Page 44 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

Santiago rose from his chair and stumbled forward to help.

“Stop!” she barked. “I’ll get it.”

He froze as soon as she spoke, leaning heavily on his cane.

“Um…about what you said… I actually already went down there—”

“YOU WHAT?!” Santiago’s countenance instantly transformed from concerned to outraged.

Briony had never seen him so angry, and she took a few steps back in fear of what he might do. “It’s just that—”

“Just what?! Doesn’t your word mean anything to you? You promised not to go there without me, and now I find out that you went anyway?!” Santiago’s voice lowered to a whisper as he said, “Does a promise to me mean nothing?”

Briony’s eyes widened, and she reached for his arm. “Santiago, I—”

He held up a hand. “Don’t. I don’t think I could believe whatever you say right now. Maybe I never should have trusted you anyway.”

He turned away slowly and made his way out the door, teetering as he went. Briony knew it was irresponsible of her to let him go alone, but she found herself unable to move.

Once he was out of sight, she dropped to the floor beside her shattered teacup. She sat there for a few minutes, trying to sort out her twisted thoughts.

Whatever that conversation was between Santiago and the captain, I don’ care anymore. Maybe I can convince him I’m sorry, that I was wrong to go on my own.

Briony rushed to the doorway and spotted him a ways off down the hill, standing right at the cliff’s edge. He was peering out at the turbulent blue expanse, with his hands on his hips and his cane on the ground beside him. He didn’t look very stable on his feet, but his frustration seemed to be holding him in place.

What if he refuses to listen? He already stopped me when I tried to explain… But I can’ just leave things as they are. I have to try again.

Briony went down to him, tears flooding her eyes. He seemed to hear her approach and turned toward her.

That was when the unthinkable happened.

Santiago’s foot stumbled over a stone, making his entire leg give out. Rather than just collapsing onto the ground, though, his body tilted backward until he slipped off the cliff!

He fell quickly, hitting the water with a loud splash.

As soon as he dropped, Briony reacted on instinct. She knew that with his leg still healing, there was no way he could stay afloat in the choppy waves.

I have to get him out o’ there.She sprinted to the edge of the cliff and dove in after him, not caring about the sharp rocks waiting below.

Unspoken Words

The water slammed into Briony, weighing down her already heavy dress. An exhilarating thrill charged through her body, making her want to cry with joy. Something was calling to her, calling her deeper into the water. Something she’d felt her entire life, whispering at the edges of her consciousness. Something wonderful—

Briony shook her head a few times.I have to stay focused on what’s important right now—rescuing Santiago.

Underneath the water, she opened her eyes, searching for him.He was just here! Where could he have drifted? I can’ lose him!

Briony panicked as pressure built up in her chest and her throat began to throb. Her eyes stung as she looked right and left, but he was nowhere near the surface. Her gaze went deeper into the dark, briny water.

There!

Santiago was descending quickly—Why is he na struggling?! Is he already—

Briony pressed her legs together and moved them up and down like a dolphin, propelling herself toward him. In almost no time, she reached Santiago and closed her hand around his arm. His eyes were closed, and he didn’t respond when she grabbed him.

Wake up! I’m na losing you today!She pulled him upward, fighting against the surging water and the siren song in her heart.

After an eternity, they broke through to the surface. Sunlight streamed down on them, making it easier for Briony to think clearly again. She tugged Santiago toward the shore, praying it wasn’t too late.