KyKlaw

Blood already stained the water when KyKlaw took her place among the watching women. The ceremonial drums echoed across Clan Laga's floating platforms, but it was the scarlet spreading through the kelp below that held her attention-the first boy had already failed.

KyKlaw stood among the gathered females, her twelve-year-old frame showing promise of a warrior's build. What set her apart was the cascade of red hair that caught morning light like fire on water, stark contrast to the dark browns and blacks crowning every other head. Her jade-colored skin gleamed with health, and her tusks, smaller than most and curved upward, gave her face unexpected grace.

"Keep your eyes down," Elder Skoa whispered beside her. "Your father watches for any sign of defiance."

KyKlaw's sea-green eyes-so like her father's yet holding none of his coldness-flicked toward the combat platform where Chief Grico stood. His massive frame dominated the space, shark-tooth crown glinting as he surveyed the assembled clan. Today was the annual Deep Dive ceremony, and as always, females were forced to watch from the edges while boys prepared for their sacred trial.

"Why must we only watch?" KyKlaw muttered, her voice carrying the first hints of rebellion that would define her life.

"Because that is the way," Skoa replied bitterly. "The Deep Dive is for males alone. Always has been, since your father... since the old ways changed."

But KyKlaw had stopped listening. Her attention fixed on the line of boys standing at the platform's edge, each clutching ceremonial shells that would mark their passage to manhood-if they survived. Among them stood GratGra, her closest friend since childhood, his weathered features trying to mask the fear that every sane orc felt before entering the depths where Tako ruled.