Ico thrust out his left hand, shouting to the girl. She had already sunk to her knees.

For the space of a breath, barely long enough to blink, she hesitated. Her eyes focused on Ico, questioning, trying to peer into the bottom of his soul. Where her gaze fell on him, he felt cool, as though clear water washed over him. He gasped with the sensation.

She thrust out her arm and grabbed his hand.

Author: Miyuki Miyabe