Page 59 of HaL

“How far is he from our location?”

I see the red dot appear on the cruiser’s navigation screen. “Frack!” I lean closer, watching it pulse against the map. “He is completely on the other side of this disaster.”

My fingers tighten around the controls.

“Bane, I have got an avalanche and loose soil and rocks blocking my main path. Can you send me the quickest route around?”

“Already on it,” Bane answers through the comm. “But you know Gelid. He will not leave that calf behind even if he is cut in half.”

A growl rumbles deep in my chest.

“I will worry about that when I find him.”

I pull up the terrain map as another section of snow slides somewhere beyond the ridge, the distant rumble vibrating through the cruiser.

“Has anyone else reported in?”

“Sorum sent word that his main entrance is blocked, but he is fine until the frost settles. Jeton just commed and said he was all right as well, but he was caught in the aftermath. He is banged up and believes his wrist is broken, but he is heading toward Gelid’s last known location since he is closer.”

I close my eyes for half a breath, knowing the frost is moving fast enough to turn this entire pass into a graveyard. I glance at Dawn. She is watching me. I should take her back. Every instinct I have is screaming at me to turn the cruiser around, get her somewhere warm, safe, and far away from whatever else is coming. Then I can come back for the others.

Except I do not know if there will be time. The frost is already too close. I look back at the navigation screen. Then over at her. Dawn’s eyes flare.

“Don’t even think about it.”

“I said nothing.”

“You didn’t have to since it’s written all over your fuzzy face.” She shifts in her seat, pulling herself straighter. “I’m warm, HaL. I’m not hurt, and I can help.”

“This is NOT a discussion.”

“Yes, it IS.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

I bare my teeth. She merely raises an eyebrow. “We can do this all day, or you can get going, your choice.”

“I am not sure I can control my beast around them with you there.”

Her expression softens for only a moment.

“All I can tell you is … get a grip.”

A low growl rolls through me.

“If I need to, I’ll stay sealed up in here. But I would rather be beside you than sitting alone in this sled waiting for something to happen. If your friends are hurt, then let me help.”

I stare at her.

She stares right back.

I already know I have lost. “Frack.” I turn the land speeder toward the signal. “Fine.”

Her mouth twitches.

“But you stay close.”