Chapter 31

Nis twisted out of Taer’s fevered embrace like a fish darting through the thick ropes of their kraken nets. “Follow me,” he said, taking Taer’s hand in his as he pulled him toward the sea. The sun winked in his curls, damp with spray. “Taer? I’ve missed you. Come with me.”

Taer let himself be led into the waves. Cold water swirled around his ankles. Farther, and the water pressed against his chest with a chilly weight. Each breath was short and forced, but Nis still smiled at him, his hand in Taer’s own. “Nis,” Taer said, wavering.

“I love you,” Nis whispered.

That was all Taer needed to hear.

Another step and his foot slid out from under him, icy water numbed his leg, a dangerous undertow threatened to drag him out to sea. No! his mind screamed as he slipped beneath the waves. His chest ached and his feet scrambled for purchase, but there Nis’s hand was still in his. Nis…