Ryn hit the pool below the waterfall hard enough for his bones to rattle. The cold punched the air out of his lungs, numbing him from the ribs down.
For a moment, he couldn't tell which way was up. All he could see were bubbles and the flare coming from the sun's rays.
He forced his limbs to move, survival instincts kicking in as he finally broke the water's surface with a gasp.
A second splash erupted beside him as Jay burst out of the water, flailing like he was being electrocuted.
"ITS…FREEZING."
"You'll be fine," Ryn groaned, already paddling toward the nearest ledge of rock.
He grabbed the edge, hauled himself out, and collapsed onto the stone floor. It was slick with mist but solid, thankfully. He coughed out a mouthful of water and pushed the hair out of his eyes.
Jay dragged himself onto the ledge a moment later, shivering uncontrollably.
"Ryn… I can't… I can't feel any part of me. And the parts I can feel—I wish I couldn't."
