Page 73 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

His heart freezing, Will leaped from Quicksilver and plunged instantly into the water.

Splash!

The ice-cold river drenched him, nearly stopping his heart in shock. But there was no time to think about that. He had to get to her. In front of him, bobbing about, the young woman was flailing.

"Here," he said, offering his arm. She was a hair's breadth away, but every time he came close, she drifted a little further.

In the noise and the fright, it was hard for Will to see her properly. Her slight form flailed around, and her dark hair shone in the water.

"Help me!" she gasped hoarsely. Then, without any warning, she dropped.

"N-Nay!" the woman screamed. She was sinking like a stone. Will dived again, struggling his hardest against the pull of the current.

Finally, he had her. Tucking her arms around his head, he waded out of the river, pulling her up onto the bank. It was only there he noticed the dress, hood, and kirtle. But most of all, her hair. Her long black hair covered her like a halo, and something about her shone like a charm. Her skin was so clear. Even this close up, it was translucent. Gently, he rested her perfectly proportioned body down on the ground. There, her glistening flesh enticed him in.

Her skin was smooth, with not one single line on her brow, and her cheeks were plumped and fresh. Even without seeing her face, she was perfect.

But when he did, he gasped out loud.

Lissie.

* * *

Struggling from the depths of the water, Lissie battled to be free. But it was hard, so hard. Water streamed on top of her, keeping her down. She could not breathe.

It was deep.

She was buried down there. It was dark. Panicking, Lissie tried to get free. However, her limbs flailed. She could not fight it. It would get her. Much better to let her lie back and just let it happen.

So she plunged, lying still. But all was not as expected. Someone's arms were around her, caressing, wrenching her out. And his lips, they were on her, locking deep. Stroking her face, he teased away a curl.

Then he leaned in and kissed her, again. A twinge spread from one end of her cheek to the other. And with it, a sweetness which rippled.

"Well then," he rasped. He sounded amused. But Lissie just lay there. She did not know where she was but wanted to see his face. Then, he kissed her, this time on the lips, with a satisfying rush.

Lissie closed her eyes as a voice shook her.

"Hoo Lissie! Lissie, it's me! It's Will!"

Will?

She opened her eyes. Blinking, she looked around.

Except she could not quite move her head. Just her eyes. So Lissie's eyes darted from side to side. Then, straight ahead.

Will.

Hazily, his face came into view—the thick black hair, the smooth, pink skin, and of course, the sparkling blue eyes. Lissie felt instantly happy when she saw him; then, there was unease.

"Will?" She began sitting up, or at least trying to, before a spluttering fit took her. With no warning, she could not breathe. It was as if the river were still within her. Which it was, really.

Unable to do anything but gurgle, Lissie floundered, wretched on the ground, as Will swooped over her.

"Lissie?" he called, his voice only just reaching her. Time was running out.

Suddenly, Lissie was falling in deep. But this time, into herself. The water still in her lungs began to choke her.

Will! she tried to scream, but the coughing took her. Now unable to breathe, she did the only thing she could and stared hard.