WE DON’T DIVE SO MUCH as sink in tandem, Ravel pulling us down the side of the barrier until Cadence tells me to stop. I squeeze his hand twice in the agreed-upon signal.
My lungs feel like they’re going to burst, which helps distract from the certainty that a sea monster is about to take a bite out of us every time something brushes past.
It doesn’t stop me from dreading the barrier and wondering if I’ll burn up or drown first. Which is silly. Obviously, I’ll burn while drowning.
I tense so hard against the impending anguish that I miss the moment we cross over. Ravel has to prod me into opening my eyes and breathing again.
The air is stale, with a noxious tang that tastes like coming home. I run my fingers along the rough floor and try not to sob with relief. I try to stand and get n
