Russ lifts me into his arms like I weigh nothing.
Pain tears through my side hard enough to make me gasp.
“Sorry,” he mutters immediately.
I clutch weakly at his jacket. “Don’t drop me.”
The words come out thin.
Not really a joke.
His arms tighten around me instantly.
“Not happening.”
And stupidly—
Even now—
I believe him.
My head falls against his shoulder as he runs.
The steady pound of his heartbeat presses against my cheek beneath layers of gear and fabric.
Everything flickers in and out around me.
Sky.
Dust.
Rock walls.
Russ shouting at someone.
I can’t hold onto any of it for long.
“Hey.”
His voice cuts through again.
Closer this time.
Sharper.
“Stay with me.”
“I’m trying…”
The words slur together.
My eyelids feel impossibly heavy.
No.
No, no, no.
I can’t pass out.
