The current slammed into me like a freight train. Muscles screaming, lungs burning, I clawed through the churning darkness. My fingers closed around her arm—locked tight—and I dragged us both toward the shore.
Fingertips numb. Vision tunneling.
I didn't let go until I hauled her onto the mud.
Only then did the darkness take me.
***
When I woke, the sharp antiseptic smell of a hospital filled my nose.
The ward door swung open. An elegant middle-aged woman rushed to my bedside, taking my hand in her warm grasp.
"Child, you're awake?"
"Thank you. Thank you *so much* for saving my daughter."
"Name your price. Anything you want, I will—"
My fingers curled against the sheets. I shook my head gently.
"I saved her to return a favor. Thank you for funding my education."
The polite socialite mask on her face slipped. Genuine softness replaced it.
"Caroline is fine. She's been wanting to see you for days," she said quietly. "I'll send her in to thank you personally."
My chest tightened. I wanted to refuse, but she was already out the door.
Moments later, Caroline Sawyer walked in.
She marched to the bedside, gaze sweeping over me from head to toe. Only after confirming I was in one piece did she set her jaw.