Chapter Sample - Shadowdale

“I can teach you.”

“You?” I scoffed. “Why would you want to do that?”

“Because I’m the only one that can handle your mood swings, that’s why.”

I glance at Bugs and Alys with an incredulous look on my face. Alys shrugs with a hint of a smile on her lips. I could hit her.

“Fine,” I snap. “But I call the shots.”

Elijah laughs, “That’ll be interesting, when you’ll be the one drowning if you don’t do as you’re told.”

I scowl in his direction and march towards the water’s edge. I’ll show him that I’m more than capable of looking after myself. I strip my clothes off until I’m left staring down at the cascading waterfall in just my underwear. I can feel three pairs of eyes boring into my back but I’m not embarrassed. Let them look!

I take a deep breath, bend my knees and launch myself off the edge. Eyes screwed shut, I listen to the wind whistling past my ears, waiting for the entry into the foaming water. My stomach rolls at the sensation of falling, I don’t think I will ever feel comfortable with it again.

Icy daggers stab me as I plunge into the depths. With my head submerged, I struggle hard to kick for the surface. Why doesn’t it feel like anything is happening? My dark hair sways in front of my eyes as streams of air bubbles escape my lips. I hate to give in to it, but I start to panic.

My arms ache with the effort of trying to propel myself forwards. My legs are starting to give up from the over exertion. The surface of white, foaming bubbles is just within my reach but no matter how hard I try, I just can’t make it. I gasp in a huge intake of water and my lungs burn in protest. My vision falters, for just a second. I’m tired and cold.

So cold.

Just when I think it’s all over, two strong hands grip me around my waist and push me through the surface. I instantly start coughing and hold on tightly to the arms that are holding me above water. One of the hands leaves my waist and gently, pushes my sopping hair away from my eyes.

Elijah. Of course, it is.

I sigh and realise, that I now know what embarrassed feels like. Why did I think I could master the art of swimming first time?

“Are you ok?” he asks, frowning with what, strangely, looks like concern. I hear a chorus of giggles above me. I look up and give Alys and Bug’s a look that could savagely murder them in a second. Bug’s turns his giggle to a tactical choking but Alys just winks and waves.

“I’m fine. I was fine,” I lie, struggling from his grip, causing me to instantly bob under the water once more.

“You’re welcome,” Elijah smirks, whilst taking hold of my waist again. There he is, returned to his usual smug self. He is still fully clothed which means he jumped in after me on a quick decision.

Aren’t you supposed to be grateful when someone has saved your life? I couldn’t think of anything more annoying at this moment in time.

“So, we’ve just gone through lesson one,” he says. “Don’t run before you can walk. Or in your case, don’t jump.”

I glare at him but don’t disagree. Who can disagree with what a disaster that was?

“Lesson number two. Getting used to the water.”

“I think I’m pretty used to it by now, thanks,” I spit, shivering.

“You need to get used to how your body feels in the water. The weight is completely different. Try.” Elijah motions away from him.

I gingerly allow his hands to fall away. I kick my legs hard to keep myself afloat but the current delights in being able to drag me under. I’m not strong enough! Something that has never happened to me before and I hate losing even an inch control.

I reach out for something to hold and Elijah’s there instantly, pulling me into his side.