Above, chaos exploded. “He’s gone!” someone shouted. Flares of panic spread across the deck as binoculars dropped, radios buzzed, and orders collided with prayers. From their view, Nathaniel had disappeared into oblivion, swallowed whole by a leviathan that showed no hesitation. Rationality dissolved. All that remained was disbelief and dread.
Nathaniel’s heart pounded as he tumbled inside, but instead of crushing pressure or suffocation, he felt himself pressed gently against soft flesh, pinned by a massive tongue. It was containment, and except for a few minor bruises, he knew he was fine. Confusion replaced fear. He was trapped, yes, but his scientific mind was puzzled too.