Page 259 of Volik

Whatever hit me was strong.

Blackness edges in around me.

It was too strong.

I fall faster.

Stars blink against the navy sky.

I reach for them.

Waves roar.

I close my eyes.

And my body hits the water.

The impact hurts.

But not as much as it should.

It feels cold.

But not as cold as it should.

The growing weight in my chest drags me down.

I blink my eyes open.

I reach up.

Toward the fading light.

I try not to think about the darkness below me.

I try not to think about my brother.

I try my best not to be scared.

But I am.

My eyes close.

My lungs burn.

I can’t hold my breath any longer.

I can’t⁠—

Heat surrounds me as arms grab me.

Volik.

I try to open my eyes.

Then my stomach sinks as my body shoots upward.

We break through the surface of the water.