Charles used all his strength to stomp on James's foot and push him outward, but he was stuck fast.
"Get out!" Charles yelled, summoning every last ounce of energy. He leaped up and brought his foot down crushingly on James's sole. With the sound of tearing flesh, a large chunk of skin was scraped from James's waist, and he was propelled forward out of the passage.
Charles sprang out after James, but the moment he emerged, the exit snapped shut, catching his left arm in a merciless grip.
Gritting his teeth, Charles pressed his foot against the wall and pulled desperately, but no matter how hard he strained, it wouldn't come loose.
Beside him, James floated nearby, grabbing Charles's waist and pulling hard.
Charles slapped him and pointed toward the surface, but the big man only shook his head stubbornly and kept tugging.
Charles felt the currents around them grow turbulent; the island's descent was accelerating.
