The impact with the water hurt like hell. A dull thud against my skin, like hitting concrete, before the cold water swallowed me. For a moment, I didn't know which way was up or down.

Panic set in.

Not underwater again.

My heart raced as memories of the last time surfaced—when the waves had pulled me mercilessly under, when my lungs had screamed for air. But this time it was different. No raging currents, no relentless darkness. I could see up.

So I fought against the rising terror and hit upwards with all my strength.

But the damn shoes I had been given on the ship were pulling me down....