Dawn broke grey and heavy over the salt-stained coast.
The meditation had worked. Enough. He'd found water's rhythm—pressure and current like breath. His domain could stretch into the ocean, strained but functional.
He stood and walked to the water's edge.
The others were already awake, packing their supplies. Xueya came to stand beside him, her shoulder brushing his.
"Did you figure it out?"
"Enough," Lin Tian said. "I can extend the domain underwater. It won't be as strong as on land, but it'll work."
"How long will it hold?"
"Long enough to get us to the Trenches. After that, I'll adapt on the way."
Xueya nodded. She didn't push for more. That was one of the things he appreciated about her. She knew when to ask questions and when to trust.
Su Lan approached with the others. "We're ready."
Lin Tian looked at the ocean one more time. The grey waves rolled endlessly, hiding whatever waited beneath.
"Let's go."
The water was cold.
