"Leave her! Save Winslow first. You must save Winslow!"
In that moment, every last thread of hope collapsed.
Seawater flooded my nose and mouth. I choked, unable to breathe. My strength drained away degree by degree, and the cold sank into my bones.
When the next wave broke over me, I had no strength left to surface.
Consciousness sank into the dark.
In the end, it was the rescue crew from the cruiser who pulled me out of the water.
When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed.
Unlike Adrian Winslow, who was surrounded by a ring of anxious Family members and compound staff, my bedside was empty.
The doctor making rounds saw that I was awake. He flipped through my chart, went quiet for a moment, and let out a soft sigh.
"You just had a miscarriage and then went into the water. If you don't rest properly, there will be lasting damage."
"I understand. Thank you, doctor."
I answered in a low voice and lowered my eyes. He gave a few more instructions, then left the room.
He had barely reached the doorway when he brushed past Julian Moretti standing just outside.
Julian walked in and sat down beside my bed. He didn't say a word. He just watched me, still and silent.