Benjamin
The cold had already seeped deep into Benjamin’s bones.
Every breath burned his lungs as he pushed through the freezing water, his muscles trembling from exhaustion. The current dragged at his legs, threatening to pull him under again, but he forced himself forward.
“Mendoza!” he shouted hoarsely.
His voice echoed weakly over the rushing water.
For a moment, there was nothing.
Then Benjamin saw him.
A dark shape drifted several meters ahead, barely visible against the rippling surface. His heart lurched violently.
“Mendoza!”
Benjamin stumbled toward him, nearly losing his footing as the current surged against his thighs. By the time he reached him, Mendoza’s body had already gone slack, floating face-down in the water.
Fear slammed into Benjamin’s chest.
He grabbed Mend
