24
Toby’s skin exploded into fiery shock as the cold water flooded his senses. He hadn’t felt cold so all-encompassing since falling asleep in the snow. This time, however, he knew Nicko wouldn’t show up to save him, so he reacted fast.
In the confusion of the swirling torrent, he had become separated from Violet. He felt something soft and fibrous underwater and grabbed hold. It had to be Violet. She was the only one wearing a fluffy coat. Yanking her closer, he powered upward, dragging her with him, the dead weight resembling an anchor. Eventually, he burst through the surface, gasping, and hoisted his sister’s limp body to shoulder height.
‘You alright?’ he blurted.
Violet didn’t respond, but she did cough.
The hoods bordered the pool.
‘Stella?’
‘Toby!’
Already on dry land besid
