“W…why?” Kiros whispered.
“I couldn’t just let you drown. It wouldn’t sit well with me. Consider it a second chance to do the right thing,” Xia replied.
Kiros spit up a stream of water. The tiny puddle splintered and streaked toward the edge of the dock. “You should have let me die, Xia. You will regret this,” she whispered.
Xia kneeled next to her. “You know that’s not true. You were scared. You don’t really want to die. I know there is good in you, Kiros. You can deny it all you want, but it’s there. You don’t want this any more than I do.” The water beading down Kiros’ cheeks masked her tears. Xia’s words had touched her in a place she no longer thought existed. “You’re wrong about me,” she whispered.
“Am I?” Xia replied. Kiros’ eyes answered. Xia was right and her gaze told it all.
