Page 94 of Jewel of the Sea

“Were there any more boats?” Macy asked.

“Nothing nearby.”

“We need to leave this place,” Dracchus said.

“Arkon needs to rest,” Aymee said, looking at Dracchus, “and I’m not leaving Randall behind again.”

“We will bring the other human. It is too great a risk to allow him to return to your people.”

“Will you hurt him?” she asked carefully.

“He acted in defense of Jax,” Dracchus replied. “I have no reason to do him harm.”

“We only have two suits,” Macy said.

“There are more in a room near the barracks.” Aymee settled her hand on Arkon’s chest. His heartbeats were steady, but still distressingly weak. “Arkon and I found them when we explored this place.”

Dracchus moved toward Randall and stared down at him. “Then we need to go. We will carry them if we must.”

With no other choice, Aymee left the infirmary to retrieve a suit, bringing two extra masks — one for her and one for Macy. Randall woke as she was tugging off his pants.

“I knew I’d win you over eventually,” he mumbled. Though his eyes were closed, he smirked.

Aymee chuckled. “You’d be surprised how many men I’ve undressed. It doesn’t make you special.”

“Could’ve let me pretend for a little while longer.” He was quiet for a time as she finished removing his clothing. “Did I ever stand a chance?”

Aymee glanced up, but Randall’s eyes were still closed. “Had I not already met Arkon, you might have.”

“Not sure if that makes me feel better or worse.” He swallowed thickly.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Randall finally opened his eyes and lifted his head, glancing from Aymee to Jax, who stood on the opposite side of the bed. “What’s going on?”

“We’re leaving. We need to get you in a PDS.”

“A what?”

“A diving suit.”

Randall’s brow creased. “Why would I need a diving suit?”

“Because you would die otherwise,” Jax said.

When Randall swung his gaze from Jax to Aymee, his expression was troubled and his eyes questioning.

“They’re taking us with them,” she said.

He inhaled deeply and reverted to a calm, neutral expression. “What does that mean for me?”

“You will be under our protection,” Jax replied.

“A prisoner?”

“You saved a kraken from harm,” Dracchus said, “but we cannot allow you to return to your people. You know too much about us, now.”

“One of the rangers is already on his way back to Fort Culver,” Randall said.

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