“I’m coming, Faith!” Alaric roared. “I’m coming.”
The wave crashed on top of me, swallowing me down, the power of the crush bowing my back. I rolled and rolled and rolled. My hands reached and reached, my legs kicked for air. But there was no air. I held my breath. I held it.
The water calmed around me. But I was out of time.
I knew not which way was up or down.
My chest shook. I held it back, pinching my lips.
I kicked furiously, my hands shoved.
And my mouth flew open, sucking for air.
Saltwater flew into my mouth.
Down deep into my lungs. I blinked in the darkness.
My muscles tensed with fire in my blood.
Thoughts exploded inside my mind. Terror and loathing clenched my throat. The chill of the water caressed my skin. Seaweed encased my ankles, holding me prisoner.
I breathed water again. A hiccup in the sea.
My eyes fluttered shut, and my body twitched.
Once more, a shudder of good-bye.
Death crawled into my veins.
The sea took me away…
Away again…
And again…
Again…
Again… So much more again…
Immortality wasn’t always perfect.
