Page 19 of Treasure of the Abyss

“I thought those were yourears!”

“They are my siphons.” He turned his head and pointed to the small hole behind his siphon. “These are my ears…earholes, if it is moreaccurate.”

She studied it intently for a moment before she looked away, scratching her arm. “Sorry forassuming.

He frowned at her posture and tone. “I am sorry, as well,Macy.”

Her eyes met his. “Forwhat?”

“Have I not done the same, manytimes?”

“Yeah. I guess you have.” She stepped away, placed her cup on the ground beneath the canvas, and went to one of the numerous containers nearby. After emptying its contents into the other bins, she walked to the edge of the island and dunked the container into the water. She carried it to her shelter and set itdown.

Using both hands, she picked up the fish and dropped it into thecontainer.

“You need fire to cook the fish, so you may eat safely,” Jaxsaid.

“Yes.” She settled her attention upon him. “But you still haven’t told me about thiscomputer.”

Jax inhaled deeply. If he wanted her to answer his questions truthfully, he would have to extend her the same courtesy. But he couldn’t endanger hispeople.

“There is a voice in the walls, in the place my people dwell. It is called theComputer, and it speaks to us. Sometimes, it will answer questions, and sometimes it will give us warnings. Often, we do not understand what itmeans.”

Macy stood, her eyes widening. “You mean down there?” She pointed toward the tunnel. “In thesea?”

“I can tell you no more,Macy.”

“But you just told me you have a computer down there! That’s…that’s human technology!” She paused, eyes darting from side to side as though in thought. “What do your ghosts looklike?”

If Macy chose to act against the kraken, what information would prove damaging? “Like humans,” he replied finally. “Sometimes we can see through them. Sometimes they flicker, or look…fuzzy.”

“They’re holograms.Recordings.”

“Holograms.”Ghostsseemed simpler and more fitting. “You are excited bythis?”

“Yes! We never knew there was a settlementunderwater.”

“I did not say it wasunderwater.”

“You didn’t have to. What do the hologramssay?”

“What do you need to make yourfire?”

“What do they say,Jax?”

“I can tell you no more,Macy.”

“But—”

“No more,” hegrowled.

Macy shut her mouth, pressing her lips tight, and curled her hands into fists. She took in a deep breath and released it slowly. “Right. I’m yourprisoner.”

Her anger and resignation struck like ablow.

“Such information is not mine alone to give,Macy.”

“Right,” she repeated, and sat down in hershelter.

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