The subterranean sea tunnel was a tomb of silent, black basalt.
Deep beneath the glacial shelf, the Shadow’s Wake cut through the subterranean current, its shadow-infused hull gliding smoothly through the dark water without making a sound. The only light inside the narrow vessel came from the low, amber glow of the tactical displays and the warm, golden-shadow radiance emanating from our joined hands.
Commander Mira stood at the iron helm, her sharp eyes fixed on the sonar screen. Beside her, Gideon and I watched the digital depth gauges tick lower.
"We are approaching the exit channel," Mira reported quietly, her hands steady on the wheel. "Once we clear this cavern wall, we enter the Bleeding Sea, the deep trench right beneath the Capital’s naval blockade."
"What's the surface status
