NovelBookCitrine didn't say a word. She just looked at him, steady and unwavering, her heart stirring ever so slightly.
Most people, faced with a situation like this, would think of themselves first. But not him.
Citrine's silence made Sebastian anxious. He reached out, fumbling for the oxygen tank strapped to his side, determined to hand it to her. But as soon as his fingers brushed the tank, a soft, warm hand covered his.
Startled, Sebastian looked up and found Citrine watching him intently.
She signed to him gently, as if trying to reassure a child: "Don't worry. I'm not going to die." Done, she pointed upward and continued signing, her intention clear: "We'll go up together." Sebastian saw the resolve in her eyes, and considering how long she had already endured underwater, he guessed she was probably a professional freediver. That thought eased his nerves a little.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAfter a brief hesitation, he nodded at her.
Citrine smiled faintly and reached her hand out to him.
Sebastian, feeling both surprised and humbled by the gesture, took her hand carefully, afraid to hold on too tightly.
They exchanged a glance, then kicked upward, swimming toward the surface.
In her previous life and this one, freediving was second nature to Citrine. She'd helped recover countless artifacts for her country-diving without equipment was as familiar to her as walking down the street.
Still, worry eventually outweighed his irritation. Hastings, afraid something might happen to Citrine, spread his arms in the water to block her and Sebastian's path.
He tried to unclip his oxygen tank to give it to Citrine, but the moment his hand touched it, Citrine pushed him away without hesitation, towing Sebastian with her as she shot toward the surface.
Citrine was a powerful swimmer, and the two of them broke through the water in no time, gasping for air.
Back on deck, Citrine doubled over, coughing hard.
Sebastian rushed to her side, all caution forgotten. He helped her sit up, gently patting her back until she finally managed to expel the last of the water from her lungs.
"Are you alright? Feeling any better?" Sebastian asked, anxiety etched across his face.
Citrine, her breath returning, managed a quick explanation between coughs. "I'm fine. Just swallowed swater, that's all." Meanwhile, on another boat nearby, Quentin's face had grown increasingly tense. He scanned the water in panic, searching for any ne sign of movement. When none appeared, he turned his attention to Citrine and Sebastian.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Where's Hastings? Why isn't he up yet?" Quentin's voice was tight with worry.
Citrine met his gaze, her expression serious. "Something's off with him. I him.
don't know what go into his head, no but he's not acting right. You'd better go check on him before anything happens." It was rare for Quentin to hear Citrine speak so directly. He didn't argue-just grabbed his gear and dove into the water.
Once he was gone, Citrine finally looked away, only to realize Sebastian was still staring at her.
She glanced over her shoulder, instantly guessing what was on his mind.
With a wry smile, she asked, "You don't seriously think I'm worried about Hastings, do you?" Sebastian gave a strained, bitter smile. “Isn't that it? Anyone would feel something, seeing him like that."
Citrine was quiet for a moment before she spoke, her voice calm and even. "Personally, I can't stand Hastings. Honestly, 'hate' might not even be a strong enough word. But objectively, he's a member of the Vermillion Vanguard-an exemplary officer, a capable leader. Maybe, one day, he'll be a great commander. So yes, I'm concerned about him, but not for his sake-for the people who depend on him."
"I do hate him. I resent him, sometimes so much I wish he'd just disappear. But I know, better than that anyone, that if he dies, it should be on the battlefield, for a cause, not like this."
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