Naked II

As she unsheathed the sword, I called out to her. "Come back," I said, my voice steady despite the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. She turned, her steps slow and deliberate as the water rippled around her.

But just as she neared the edge, something shifted. Her body tensed, her footing faltered, and suddenly she was sinking.

"Kiara!" I shouted, panic slicing through me as I watched her struggle. Without hesitation, I moved toward the water's edge, ready to jump in.

But then, her hand shot up, stopping me. "No, don't come in yet!" she called out, her voice strained but firm.

"What?" I froze, confused and alarmed.

"You need to—" she gasped, her words breaking apart as she fought to stay afloat. "You need to take off your clothes."

Her words hit me like a slap, and I paused, stunned. My mind reeled, trying to make sense of what she was saying.

"What are you talking about?"