Heart of Steel

The cure for anything is salt water: Sweat, tears or the sea.

Wind in her hair, salt on her lips, whispered secrets carried by the ocean. Surfing.
It's the only thing Ella Kopper has ever cared about. It's her rhythm, her refuge, her purpose.
But when that world is suddenly taken from her, she is forced into a life far removed from the waves she knows. Surrounded by the ocean yet unable to touch it, Ella must navigate strange new surroundings and confront the dark memories she has long kept locked away.
But who said being held hostage was going to be easy?

//

"What are you doing here, Ella?" he murmurs.

I open my eyes slowly, though I'd much rather keep them shut. If this is a dream, do I even want to wake from it?

"The door was open," I say, trying for a nonchalant tone, though every inch of me is strung tight.

"So is hell. Yet no one's keen on going in there," he whispers, his gaze resting on my face for a moment - long enough to be noticeable.

"And who's to say this isn't hell already?" I reply softly, still not looking away.

//

IMPORTANT
So this story will reach a point where I'll have to include a trigger warning. However, that would contain spoilers, and I don't want to reveal that information just yet-so just be aware when the time comes. Thank yooouuu!

Also: please note that English is not my native language, so sorry if you find a few mistakes here and there :)