(1) Dressed for the Deep (Patreon)

On a star-filled night, Connie slowly emerged from the water like a crocodile stalking its prey.

Before her stretched a long, empty beach covered in tiny pebbles. It was dark, quiet, and completely deserted—exactly what Connie had been hoping for. She made her way toward shore, keeping low in the water in case anyone was lurking nearby. When she felt sand brushing against her fins, she quickly slipped them off and covered the rest of the distance on foot.

As she stepped onto the beach, Connie pulled the regulator from her mouth and finally breathed in the fresh salt air. After swimming nearly twenty kilometers, it felt good to have solid ground beneath her feet again. Despite her wetsuit, the cold still stung her exposed arms and legs like tiny needles. She dropped her fins onto the ground, unbuckled the air tank from her back, and checked its levels on her SURG. Fifty percent. She would have to be careful on the journey back to the boat once her mission was finished.

Connie then turned her gaze westward. At the top of a steep cliff stood a grand mansion, shining brightly like a sparkling jewel against the night. The wind carried the distant sounds of laughter and classical music drifting down from above.

A story that is under development. You can read part 1 here:

https://www.deviantart.com/abysspool/art/The-Abyss-Club-Dressed-for-the-Deep-pg-1-1327456678