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Then something else emerged from the murky darkness behind it.

Dakota saw a small golden dome. It was glowing like a small sun. She glanced at Olok and saw a rapt expression on his face.

As they got closer, she noted the dome was of similar construction to the city domes, and through the glass, she could see that there was some sort of temple inside.

Temple? She looked at Dare. “Is that what I think it is?”

He nodded. “A temple.”

Someone had built a temple by the wreck of the Southwind. “This is where the Atocha Treasure is. But who would’ve built a temple for it?”

“We’ll have to find out.” He looked at Olok. “Can you get us closer?”

The Maronian shook his head. “See the rock formations on the seafloor? And the razor seaweed? It’s too dangerous. It’ll tangle us up and cut us to shreds.”

“Dammit,” Dakota said.

“You could take the small two-man sub. That can get you in closer.”

Dare was frowning at the Maronian. Clearly, he didn’t like the idea of leaving Olok alone here. “Remember you don’t get paid until you get us safely back to the surface.”

Olok nodded. “I like getting paid.”

“If we get…separated, is the small sub capable of returning to the surface?”

“Yes.” Olok tapped the screen. “You can look at the specs yourself.”

Dare looked them over and finally nodded.

Dakota met Dare’s gaze. “Shall we?”

He nodded.

They both grabbed their helmets. It took them a few minutes to climb aboard the small sub and get settled. The seats were reclined backward and the viewscreen was small. It was a pretty tight fit, with their bodies pressed up against each other.

“You want to drive?” he asked her.

“Hell, no.” She shook her head. “I’m a terrible pilot.”

“Olok, you stay in this position until we get back,” Dare said through his communicator.

“You’re the one paying,” Olok replied.

Dare palmed the controls, and the sub detached. It spun in the water and shot forward. The little craft was fast and maneuverable. They headed straight toward the dome.

Dare moved them around some rock formations. Some were tall twists of rock, and others tumbled piles of boulders.

They’d crossed half the distance, when the sub started to make a strange whining sound.

“What’s that?” she asked.

“Not sure, but the engine is losing power.”

Suddenly, all the lights flicked off. A faint glow remained on the control console, but then a moment later, that, too, flickered and died. It plunged them into absolute darkness. Dakota reached out, clamping her hand on Dare’s. A second later, a red emergency light came on.

“Olok, do you copy?” Dare’s voice held a hard, angry edge. “Our sub lost power.”

“Yeah, I read you.” The seafarer’s voice rumbled through the speakers. “You know, you should never have come here.”