Page 40 of Unbetrothed

“We need to get into the valley. Time is running short and—” I snapped my mouth shut. How did I let my words get away from me? No one else needed to know about my oath.

He gestured with a circular hand motion for me to continue. “And?”

“I’ll eat first,” I said, resigned.

Zichri tossed the mango, and I fumbled to catch it. He stood beside me while I dug my fingernails into the fruit, peeling the skin. I devoured my breakfast, juices dripping along my chin. It was so awkward, but these weren’t normal circumstances. I mopped my face with my shirt sleeve. So undignified. He laughed, but I was in no mood for any talking or amusement. The skin along my biceps squeezed, and I winced.

Was it the dream that hurried me forward? Or the constant reminder of my impending death should I fail to complete my oath?

I threw the mango pit over my shoulder. “Now, can we go?”

Zichri scanned my face, and whatever he saw in it must have told him that I could not be swayed to idle any longer. He whistled to his companions, calling them nearer. Everyone ambled toward us and listened to Zichri lay out a plan of who’d be swimming near whom and what we’d do upon entering the valley. His melodic accent broke through in certain phrases, and he projected an air of confidence. I turned my gaze down to our boots, trying to focus on our current task.

“Lead the way,” Zichri said in a gentle tone.

Dipping my boot in the turquoise water, I walked deeper. I would let the promise of more time with Zichri sustain me as I swam. He waded next to me, and I plunged ahead, thankful for all the swimming I did back home. A splash sounded beside me, Zichri. On my next stroke, Blas rushed to join us. I slowed my pace, catching a glimpse of Milo, Jaime, and Laude stepping into the water together.

The falls hummed in my ears, strangely calming despite doubt licking at my heels. I arced an arm over my head, breathed, and switched arms. My legs kicked in perfect rhythm.

A large bird glided over our heads and dove to the water, skimming the surface. It zipped away, a flopping fish in its talons.Will we be hunted like that fish?

My aching arm muscles tightened. Splashes sounded on each side of me. How much more to go?

The rocky shore grew closer, and I continued forward until smooth stones grazed my fingers. My limbs begged for a break. A few more strokes. Sucking in a deep breath, I lunged onto the shore, unconcerned about dirt or anything else.

Zichri followed behind me and staggered to his feet, looking into the jungles all about us. He paced, hands on hips, and panted.

Blas collapsed once he made it out of the water, breathing hard, and sat up. “Something’s not right.” He pointed a thin finger toward the others.

I lifted my head, propping it onto my elbows. Two brown-haired heads peeked above the water offshore. I stood to get a better view, but it was the same. My heart dropped. “Laude!”

Milo swam back a few strokes, and Jaime disappeared under the water’s surface. My world spun. What could I possibly say to Mamá if they couldn’t save Laude?

What am I thinking? She isn’t dead yet.

I ran into the water, but a strong hand grabbed my shoulder.

“They have her,” Zichri said. “Milo and Jaime will get her to shore as fast as they can.”

The two men flipped a lifeless-looking Laude on her back and hauled her in tow while they sidestroked. Each precious second tarried as I waited for them to make it to shore. I wiggled free of Zichri’s steel grip and plunged in until the water reached my waist.

Zichri barred my way again with an arm and scooped me close to his chest. “Wait until they pull her onto the shore. You’ll only hold them back.”

“Is she alive?” I called out to them. Jerking to get free of Zichri, I elbowed his side. “Let me go.”

Milo and Jaime dragged Laude to the rock-laden shore. She erupted in coughs. Jaime turned her onto her side and she retched water.Is that a good sign?I ran to her and wedged myself between Jaime and Milo. She wouldn’t like them seeing her in such a state. Still coughing and gasping for air, she propped herself onto an elbow.

“Let it all out.” I patted her back. Hot tears streamed to my jawbone. “Never scare me like that again.”

Her swollen eyes looked up at me, reflecting the murky waters rather than the usual skyblue. More tears gushed out of me like hot springs. I lifted her torso and wrapped my arms around her body, squeezing tight. She spewed again. Warm vomit soaked into my shoulder. I didn’t care—well, not much. Laude was alive.

“Good thing she got all that out,” Blas said.

I whipped my head, glaring.

He bit his nails, concern etched on his forehead. At least he looked worried. Though, any loose comments might have brought out a fresh batch of fury from me. He’d caused Laude enough grief with his insults.

“Miss, I thought I might die … I’m sorry. My arms gave up.” Laude still caught her breath. Curls clung to the side of her face. Her chest puffed out and shuddered as it fell.

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