"You wouldn't dare, would you?" he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "Jump, I mean."
Mara scowled. "Of course not," she huffed, though her eyes flickered to the frothing waves below.
Te Arawa chuckled. "See? You're scared."
Mara puffed up her chest, a tiny warrior. "I'm not scared. I just... don't feel like jumping today."
Te Arawa lowered his book, his eyes twinkling. "You're scared of the sea, aren't you?"
Mara's jaw tightened. "No! I'm just… well, it's cold. And I don't like the way it smells."
He knew she wasn't telling the truth. He'd seen the fear in her eyes, the way she clung to him when the waves crashed against the shore. But he also knew she was strong, determined to prove herself.
"I'll go with you," he said. "But only if you promise to be brave."
Mara hesitated, then a grin bloomed on her face. "Alright, big brother. Let's go."
He stood, book forgotten, and they walked to the edge of the cliff together. The wind tore at their hair, the smell of brine filling their nostrils.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice firm but gentle.
Mara took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the horizon. "Ready."
He extended his hand, and she took it. Together, they jumped.
The world dissolved into a whirlwind of wind and salt spray. Mara squeezed her eyes shut, but she felt her brother's hand holding tight, a reassuring anchor against the chaos.
When she opened her eyes, they were in the water, bobbing up and down. Te Arawa grinned, his eyes sparkling. "See? You did it."
Mara laughed, the fear replaced by exhilaration. She splashed water at him, and he laughed back. They were in the vastness of the ocean, but they were together, brother and sister, facing the world side by side.
They swam for a while, the sun warm on their skin, the salty water invigorating. Then, Te Arawa pulled Mara closer.
"You know," he said, his voice soft, "you're braver than you think."
Mara looked up at him, her eyes shining. "You too," she whispered.
And they swam, a silent promise passing between them, a bond forged in the heart of the sea, a story whispered on the wind.