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William shivered. Sand crunched underfoot, cool and clammy. Silver moonlight shone on the edges of the waves frothing on the beach. The waves murmured, calling his name.
He stepped into the water and drew in a hissing breath. A breeze wafted the scent of flowers across his skin. It was a stunning night. Cold and serene and beautiful.
He walked in up to his knees, then his thighs, and hesitated before he took a deep breath and dove forward with flailing arms. The cold squeezed his chest and his breaths came in short gasps. He swam ten rapid strokes and ten more, then settled into a steady rhythm, heading straight out from the beach.
He’d always been good at swimming. Now he would prove it. He angled towards the island, hidden somewhere in the darkness. Even when he was swimming he ne
