Because there, beneath the water, I saw her.
Trapped, blonde hair swirling around her face like a halo, her eyes closed like she was sleeping.
I yanked Landon’s hand, pointing.
He saw her, too. But he kept pulling me to the surface. When I tugged harder, trying to get him to stop, he kept going.
Maybe I hated her. Maybe she didn’t deserve our help.
But we couldn’t just leave her.
Black spots appeared at the edges of my vision.
Cold, hard truth turned my veins to ice.
We couldn’t save her if we died first, and I needed air so badly my mouth opened in a silent scream, preparing to breathe in even if it killed me.
I nearly surrendered to the darkness, but Landon squeezed my hand, urging me to hold on.
So, I kept my hand in his.
And I didn’t let go.
Our heads crashed through the surface.
I gasped, gulping in a huge breath. Coughing, I inhaled again as Landon pulled me to a ledge. I collapsed on my hands and knees with him panting beside me. He rubbed my back and made sure I could breathe, his hands shaking as forcefully as my body shivered.
“You have to pull the sword.”
My voice trembled. “But Elaine?—”
“I’m going back for her.” He cupped my cheek. “But you have to keep going. You have to get the sword.”
“No.” I shook my head, my whole body shaking. “No. No, Landon, I want to go with you. You said not to let go. We have to stay together.”
“We can’t. Not for this part. And I can’t?—”
He stared at the water we’d just escaped. I followed his gaze, clutching his hand in mine. Terrified of the moment he’d break us apart.
Tortured, anguished eyes met mine. “I can’t leave her. If there’s a chance…”
“Let me come with you!” I dragged in air, my chest heaving as I stared between him and the water while he took long, deep breaths. Steady. Like he always was. “What if you need help? We can get her together.Please.”
He took my face in his hands again, capturing my lips in another kiss laced with the taste of goodbye. “I promise I’ll come back to you.”
I shook my head adamantly. “Landon, no?—”
“Trust, Maiden.”
My eyes flew to his.
He flashed me a heartbreaking smile. “I’m asking for your trust.”
Tears blurred my vision as he kissed me one more time.
“Get the sword. End this.”
And before I could stop him, he let me go.
