’s mind immediately shifted into analytical mode, categorizing symptoms and considering vectors. “Describe the progression. How quickly from first symptoms to severe illness?”

“Alarmingly fast. Begins with fatigue and headache, followed by fever within hours. By the second day, the rash appears as raised red welts that spread from the neck downward. By day three, the victims are bedridden with muscle seizures.” He swallowed visibly. “We’ve lost seventeen citizens already, mostly elderly and children.”

“Containment measures?” she asked, already moving to a different workstation where she kept regional medical records and outbreak histories.

“We’ve established quarantine zones, but they’re becoming overwhelmed. Our healers are distributing fever reducers and anti-inflammatory potions, but they barely manage the symptoms.” The desperation in his voice deepened. “We’ve tried magical interventions, purification spells, health wards, but nothing slows the progression.”

Aquatania’s fingers traced patterns on a crystal interface, pulling up records of past illnesses reported in the floating territories. “Any connection between the initial cases? Common activities, foods, water sources?”

“Nothing obvious. It’s struck across social strata, different districts, various professions.” He hesitated. “But there’s one strange detail. The rash…it sometimes forms patterns. Not random welts, but almost…deliberate shapes. One healer swears she saw something resembling script on a patient’s back.”

That detail sent warning flares through Aquatania’s mind. Disease didn’t create patterns, but curses might. Or toxins with magical properties. She glanced at her recent experimental notes, wondering if her research on cellular regeneration might be adaptable to combating whatever this was.

“How many are currently infected?” she asked.

“Over two hundred confirmed cases. Potentially hundreds more incubating.” The hologram flickered slightly as Thorne ran a hand through his hair. “Our healers are overwhelmed. We don’t have your expertise in both scientific and magical medicine, Your Highness. Or your laboratories and resources.”

His image leaned forward, the projection stretching slightly with the movement. “We need your expertise, Princess.” His voice dropped, pride giving way to naked fear. “If this continues unchecked, we could lose half the city’s population within a week.”

Aquatania’s dual nature stirred within her—the scientist curious about the pathology, the royal conscience awakening to responsibility. The healing serum she’d been developing wasn’t ready for human trials, but its principles might apply to whatever was attacking Aethoria’s people.

She studied the hologram of the desperate official, weighing obligations and possibilities. Her father would expect her to consult the Royal Council before taking action. Protocol demanded it. But protocol wouldn’t save lives in the next crucial hours.

“Have you contacted the other sky islands? Or the sea kingdoms?” she asked.

“We’ve sent messengers, but—” He glanced over his shoulder as someone off-screen spoke urgently to him. When he turned back, his face had paled further. “Twenty-six new cases in the last hour. Three more deaths.”

The decision crystallized in her mind. This wasn’t just about science or royal duty. It was about her unique position to help. Her human intellect could analyze the disease scientifically. Her sea dragon heritage gave her resistance to most pathogens and the ability to travel swiftly. And her transformation abilities would allow her to transport necessary equipment without risking contamination.

“I’m coming to Aethoria immediately,” she said, already mentally cataloging what supplies she would need. “Prepare your largest healing facility to serve as a command center. I’ll need access to all patients, records of progression, and samples from the environment.”

Relief washed across Thorne’s face. “Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll have everything ready for your arrival.”

“One more thing,” Aquatania added, her tone hardening with authority. “This illness may have magical components. Until I arrive, have your healers draw silver circles around the beds of the most severe cases. It won’t cure them, but it might slow the progression.”

As the hologram flickered out, Aquatania was already moving with purpose. Scientific curiosity and royal responsibility had merged into a singular focus. Whatever threatened Aethoria’s people would face the full force of her dual nature, human science and dragon magic combined.

“I’m coming,” she whispered to the empty air, as if the suffering citizens could somehow hear her promise. “Hold on.”