Marcus slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head toward the shattered window.
Vernon sat on the rusted window frame, staring at the endless ocean below. The storm had finally passed. Far beyond the black cliffs, faint sunlight bled through the horizon, casting pale silver light across the restless waves.
“What time is it?” Marcus asked weakly.
Vernon turned at the sound of his voice.
“You’re alive.” A crooked smirk appeared on his face. “Good. I was starting to think you were dead already.” He glanced toward the ocean. “Was planning to dump your body down there.”
Marcus let out a dry, painful chuckle.
“Thoughtful of you.”
He tried to push himself upright—
Pain exploded through his chest like a blade twisting between his ribs.
A sharp breath escaped him.
Vernon grabbed his shoul
