Chapter 76: The Safe (?) World A Little Closer
The fall was sudden and disorienting, the cold shock of the water stealing Zara’s breath. She clung tightly to Leo, her arms wrapped protectively around his small body as they were swept into the current.
The water was ruthless, dragging them under and tossing them about. Zara struggled to keep Leo’s head above the surface, her lungs burning as she fought for air. Each time they surfaced, she gasped, her grip on him slipping in the muck.
She didn’t have time to think. she just held Leo, fighting to keep him above the waterline.
Winter surfaced nearby, his eyes scanning frantically until they locked onto Zara and Leo. With powerful strokes, he cut through the water, reaching them in moments. His strong arm wrapped around them, pulling them toward him.
"Hold on!" he shouted, spitting out the water.
Zara clung to him, her body trembling from the cold and the fear. Leo cried out, his small hands clutching her shirt, his face pale and terrified.
Winter kicked hard against the current, using his superhuman strength to propel them toward the riverbank.
The creatures that had been pursuing them were no match for the river’s fury, their grotesque forms swept away by the powerful current. The water seemed determined to claim everything in its path.
Finally, they reached the shallows, the water still rough but shallow enough for Winter to find his footing. He pulled Zara and Leo onto the muddy bank, collapsing in exhaustion as they gasped for air.
Zara coughed violently, her body convulsing as she tried to expel the filthy water she had swallowed. The taste of mud and muck lingered, making her gag.
Against her chest, Leo’s body shook as he coughed.