11

"The whales mentioned a squid attack," you say. "They're calling for your help."

Estre curses. "Of course. The gall of their timing. I wonder if they saw Cinza's return and knew it was a vulnerable time to strike."

"We're obligated to go and help the whales," says Arraia, "but that can wait a bit."

Estre avoids eye contact. "We came here specifically to get you," he says. He flips around and grabs Arraia's hand, motioning for you to follow as he starts the swim back to the depths.

Arraia looks back to check that you're following. "Tephra brought back more than the Orb," she says, "more than Cinza. She brought back…" She trails off, focusing on the path straight ahead.

Estre finishes for her: "A human."

Really? Ha! That paragon of self-control Tephra must've fallen for a human, brought it back. And now Estre and Arraia are here because, well, you did pretty much the same thing. And that kind of makes you the resident expert on integrating humans.