Lin Tian's sword blade caught the glow from the coral as he faced the temple entrance. The shadows moved in patterns, circling the black stone pillars like sharks scenting blood.
He took a step forward.
"Wait."
Su Lan's hand caught his arm. Her eyes were fixed on Mira, not the shadows.
"Something's wrong with her voice," Su Lan said. "It's not just the parasite damage. There's a seal."
Lin Tian looked at Mira, who had stopped swimming, her tail swaying uncertainly.
"A seal?" he asked.
"A spiritual construct. Designed to suppress Siren vocal cords specifically." Su Lan swam closer to Mira, her medical instincts taking over. "May I examine you?"
Mira hesitated. Her hand went to her throat, fingers brushing the scales there.
"I have not let anyone near my throat since the attack," she said.
"I'm a physician," Su Lan said. "A healer. I won't hurt you."
Mira looked at Lin Tian. He nodded.
"She's the best I've ever seen," he said.
Mira lowered her hand.
