The Fray of Werebirds [Discontinued]

Chapter 14 - Ocean's Wrath

My heart dropped.

I was trapped in a cruel storm in the middle of the ocean with two werebirds - and one of them was drowning. A sense of hopelessness smoldered in me but it was soon overridden by a surge of urgency. Before I could chicken out I snatched the flashlight, held my breath and plunged headfirst into the perilous waves.

As soon as I hit the ice cold water I was engulfed in eerie quiet. My mind went blank and I drifted numbly. For a split second I almost let the current drag me down in peace, but I snapped out of my daze and reminded myself that Sirena was in danger.

My eyes stung but I forced them open. Using the flashlight, I scanned the inky water until I spotted a girl surrounded by bubbles, thrashing in vain. I swam towards her, narrowly dodging her flailing arms and legs. She made the mistake of parting her lips when she saw me and choked on the water.

I clasped her wrist with my free hand and, giving her a reassuring nod, lugged her limp body. I was too focused on my mission that only after the light dimmed did I realize the flashlight had floated out of my grasp. I panicked in the void of darkness, unable to distinguish right from left. I could almost imagine us being in a box with walls gradually closing in. My lungs burned relentlessly and I could feel Sirena's pulse throbbing increasingly against my palm.

I squeezed my shut and blindly pumped upwards.

Just when my windpipe was on the verge of bursting, we reached the surface. When I emerged out of the water, gulping for air, the wind whipped my face and the rain hammered on my head, attempting to shove me back down. I ignored it and heaved Sirena, who coughed and spluttered. Her golden eyes were colored in panic and her raven hair was drenched. She shivered violently, clinging to my neck.

I, on the other hand, was shaking with irrational anger. I wanted to punch the ocean's guts for nearly drowning her and momentarily stripping her of the fearlessness she possessed.

I flinched when thunder exploded overhead. Alarm overcame my displeasure and I started swimming.

The boat was bouncing wildly a few feet away. I fought my way through the ill-tempered ocean, gagging on its briny water and managing with great difficulty to lift Sirena away from the waves' raging claws. My shoulders ached from her weight but I bit my tongue and advanced nevertheless. The boat was incredibly close then. I stretched my fingers out to touch it. Gregory entered my field of vision - and so did a tremendous wave.

My wail was cut off when water gushed into my nose and throat furiously. We were flushed down like sewage. I swirled out of control but kept a firm grip on Sirena. I swallowed the bitter liquid and refrained from retching, kicking my legs to prevent us from sinking.

The universe froze temporarily.

What am I doing? Why am I struggling?

My legs relaxed.

Death is inevitable, isn't it? I might as well embrace it.

I wrapped my arms tenderly around Sirena's slim waist. My stomach was pressed snugly against hers. Tranquility embosomed us as we gradually descended into the chasm of the grim night.

I smiled softly.

It's not a bad way to die after all.

I realized I was still restraining my breath.

Should I let go?

I felt nails digging into my back.

Not today though.

I poured every last ounce of energy I had into driving us back up.

We are living beings. We are fickle and indecisive. We are aware of the fact that we are ephemeral and yet we grapple against death like fools. Our instinct to live tramples the rest of our senses. I, too, was a fool, and I didn't regret it.

I could die with the girl I love, but I think I'd rather live with her.

Love? A little voice mocked, How can you forget she's the reason you're in this mess to begin with?

I wasn't sure how to reply to that voice. Especially that it was my own.

As I neared the surface I brushed a pair of hands groping around. I surrendered to their strength as we were miraculously hauled onto the boat. I was more than glad to be back on board. Gregory enveloped us with an already soaked blanket, giving me a grateful smile. Exhausted, I huddled next to Sirena who was wheezing and trembling.

We're alive.

I remembered listening to the chattering of our teeth and the battering of the rain until I plummeted in an irksome slumber.