Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2571

Deep in the murky lake water, Andrew swam downward, continuously descending. The deeper he went, the more he realized that this seemingly small lake was actually quite deep. Judging by where he was now, he figured he must be at least 15 feet down.

It was night outside, and even darker underwater, so visibility was almost nonexistent. Even so, Andrew's eyes could still see in the darkness and was not completely blind down here.

As always, his powerful abilities were enough to support him through anything.

He pushed aside the waterweeds in front of him and headed toward the center of the lake. Strangely enough, he could not see any trace of the woman in black who had entered the water earlier.

Onyx and Ivory had chased after her, and from the conversation he had overheard, he could confirm she had already been seriously injured by Alfredo beforehand. Hence, when she fell into the water, she was probably already on death's door. There was no reason she would be gone without a trace.

Andrew kept swimming forward, determined to check one last time before giving up. He decided that if he still could not find her, he would surface and head back.

After all, a thief sneaking into Swordhaven Keep and getting hunted down was not something he should get involved in. If the people in charge found out he was wandering around the property, it would only cause trouble for him.

Alfredo was not exactly known for being merciful. For Sheena's sake and her upcoming duel, Andrew decided to keep a very low profile and avoid any conflict with Swordhaven Keep.

Suddenly, the water in front of him began to surge violently, like some kind of beast was stirring beneath the surface. Startled, Andrew tried to back away, but it was too late. His body was yanked forward by a powerful current.

He let out a low growl underwater, kicking his legs hard like twin propellers. The powerful motion created a whirl of force that helped him break free from the pull.

As he steadied himself, he looked down and saw a whirlpool forming beneath him.

Andrew exhaled quietly in relief. The water's surface was just above him now, and if he surfaced and swam to the shore, he would be safe.

Back then, she had suffered from her ageless condition, making her look more and more like a child. But now, the Shiloh caught in the vortex no longer looked like a little girl. She appeared to be in her mid-20s, radiating the elegance of a grown woman.

She wore an exquisite, black, intricately designed dress, her beauty shadowed by a dark, chilling grace. Without a second thought, Andrew darted to the surface, took a deep breath, and plunged back down.

He swam straight toward Shiloh, grabbing her by the arm. But before he could pull her up, the suction force of the whirlpool suddenly intensified, dragging them both down hard.

Andrew roared underwater, unleashing his inner energy, and managed to wrench her free from the pull.

Shiloh shot upward toward the surface.

Yet, just as hope returned, something unexpected happened. From within the whirlpool, a thick tendril of waterweed shot out, wrapping tightly around Shiloh's leg. Then, with a violent tug that even Andrew could not resist, she was yanked down into the darkness and vanished into the depths of the vortex.