Chapter 22 Her plan had worked.

With a splash, Celeste coughed up water, her breath ragged but slowly stabilizing. "Celeste?" Nathaniel whispered her name tenderly, as though he feared waking her. He reached out and gently touched her pale, cold face, his own heart racing with worry. Her thick lashes fluttered, casting off droplets of water as she slowly opened her eyes. "Mr. Ford..." she croaked, her voice hoarse as if something was stuck in her throat. Suddenly, she was enveloped in a warm, strong embrace. Nathaniel held her close, his emotions breaking through his usually composed exterior. He realized in those terrifying moments just how deeply he had feared losing her. "It's okay, you're safe now," he murmured repeatedly, his voice a comforting rumble in her ear. Celeste, still groggy, instinctively wrapped her arms around him. Though her face still showed signs of pain, a sly smile briefly crossed her lips where no one else could see. Her plan had worked. She shivered slightly in his arms and whisp