The water was still cloudy with blood and debris. The two sea women floated calmly amidst the chaos. The hundreds of Sea Devotees were gone, most dead, the rest fled. The silence felt heavier than the ocean pressure.
Dorran immediately drew his sword, positioning his shark between them and the newcomers. "Stay back," he warned in a fierce tone.
Nox placed a hand on his arm, gently pushing it down.
"Stand down," he said quietly.
"Why? They just killed hundreds without blinking!"
"Exactly," came the reply, eyes locked on the two women. "If they wanted us dead, we'd already be with them." He took a cautious step forward.
The women observed him, their large blue eyes curious and assessing. The one on the right, who had a small star-like marking on her temple, spoke. Her voice was melodic, and like the translator used by the Devotees, perfectly understandable.
