Wave Sixty One

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Drifting along the unfamiliar seabed, Leira tried to lift her head. She’d fled the Nest with nothing more than her wrist-orb. It was not enough to sustain her. Instead of swimming up, she’d kept to the depths. She no longer sensed the Herd, and knew they were out of range. Several tides had passed. Leira didn’t know how many more she’d live to see.
         
Something moved in the sand, disturbing it. Leira’s mind darted out and felt a small presence. An eel. It wriggled to get away, but Leira kept her mind trained on it. Her orb flickered out – the last of her Source energy. Desperately, Leira reached out her hand and groped around in the darkness. Her hand fumbled upon the eel. Its struggles intensified. Trying to ignore its slimy skin, Leira lifted it to her mouth. Its long body wrapped around her arm. Opening her lips, Leira brought its flesh to her teeth, preparing to bite.
         
She couldn’t do it. With a cry, Leira released the creature. It floated near her for a second, shocked, before darting away. She felt its presence leave. A wave of weakness overcame Leira. Darkness soon followed.

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