The whirlpool opened like a mouth in the sea.
Elias gripped the deck rail, the axe in his other hand, as the Aurora tipped forward. The ship's bow dipped, and the current seized them, dragging the vessel toward the spinning center. The green light from below grew brighter, illuminating the black water with an unholy glow. Around them, the guardians circled, but they did not attack. They were shepherding, not hunting.
"Everyone inside!" Valdez shouted from the bridge doorway. "We're going over!"
Elias didn't move. He watched the vortex's throat—a black void ringed by churning foam and green fire. The Cradle was down there, and the First Mind was waiting. The ship would be torn apart unless they could shield it.
Lyra appeared beside him, her small body braced against the rail. "We can ho
