Just as the shark accelerated, the humpback whale responded with incredible agility. It tucked Nan under its massive pectoral fin—an appendage the size of a small car—and shielded her entirely from the shark’s view.
The whale’s body was a fortress of muscle and bone. Nan could feel the vibrations of the whale’s low-frequency vocalizations through her chest. It was a communication she couldn’t translate, but the intent was clear: protection.
With the shark momentarily deterred by the whale’s massive bulk, Nan saw her chance. Her research boat had finally managed to maneuver closer, the engines humming a few dozen yards away.
She took a deep breath, gathered her strength, and prepared to make a dash for the ladder. But the whale seemed to know the danger wasn’t over yet, and it refused to let her go.
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