But before I could take my next step, the sky split open.
Rain pelted down in a merciless torrent.
The rock beneath my foot shifted.
And suddenly—I was falling.
Oh no.Why now?Why here?
Just a few more steps, and I would’ve made it.
I curled my body, bracing for impact, praying I wouldn’t shatter on the way down.
Oliver would risk his life to retrieve Lina’s keepsakes, but he wouldn’t even bother to collect my corpse.
“Help…”
The word tore from my throat, maybe the last one I’d ever say.
Then—
A sharp jolt.The freefall stopped.A powerful arm caught me, solid and burning hot.
Stunned, I opened my eyes.
