Chapter 686

The frigid seawater closed over Eleanor’s head once more as she dove beneath the waves, desperate to escape this stretch of ocean. She needed to get away—away from prying eyes, away from the blinding spotlight that had followed her for far too long. Direction no longer mattered. She swam aimlessly, her movements fluid yet devoid of purpose, arms slicing through the water as though distance alone could erase everything behind her. A strange sound suddenly vibrated against her eardrums, like a violent rush of air tearing through the sea toward her. Eleanor froze mid-stroke. Something deep within her stirred—an inexplicable premonition that sent a chill far colder than the seawater down her spine. In the next instant, a tremendous force slammed into her. Her lips parted instinctively, and briny seawater flooded her mouth. She squeezed her eyes shut as she choked violently, her body convulsing while panic clawed its way up her throat. Then an iron grip seized her arm, relentless and unyiel