The chain snapped.

And Noa fell.

Alessio’s roar shattered through the comm like gunfire. “NOA!”

His boots scraped against the dock as he sprinted back toward the platform, the pressure switch now dangling uselessly, the hook swinging like a noose in the cold night air.

Smoke billowed, the scent of burning oil choking his throat.

“Noa!” Alessio’s lungs burned, his chest caved, his vision pinwheeling. “Answer me, answer me!”

Silence.

Only the echo of his scream, bouncing back like ...