Chapter 7 The Trap

Sophia's heart sank as she gazed up at the guardians. They were trapped, with no way to escape. "We have to get out of here," Sophia whispered to Marcus. Marcus nodded, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "I see a cave behind the waterfall," he whispered back. "If we can make it there, we might be able to hide." Sophia nodded, and they both swam towards the cave. They emerged from the water, shivering and exhausted. As they caught their breath, Sophia heard the guardians entering the cave. They were trapped. "What do we do now?" Sophia whispered to Marcus. Marcus's face was grim.

"We fight," he said. But Sophia knew that they were no match for the guardians. They were outnumbered and outmatched. Just as all hope seemed lost, Sophia heard a strange noise. It sounded like...drumming? The guardians heard it too, and they paused, looking around uncertainly. "What's going on?" Sophia whispered to Marcus. Marcus's eyes were fixed on the guardians. "I think we're about to get some help," he said. And with that, a group of warriors emerged from the shadows, their faces painted with fierce designs. They charged towards the guardians, drums pounding in their ears. Sophia watched in amazement as the warriors fought off the guardians. They were fierce and skilled, and the guardians were no match for them. As the fight ended, the warriors turned to Sophia and Marcus. One of them stepped forward, a tall, imposing figure with a fierce glint in his eye. "Who are you?" Sophia asked, trying to keep her voice steady. The warrior smiled, his face creasing into a thousand lines. "We are the guardians of the river," he said. "And you, Sophia Patel, are a long-lost cousin." Sophia's eyes widened in shock. What did he mean?