Page 79 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“April fifteenth,” Echo said. He winced. “No,sorry,the sixteenth.”

“Well, it’s not narks, either. It’s been enough time for that to wear off even if it was. He’s also not euphoric. He’s not confused. He doesn’t seem disoriented.” Havoc faced Mael. “It’s not dive related.” He turned back to Echo. “You’re sure you don’t feel ill? If you’ve got a bug or something, going down with a fever can mess with your ears and equilibrium, big time.”

“I feel fine. I’m sure it’s just the adrenaline and excitement to get back down and dig,” Echo said, hopeful Havoc wouldn’t call the next dive off.

Havoc rose, eyeing Maelstrom. “He’s fine, but if he gets an ear ache, don’t blame it on me.”

Echo spun to face Mael. “Can we go already?”

Mael growled, shaking his head.

17

Once their gear was on, Echo was the first to jump back into the water. Trowel in hand, he held on to Mael on the way down. When they reached depth, Echo rushed toward the spot they’d dug out. With all four of them clearing sediment like a bucket brigade, it soon became clear itwasa tunnel of some sort. When it was clear that it was longer than they’d anticipated, they started working in pairs and threes—with Havoc joining in. When one group dug, the other took a break between.

Echo had to convince Havoc to let him push past the four-dive rule—using the reasoning that the rule was for humans. Havoc relented but watched Echo like a hawk when he went down with them.

Four grueling hours later, and well after the sun had set, they’d cleared out a good five feet when a chamber finally appeared. Echo raced forward through the dark opening without thought. He had to use his echolocation to situate himself while he dragged out a flashlight tied to his belt. He swirled the light around the tiny chamber that was maybe five feet long, if that. It was short, as well. Echo couldn’t stand his full five-six. Mael shifted because his orca tail was too large, but it didn’t help much. He was too big as a human, too.

Color flashed under the light along one long, flat wall. Echo swam closer, realizing it appeared to be a massive mosaic mural. It was difficult to see the full image clearly without better light, but the smaller sections were beautiful. He couldn’t tell if it was tiny pieces of sea glass or ceramic—or a mix of both. Whatever it was, it glittered under the light, a long-forgotten treasure waiting to be found.

Echo traveled toward the end, following the wall with one hand, and came to another small opening into another chamber. Before he could go through, Mael’s hand came down on his arm.

Mael shook his head before pushing in before Echo. He leaned into the opening and looked around, flashing his flashlight around.

His cocks bobbed and swayed in the water, drawing Echo’s attention.

Lust slammed into Echo. Images of Mael fucking him in every possible position played in his mind. His cock slipped out of his slit and pressed against the inside of the wetsuit. He closed his eyes, but that didn’t help stop his imagination from displaying erotic images.

Stop! This find is too important! Get a fucking hold on.

If Echo didn’t have a breather on, he might smack himself in the face to wake up out of whatever haze he suddenly found himself in.

Mael slipped completely through the hole, taking his firm, glorious cocks with him. His head popped out less than a minute later and he waved Echo inside. There was another mosaic mural along one wall and what appeared to be treasures lining a rock shelf under it. Small trinkets that might’ve been offerings. Most of them had layers and layers of sediment encrusted on the surface and some had barnacles, too. Even so, Echo was sure he saw silver, gold, and gemstones peeking through.

At the end of the second chamber was an air pocket andanotherentrance. The chambers were sloping upward as they moved deeper into them, which might’ve allowed for the trapped air inside. Echo pulled off his breather and tested it. Besides the heavy aroma of seaweed, it seemed perfectly breathable.

Mael pulled his off, as well. He brushed a hand over his face to wipe away excess water. “I honestly can’t believe this is here. With the weight of the ocean bearing down above, it shouldn’t’ve survived this long.”

Echo couldn’t stop smiling. He’d found it. He’d actually friggen found it. His grandfather would be vindicated.

Tears stung the backs of his eyes.

“I think we should go,” Mael murmured. “We can come back tomorrow with stronger lights and underwater cameras so we can record what was found down here. It might not hurt to bring braces to ensure the chambers don’t collapse on us, either.” He gazed around the top corners, waving his light to inspect them. “How they lasted this long, I don’t know.”

“Can we check the next chamber before we go? Just to get an idea what might be in there. If it’s above water, we might get a better view of the mural if there is one.”

Mael swept his flashlight into the next chamber. “This place hasn’t had anyone inside it in decades, if not longer. We don’t know the conditionorstructural integrity.”

“We won’t stay long. Just a quick peek to see what it looks like and if there’s another chamber after it.”

Mael exhaled, shaking his head. “And then you’ll want to go peek at the next one, too. I don’t want to get any deeper without setting up safety measures.” He moved closer, pinning Echo with his gaze. “I don’t want you hurt.”

“It’s lasted a hundred or more years. From the look of it, I’d say closer to two hundred. If it lasted this long, I think it’s going to last a few more minutes.”

Mael eyed him, one brow rising.

“Just one more and I promise we can leave,” Echo said.

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