The tunnel beyond the chamber constricted even further, the walls narrowing to barely more than the span of their shoulders. Light fractured into shards, scattering across the wet surfaces and making it difficult to judge distance. The currents here were less predictable, sometimes reversing suddenly, sometimes swirling in spirals that threatened to throw them against the jagged coral.
Puddle moved ahead with unwavering certainty, water rippling around its massive form like a living shield. Its eyes glowed faintly, reflecting the scattered light as it probed every shift in the current. Rhys followed, keeping his hand lightly on Caria's back to guide her through the turbulence, while his other hand traced Puddle's wake.
