Sneaking inside!

"You are safe. I got you."

Before she could sink deeper, Roy grabbed her hand and pulled her up, telepathically conveying reassuring words to her in order to stop her from panicking.

With his help, she resurfaced, coughing and sputtering water.

Roy held her defensively, keeping her stable in the river with surging water.

"You okay?" Roy asked her, his overall calmness betrayed by a hint of concern in his voice.

Delilah nodded, rubbing the water out of her eyes.

"Yeah, just not used to it."

Ending up miserable from just jumping into the river, she felt pathetic.

"Hold on to me tightly. I will lead you to our destination." Roy extended an invitation, assuring her that he would guide her until they reached the ashen land.

"I will be okay." She refused, feeling too shy to cling to him like a monkey.

"Well... whatever you like."

As Roy turned away from her, he felt a hot body cling to him.