The water splashed as I ran, soaking my last change of clothes. As soon as Maja was within reach, I lifted her out of the water. She was fighting me with all her strength. I knew she wanted to go, knew she wanted to be in the water, and it took my best effort not to let go of her. She was kicking and screaming, and clawing at my chest. Tears welled up in her eyes as I carried her back toward the shore, and not for one moment did she stop fighting me.
Stumbling, I finally managed to get us out of the water. Ahlqvist hurried to help us. He took Maja from my arms and continued away from the water. She stilled in his embrace, her eyes locked on the surface of the lake, the longing in her gaze so deep it hurt me to see.
“Go help him,” Ahlqvist shouted over his shoulder as he tried to block Ma
