One moment I was swimming. The next, I was sinking. Arms too heavy to lift, legs refusing to kick, head going under as consciousness tried to vacate the premises entirely.
I barely had time to think oh, not again before hands closed around me.
Soren.
Of course Soren.
He was there instantly, had been following me the entire time, watching me struggle with a concerned expression he wore knowing I was being stubborn and reckless and refusing to acknowledge my own limitations.
He caught me, lifted me like I weighed lighter than a snowflake, pulled me against his chest with one arm while the other steadied us both in the water.
I looked up at him, ready to snap something defensive, and found him giving me a look.
Not angry. Not amused. Just… that look. The one that said "you worry me" and "you're being ridiculous" and "I care about you too much to let you drown yourself through sheer stubbornness" all at once.
He exhaled.
