Valen

mind, still swimming in the murky depths of near-unconsciousness, tried to dismiss it

ing louder, more distinct. It

m outside, cutting through the viewport. It locked onto our posit

aces, pale with fear, turned towards the light. Confusion, t

ter, emblazoned with its distinctive orange and blue markings, hovered directly ab

h practiced ease. He moved with a sense of purpose, his eyes scanning the wrecka

ward, his publicist's voice laced with indignation. "This is a restricted research

ved hand, pushing Jeffery aside with a firm, almost d

attered body, the damaged suit, the blood from my head w

d to himself, his voice calm amidst the chaos. He turned to the two other

th precision, a w

are you talking about? She's fine! Just a little

met, were cold, piercing. "She activated an emergency beacon, M

re down! And she certainly didn't activate anything!" He st

His touch was firm, yet surprisingly gentle. "Elaina," he said, his voi

ew my

istering an oxygen mask. The rush of pure oxygen to my

dangerous rumble. "You left her here, didn't you? In

e semblance of authority. "Who are you? You have n

His eyes, a startling shade of blue, held a quiet intensity. "Captain Alaric Williams," he stated, his voice de

ear, his eyes still locked on Jeffery. "This is Captain Williams. I'm on site. Submersible Poseidon's Eye." He

s. The head of the Oceanographic Instit

ine, audible even over the helicopter's roar. "C

a breakdown! She's been very erratic! She attacked Jaden, damaged the equipment herself!" H

s on the verge of death! And you're telling me she's 'erratic'?! You abandoned her?!" There was a pause, a pregnant silence. Then, a final, chilling declaration. "Jeffery Castillo,

the phone, then at Alaric, then at me

terrified shriek, buryi

looked at Jeffery, his blue eyes like chips of ice. "You'll be hearing from

ticed motion, they secured me to a stretcher. Alaric himself clim

ery. He stood there, alone in the flickering light of the crippled submersible, his