That Evening – Waterfall Pool
As the sun began to set, casting a soft amber glow over the trees, some students lingered by the waterfall. The air was cooler now, and most had gone back to their cabins, but a few stayed behind, wanting to enjoy the quiet.
Jessica stayed too.
She hadn't said a word to Naya all day—but that didn't mean her mind wasn't spinning.
She watched Naya from across the rocks, sitting near the edge of the pool again, staring at the water like it held answers. Nora had just gone to grab towels, and Lucien was talking with one of the camp guides farther down the trail.
Jessica saw her chance.
She approached slowly, her voice fake-sweet. "You're awfully brave, sitting so close."
Naya turned slightly, instantly alert. "What do you want?"
Jessica tilted her head. "Just wondering what would happen if someone like you stopped pretending to be strong."
Before Naya could react, Jessica stepped forward and shoved.
Naya's scream was short—cut off by the splash.
The water swallowed her.
Cold. Dark. Deep.
Panic hit instantly.
She couldn't swim. The current pulled her down and the surface blurred. Her arms flailed, but it was useless. Her chest ached. Her mind spun. The world turned black.
Moments Later – Chaos
Lucien heard the scream.
He ran. Fast.
He didn't see Naya—only the ripples, and Jessica standing there frozen, too calm.
Lucien didn't think.
He dove.
The water was freezing, but he powered through, eyes scanning, heart pounding. Then—he saw her.
Sinking.
Her hair floated like a halo around her. Her eyes were closed.
Lucien grabbed her.
Seconds Later – The Shore
Lucien dragged her out, water pouring from her clothes. She was limp. Unmoving.
People started shouting. Someone called for help.
But Lucien didn't wait.
He dropped to his knees beside her, hands trembling. "Come on, Naya," he whispered. "Please…"
He tilted her head back and began mouth-to-mouth, the way they were taught in camp training.
"Come on, Naya, breathe—breathe."
Then—she coughed.
A harsh, wet sound.
Water burst from her lungs and she gasped, eyes wide and panicked.
Lucien's hand went to her back as she choked out breath after breath.
"You're okay," he said softly. "You're okay now."
She looked up at him through soaked lashes, dazed. "Lucien…?"
He exhaled in relief. "I've got you."
Jessica, meanwhile, had vanished from the scene.
Nora arrived moments later, towel in hand, eyes widening at the chaos. She dropped to Naya's side, wrapping the towel around her and glaring around for answers.
"What happened?!"
Lucien didn't reply. He was too busy watching Naya—making sure she was really back.
And this time, he didn't look away.