Page 397 of Hidden Depths

Almost angry.

They didn’t sound like an order.

They sounded like fear.

Everyone heard it.

John suddenly checked his weapon.

Lieutenant Akana studied the ocean.

Nathan looked at Ward.

Mom looked at me.

Ben was the only one who didn’t react.

He understood exactly what Ward was feeling.

Because he was feeling it too.

I stepped closer.

“You don’t get to leave me behind every time something happens.”

“You were inside the cannery.”

“Because I refused to stay behind.”

“And you nearly fell into Blackwater.”

“You caught me.”

“This time I might not.”

The honesty in his voice took the fight out of me.

Ward lowered his head until only I could hear him.

“Ross needs you. If he takes you, he wins.”

“If he takes my sisters, he wins anyway.”

“I won’t let him.”

“You can’t promise that.”

“No.”

Rain ran down his face.

His eyes never left mine.

“But I can promise I’ll die before I stop trying.”

My heart broke open.

Ward seemed to hear what he had admitted.