Good thing he warned her. Ava’s starved lungs were instead encouraging her to burst above the surface and drag in great gasping breaths, something she probably shouldn’t do in case the Gathendiens stood on the cliff with the alien equivalent of binoculars.
Nodding, she moderated her speed as she swam toward the surface and slowed almost to a standstill before cautiously poking her head up out of the water. Her mouth popped open of its own accord and began dragging in air.
The pain in her chest eased even as the skin on her face began to prickle with a sunburn.
That sucked!
Ava glanced toward the cliff and was stunned by the distance she and Jak’ri had covered.
As she stared, the dense foliage at the forest’s edge parted abruptly and spewed forth several large bodies preceded by two more sedapas.
Crap.
Several of the dolphin-like creatures chose that moment to burst from the water around her, leaping high and splashing as they emitted squeaky calls.
Sputtering, Ava wiped her eyes. Worried her new aquatic companions might attract unwanted attention, she drew in another deep breath and sank beneath the surface while they blocked her from view.
Jak’ri waited close by. I tried to distract them, but they were determined to join you.
She nodded.
His brow remained furrowed as he cupped her face in one palm. Are you all right?
Yes. The Gathendiens just reached the cliff.
His frown deepened. Did they see you?
I don’t think so. She motioned to the creatures that continued to cavort on the surface. These guys were splashing and jumping around enough to block the view.
Good. Can you keep going?
Absolutely.
He pressed his chilly lips to hers. Then they resumed their swim.
Their new aquatic friends joined them once more, as curious as the little leapers had been.
Right about the time Ava’s lungs began to burn with the need of another breath, the island rose up before them.
How are you doing? Jak’ri asked.
I’m about ready to take another breath.
Can you make it around that peninsula there? He pointed to a little finger of land that poked out from the island’s otherwise round body. Trees and brush covered it, the foliage dipping down to touch the water’s surface.
She nodded. That would conceal them well from the Gathendiens if any should look this way.
The water remained deep almost all the way to the shoreline. She and Jak’ri swam around to the other side of the peninsula and surfaced under an umbrella of branches.
Ava drew in more big gasping breaths.
Jak’ri eyed her with concern, his own breathing as even as though he’d just woken from a nap.
“I’m okay,” she told him between gasps.
Wrapping an arm around her, he drew her close and kept her head above water so she could relax. Ava leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder, grateful for the reprieve.
Gathendien blades had caught her several times during their skirmish. And though none of the wounds felt deep enough to threaten her life—barring serious infection she hoped the virus would prevent—they hurt like hell, the saltwater stinging like fire.
As her breathing finally calmed, she closed her eyes.
Fatigue pummeled her.
Jak’ri pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Can you hold on a little longer?” he asked softly. “I saw something beneath the surface I’d like to check out.”
She nodded and tried to look a little less whipped.
Some of the dolphin-like creatures surfaced near them and swam in lazy circles.
Ava motioned to them weakly. “These guys will keep me company.”
Jak’ri guided her hands to the branches of a tree that bowed to the water. “Hang onto this. If your friends here scatter suddenly or if you hear or sense anything approaching, call out to me immediately.”
“Okay.”
He seemed hesitant to leave.
“It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”
He stole another quick kiss. “I’ll return quickly.”
“Okay.”
Seconds later, he disappeared beneath the surface.
Three of their aquatic friends followed him. Two remained with her.
Ava leaned her forehead against a branch, then winced and drew back when the contact sparked pain.
One of the dolphin-like creatures rolled onto its back like an otter. The other followed suit as they chittered to each other and cast her curious looks.
Jak’ri’s beloved voice filled her head. I think this island used to be volcanically active.
Of course it did.
Ava sighed. Please tell me it’s dormant. It would be just her luck if the island they sought refuge on ended up erupting and sending rivers of lava chasing after them.
It’s dormant, he replied. I found a tunnel. I’m going to venture inside and see where it leads.
That sounded dangerous. What if you get lost?
I won’t. I have an excellent sense of direction. And should it fail me, I can use echolocation to find my way out.
Okay. If you have any trouble, let me know and I’ll ride one of these dolphin things to the rescue.
A chuckle filled her head, rumbling its way straight to her heart. I may fake it just so I can see that.
She smiled.
Moments passed. The farther I go, the more convinced I become that this—and the other tunnels that branch off of it—is an extinct lava tube.
More moments passed.
Yes! he blurted triumphantly.
Yes what? she asked.
There’s a subterranean cavern. Half of it is taken up by water. But the other half is dry ground. It’s the perfect place for us to evade detection by the Gathendiens.
Excellent!
It’s beautiful, too. I can’t wait for you to see it. I’m on my way out now.
Tension thrummed through Ava while she waited for him to reappear. She’d heard stories about divers getting lost and running out of oxygen while exploring newly discovered underwater caves.
Not Jak’ri though. He popped up in front of her, teeth flashing in a wide grin.
Ava forced a smile. “Hi there, handsome. What brings you here?”
“You,” he responded promptly and stole another kiss. “Always you.”
Her mood lightened despite the pain and weariness that afflicted her.
His expression softened. “Why don’t you hold on to my pack and let me swim us both down there.”
She wanted to say no. She really did. But instead, she found herself issuing a tired nod.
As soon as Jak’ri turned away, she released the tree branch and grabbed hold of his pack.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Ready.” She drew in a deep breath.
Jak’ri sank below the surface again, taking her with him, and followed the coast a few yards beyond the point at which she had rested. Sure enough, there was a tunnel. The sand leading up to it went from purplish-gray to black as night, the rocky exterior so dark she’d thought it a mere shadow rather than an entrance.
Jak’ri headed inside and began navigating twists and turns with a certainty and dexterity that impressed the hell out of her. He really did have a fantastic sense of direction. She was sure she would’ve gotten lost if she’d tried to navigate these passages and tunnels by herself.
Light appeared at the end of the tunnel. Ava’s burning eyes widened as the tight walls around them abruptly opened up into a large subterranean lake and darkness gave way to light.