The dive began beneath a sky dimmed to rust, the sort of light that had no place being called day, yet wasn't quite night either. The tide had stilled. The reef held its breath. No ships passed. No birds cried. Halftide's entrance stood open like the throat of a long-forgotten shrine.
Arthur helped Aleks into the first harness ring. The improved belt cinched across his waist with soft clicks and long, thick straps of leather. One laced tightly over the old wound, its etched runes pulsing faintly as Beli's fingers brushed them into place. It looked like a binding, part brace, part prayer, and Aleks exhaled sharply when it locked.
"You good?" Arthur asked, without looking up.
Aleks nodded, though his hands flexed once at his sides.
"I can feel it." His voice was low, not strained yet. "My skin's itching to let it happen."
Beli finished tightening the last notch. "You shift and that belt stops working. It's designed for this form. The healing spell is holding, but just barely."
