“Knife!” Andrew shouted. Jack reacted instantly. One hand gripping the man’s arm— the other fumbling for the blade. The line snapped tight again. The man’s body jerked violently. His head dipped under— water closing over him. “Hold him!” Andrew yelled. Jack tightened his grip. “I’ve got him!” The line pulled again. Stronger this time.
Like something on the other end didn’t want to let go. Jack saw it clearly now— wrapped deep around the man’s ankle. Cutting into his skin. Tension humming through it. Alive. “Hurry!” Andrew barked. Jack leaned down— blade pressed against the line— his hand shaking with the strain. One clean motion— He sliced. For a split second— nothing happened.
Then— the tension vanished. The man went limp. Dead weight. “Pull!” Andrew shouted. Together, they dragged him over the side. He collapsed onto the deck— gasping— choking— alive. Jack fell back, breathing hard. Andrew stared down at the severed line trailing in the water.
Whatever had been pulling him… was gone.