I’m weeping as he pulls me against him in a sodden hug. “I want to live, Rhagos,” I tell him between hiccuping sobs. “I want to live. I don’t want to die here in the water. Please don’t let me die here.” He holds me close, his arm wrapped around my waist as he half-nuzzles my wet face. “I will always keep you safe, Max.” The words sound like a vow.
