Grettir's Pool Novels & Stories

"In due time, Elara. First, you must face what lies within this abyss." "What do you mean?" The Guardian pointed to the pool. "This is no ordinary water. It reflects not just one's physical form, but their very soul. To return to the world above, you must confront your deepest fears and desires." Taking a deep breath, Elara approached the pool. The water's surface rippled, and an image began to form. She saw herself, but not as she was now. This Elara was older, hardened by battle, with scars and a fierce determination in her eyes. Beside her stood Darius, their hands intertwined.

“Wait. We need proof.” Selene growled. “And I’ll get it.” She summoned the witches. Under the light of the full moon, they opened the Pool of Memories ; a sacred, shimmering lake that revealed truth. Selene threw Irisa’s dagger into the pool. The water shifted. An image formed. Irisa, walking through the keep. Following someone. A figure in shadow. They turned, face revealed in the reflection of a blade. Selene gasped. “Callen.” He stood behind her now, slowly backing away.

The warriors bowed to the man before answering, "The mission is complete, Mr. Fritz. Now, we just need to wait for the right moment." "Very good." The man nodded, then turned and made his way through the estate until reaching its innermost section, where a large pool lay. The pool resembled a bath but was filled with blood-red liquid. It emitted a faintly metallic, bloody scent, and the atmosphere around it was oppressively heavy.

The reflection staggered back, gasping—but didn’t bleed. “Enough of this,” Kaelen growled, seizing his fallen sword. “You’re a trick.” The reflection’s smile deepened. “You keep saying that, as if words make it true.” They clashed again, steel to steel, each impact echoing across the cliffs. The ground trembled beneath them. With every strike, the pools rippled wider, spreading silver light like veins through the soil. Mireya regained her footing. She shouted over the chaos, “Kaelen! Look at the pools—every blow feeds it! She’s pulling power from you both!”

Dimitri gave her wet, almost naked body an appraising look as she covered herself with the gown. “Follow me,” he spoke as he twisted his head and walked out. He took her out to the other pool and smiled. “This one is much better, isn’t it?” he spoke as he pointed at the horizon. Kira, who had seen this pool from a distance, gasped. It was mesmerizing. The pool must be twenty feet long, and at the end of it, there were huge railings, that rose as high as fifty feet. The railings were painted silver and were shining in the sun, and were not far apart. One could extent arms or legs out of the railings but not the whole body.

It should have been horrific. But the wolf didn't distinguish between the heat of battle and the heat of desire. They were two sides of the same coin—survival and creation. Death and life. We arrived at the grotto. It was a natural pool fed by a thermal vent, hidden by a curtain of weeping willows. The water steamed in the cool night air, smelling faintly of sulfur and minerals. Jax waded in, still carrying me. The water was hot, a shock that quickly turned into a soothing balm for my aching muscles. He lowered me until I was standing, the water lapping at my waist.

“How was your sleep, milady?” “Not quite good, but my body is rejuvenated, thanks to your magic pool outside,” The expression on his face suddenly changed and furrowed his brows. “What do you mean, magic pool?” “The one that sat to the left, that crystal pool was glowing after I bathed in it,” “You bathed in it? In sacred Amuasa?” She became confused. “that pool is sacred?” suddenly, he grabbed her by the arms and shook her a little. “What did you do? What did you make a wish for? Tell me, Georgette!”

It was a bizarre illusion of security, but it was the closest thing to a home I had ever known. Late that afternoon, the heat from the accumulated stress made my body sweat underneath the sweatshirt. I walked out to the terrace balcony and rested my hips against the glass railing, looking at the massive private pool of the penthouse, its blue water glittering under the Chicago sun. Gretchen stood near the sliding door, her arms crossed. "Gretchen," I called out, tucking my brown hair behind my ear. "It's very hot. Am I allowed to use the pool?" Gretchen evaluated me with those stern eyes, checking the suspended deck before responding in her mechanical voice:

Althea murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. I approached the pool cautiously, and entered. The water’s surface sparkled like the night sky, reflecting countless stars. It felt otherworldly, as if it held memories and secrets from ages long past. “This is where we find the truth,” I stated, steadying my voice as I turned to face my friends. “We must work together if we are to harness the power here.” When we joined hands once more, a wave of calmness washed over us. I felt a peculiar warmth radiate through the connection we shared. Each heartbeat echoed the resolute rhythm of our determination, and as one, we focused on the water’s surface.

He steeled himself, ready to face whatever fate awaited him. As the predatory shadow loomed closer, Tritan braced himself for the inevitable encounter, yet his heart leapt with relief and anticipation as the shape straightened, revealing the unmistakable figure of Finrir. Tritan's eyes widened, taking in the downward curve of Finrir's tail, distinct to the merfolk of Arcttegat. The realization washed over him, dispelling the dread that had gripped his heart just moments before.