Viola kept her eyes on her lap, not even looking at Sebastian as she didn't want to see any amusement on his face. But then she felt his hand come down to take her chin and tilt her face up toward him. She was stunned to find that he didn't look amused at all. There wasn't a single trace of it in his silver eyes. There was only concern and worry as he asked her,
"Do you know how to at least swim?"
Viola flushed in embarrassment and shook her head. "I never had the courage to go near any open water long enough to learn..." She whispered. "Can't we find another way to reach Nightshade? I heard the Blue Bridge has been standing for so many years that it's no longer stable. What if it breaks apart and throws us into the water? What if—"
"I will be there to hold you." Sebastian said quietly, cutting off her spiraling words. "Don't worry. If the bridge breaks, which I don't believe it will, I won't let you drown. Do you trust me?"
