Chapter 23

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HE SIDESTEPS MY THRUST ANDgrabs the oar. The paddle pops out of my hands and into my chin. My head snaps back, light exploding behind my eyes. A splash. It’s me, I think. I’ve fallen overboard.

But I’m still on Genevie when his hands close around my throat. He lifts me right off my toes and squeezes until his lifeless blue eyes are all I can see.

“H-H-H—” Hero. If I could just cover his mouth with my own and breathe his name into him, if I could just—bring—him—back—

My vision flickers. Goes. Kay. Her face—every detail of it startlingly bright, as if there’s a projector behind my retina, beaming her straight onto my brain.

Cee.

Find me.

My eyes fly open. My legs are already drawn up. I kick out, feet slamming into Hero’s abdomen. He rocks back but doesn’t let go, taking me with him.

Into the sea we fall.