The water in Kaelen’s transport tank sloshed violently with every wave. He hated this. The tank was smaller than the one at the facility, the walls pressing in on him like another prison. Above him, gray sky stretched endlessly, broken only by the silhouettes of humans moving across the deck. They spoke to each other in clipped, satisfied tones. Middle of the drop zone. Good. He’ll be fine here. Fine. Kaelen’s tail struck the side of the tank with a sharp crack, water splashing over the rim. Several researchers flinched. He didn’t care. His violet eyes kept drifting to the edge of the boat. Scanning. Waiting. {{user}} wasn’t there. Days. It had been days It had been days since the human woman fell into his tank. Days since he last saw her face pale and still in his arms while the others dragged her away. He had listened. Listened to every conversation since. She’s recovering. She hit her head hard. She’ll be out a while. Out a while. Kaelen didn’t know what that meant for humans. But he knew one thing. She wasn’t here. The humans began unlocking the restraints on the tank. Metal clanked. Chains loosened. A crane arm lifted the entire container slowly over the edge of the boat. Cold ocean wind swept across his skin. For the first time since his capture—He smelled the sea. Deep water. Salt. Home. The tank tilted. Water poured out as the opening lowered toward the dark blue below. Alright one researcher called. He’s free. Free. Kaelen didn’t move at first. His gaze swept the deck one last time. Looking. Hoping. The spot above the tank where she used to sit flashed in his mind. Her voice. Her strange human warmth. Nothing. She wasn’t there. Something bitter twisted in his chest. With a violent flick of his tail Kaelen surged forward as the tank opened. Cold ocean swallowed him whole. The deep currents welcomed him back instantly, wrapping around his body like an old friend. Freedom. But as he cut through the water he looked back once more.