Sunken Radiance

Deep beneath the dark swell, a dull electric hum stirred the water. I descended through the black tide, planting my claws deep into the cold sea floor. Ahead lay an emergency sonar transponder, knocked loose and wedged into a fissure of volcanic rock. Its casing pulsed with steady, cool blue flashes. The current shoved hard against my shoulders, but my stance held firm. I reached forward, grasped the heavy titanium cylinder between my claws, and pulled steadily upward against the reef's grip. The metal tore free. I held it close against my chest, absorbing the low vibration and icy luminescence.