The sea was quiet.

Not calm—quiet. An eerie, expectant hush that lingered in the salt-heavy air like breath held too long. The research vessel Aurelia drifted above the sunken coordinates with only minimal propulsion, her hull painted In fresh matte-black plating and retrofitted with a subnautical dive rig capable of descending over 6,000 meters. Every wave slapped against the steel as if trying to resist their descent.

Emma stood at the bow, watching the water ripple over the ruins ...