I didn't know what to do. I've never been good at moments like this. I've never known what to say, never been close to a girl like this, never had anyone cry on my shoulder before. Sensitive moments like this weren't part of my life. I grew up mostly alone, with barely any friends—just one, really. So what was I supposed to do now?

  Jordan's small, trembling hands gripped my shirt, pulling me closer. I tried to give her space, tried to inch back, but she didn't let me. Her other hand pressed into my chest, anchoring me in place. "Don't move. And don't look," she whispered. "Or I'll kill you."

  I didn't take the threat seriously—not because I wasn't afraid, but because she didn't feel dangerous right now. In this moment, I felt like if she asked me to do anything, I would do it. I didn't move. I didn't look. I just let her cling to me.

  The bubble held us above the ocean, waves lashing around us, but inside it was still, quiet enough to hear the soft catch of her breath, the tremor in her shoulders. I could feel the weight of her tears, soaking through my shirt, soaking through me. Every drop was justified. "I'm sorry, Mom," she murmured, voice thick, almost breaking. "I couldn't save you again."

  She tugged me closer with her other hand, pressing me into her, and I froze, unsure whether to wrap my arm around her or let her be. But just sitting there felt right. Letting her feel what she needed to feel—that was enough. The water reflected across her brown skin, catching in her curly black hair, dancing like liquid light. I knew I wasn't supposed to look, but I couldn't help myself.

  I don't know what I was feeling. My chest hammered so hard I thought it might burst. Her heartbeat—fast, urgent, alive—pressed against mine. It wasn't mine, but somehow it was in sync. And in that instant, looking at her, I didn't think. I just… knew. She left an impression on me that I'd carry forever. Gorgeous, vulnerable, impossibly strong—all at once.

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  The storm of the maze faded around us. The ocean calmed, the colors dancing across her skin. And then—suddenly—the maze spat us out again, back onto solid ground. Jordan landed on top of me. For a moment, we were both still, the aftermath of everything pressing down, heavy and quiet. Her face was puffy, marked by tears, but the moment we were free, she stopped crying. She looked at me. Our eyes locked, and for a heartbeat, nothing else existed.

  She pushed herself up and extended her hand. I took it, gripping tightly. "I guess I should thank you for saving me," she said.

  "You're welcome," I murmured, letting out a small, awkward smile. She hit me lightly on the shoulder.

  "What a weirdo," she muttered, but there was no bite to it. Honestly, it felt like a compliment.

  Cameron and Maya swam up, breathless and wide-eyed, and wrapped Jordan in a hug. She accepted it—but only partially, stiff and cautious.

  "You guys are acting like I died or something," she said, finally speaking.

  "Well… we thought you did," Maya admitted quietly.

  "I'm just glad you're back," Cameron added.

  Jordan shook her head, brushing herself off. "So… what did I miss?"

  "A lot," Cameron said, but then he looked up at the sky, the color deepening into night. "We'll fill you in later. But right now…" His voice dropped, urgent.

  "We have to close the portal," Maya said.

  The weight of her words hit me as I looked up. The sky was no longer light; the maze's threat pressed down on us. The fight wasn't over. And yet, standing there, with Jordan and Cameron beside me, I felt… stronger. Somehow, together, we might actually make it through