The ocean didn’t just fall—it burst. Tons of salt water hammered down like shattered glass. Julian squeezed his eyes shut and clung to the silver locket until its edges dug into his palm. The sea dragged him under, heavy and cold. His lungs screamed. He needed air, but all he got was water.
Not like this, he told himself. Maya’s face flashed in his mind. I can’t lose her.
Suddenly, the locket changed in his hand. It didn’t just warm up—it blazed, bright as the sun. Gold light exploded from it, pushing back the darkness. A glowing bubble formed around him. Julian gasped, and sweet air filled his chest. Through the gold light, he spotted David and Bianca, both swept away by the current, their faces twisted in fear.
“David! Bianca!” Julian pushed through the water. The bubble moved with hi
