Chapter 868

868 Chapter 867

They were still about a mile from the South family estate, and the surrounding darkness was almost absolute. The moment Keira plunged into the water, a sharp chill cut straight through her, freezing her to the bone.

She immediately started swimming, scanning the surface for any sign of Lewis.

But the water was eerily still. Nothing.

Her heart pounded as she called out, “Lewis! Lewis p>

He’d been injured, and when the boat capsized, he’d pushed her away to keep her from getting crushed—only to be trapped under the wreckage himself.

Keira’s pulse spiked.

No. He’s fine. He has to be fine.

Just as panic started creeping in, she heard the sound of water shifting behind her. A strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind, and a familiar voice murmured near her ear, “Worried about me p>

Relief crashed over her.

She twisted around and, in the dim moonlight, saw Lewis drenched from head to toe. She couldn’t help but look him over. “Are you okay p>

“I’m fine p>

She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Lewis glanced toward the shore in the distance. “A mile. Think you can swim it p>

Keira smirked. “You seriously asking me that p>

He raised an eyebrow. “How about a race p>

She blinked. “A race? Now p>

“First one to shore wins p>

Keira let out a short laugh. “And the winner gets what p>

Lewis grinned. “Winner gets to be on top p>

Keira was dumbfounded.

Even in the freezing water, heat shot to her cheeks. “You p>

Before she could finish, Lewis dove forward, cutting through the water with powerful strokes.

Keira’s competitive side flared. No way was she letting him win that easily.

She took a deep breath and launched after him.

They swam, neck and neck, Lewis keeping just a half-body lead ahead of her. Keira pushed harder, gradually closing the gap.

She turned her head, flashing him a grin. “Getting tired p>

Lewis smirked. “Not even close p>

Then he surged forward again.

Keira wasn’t about to back down. She matched his pace and, inch by inch, overtook him. The shoreline was just ahead. She laughed. “Falling behind, Horton p>

But just as she slowed to glance back, Lewis smiled at her—then his eyes fluttered shut, and his body suddenly went limp, sinking into the water.

Keira’s breath hitched.

“Lewis p>

She lunged forward, grabbing his arm. “Lewis, wake up p>

No response.

Fear surged through her, but she didn’t hesitate. Using every ounce of strength, she hauled him toward shore. It was an agonizing effort, every stroke burning through her muscles, but she refused to stop.

By the time they reached land, she was exhausted, gasping for breath as she dragged him onto the sand.

Her body ached, but she didn’t care. She immediately checked him over—and that’s when she saw it.

His leg wound, soaked in seawater, had turned pale and was still bleeding.

Keira pressed her fingers to his nose and exhaled in relief when she felt his faint but steady breath. He was alive.

She shot him an exasperated look. “You’re unbelievable. You were on the verge of passing out and still wanted to race p>

Lewis had lost too much blood, but he’d forced himself to swim as close to shore as possible. If he’d passed out any further out at sea, it would’ve been nearly impossible for her to get him to land.

Without hesitation, Keira tore off the sleeve of her jacket and wrapped it tightly around his wound to slow the bleeding.

But they needed a doctor—fast. If they didn’t get help soon, he wouldn’t make it.

She stood, scanning the area.

They were on a beach, the sand stretching out in every direction. Not far away, a towering fortress-like wall encircled the entire island. It was an imposing sight, vast and unyielding.

And there was no obvious way in.

Keira frowned, mind racing for options. But before she could act, footsteps sounded from behind. A moment later, a squad of men in tactical gear stormed toward them, rifles raised.

The leader took a step forward, his voice sharp and demanding. “Identify yourselves p>