“Yeah,” I managed. Sagging into my backpack, I let it take my weight and did my best not to tense too much. Something was definitely broken. I hoped I could still hike out of here.
Closing my eyes, I focused on taking slow, steady breaths. The pain faded to a dull roar—so long as I didn’t move. Every muscle twitch, every small shift to get more comfortable, sent the fire racing through my side and chest once more.
Several minutes passed before the soft thump of feet and the crunch of pine needles announced Luke’s return.
“Mina?”
My eyes snapped open.
His footsteps grew faster, then stopped as he reached my side to crouch beside me. Pebbles barked and stood on his knee. Walter picked her up, so she was out of the way.
“What happened?” Luke brushed my hair back from my face.
“Betty happened. When I dove to catch her, I landed on that rock, there.” I nodded toward the rock embedded in the ground at my side. “I think I broke a rib or two.”
He drew in a breath, then let it out slowly. “Fantastic. Okay.” He rocked up on his heels. “Um, have you tried to get up yet?”
“No. It was bad enough rolling over to this position.”
“Okay, hang on a second. Let me secure Betty.” Luke stood, then walked away. It took him several minutes, but he got Betty back into her harness—secured a little tighter than previously—then knelt at my side again.
“This probably will not feel good, but we need to get you up and see if you can walk. But first, we need to take your backpack off. It’ll just pull on your ribcage once gravity takes over.”
“Yep.” Keeping my left arm tucked close to my side, I lifted my right hand and threaded it under the strap over my shoulder.
“Okay, stop there.” Luke wedged his left hand under my right side, then took my right hand with his free one. “I’m going to help you up. Let your left arm slide out of the strap as you stand.”
I nodded, bending my knees with a wince as I prepared to put my feet under me.
“On the count of three, all right?” Luke adjusted his grip.
“Just do it,” I grumbled. It was going to hurt whether he counted or not. I just wanted it over with.
He chuckled. “Okay, then.” His grip tightened. “Up we go.”
My butt barely left the ground when the searing pain returned. Gritting my teeth, a low moan escaped, but I planted my feet, let my bag fall off my arm, and stood up.
Luke kept an arm tucked tightly around my waist while I let the waves of pain and nausea pass. After thirty seconds or so, I was able to take several normal breaths.
“I’m okay.” I patted his chest.
He loosened his grip but didn’t let go. “Take a few steps.”
Slowly, I walked forward. Sweat popped out on my brow, but my pain level stayed low.
But we were on level ground. What happened when we reached an outcropping or a small gully I had to climb over?
“How does it feel?”
“It’s okay, but I’m not going to be able to climb over stuff. Not with any swiftness, anyway.”
“What if Luke went on his own?” Walter walked closer, hesitation on his face.
“You mean, leave the two of you here?” Luke frowned.
Walter nodded. “I can keep an eye on her and watch the dogs. You can move faster than either of us on a good day. Ellis’s life is in danger. Speed is important.”
“He’s right, Luke.” I took Luke’s hand. “My injuries will double the time it takes me to make the trek.” As much as I hated the idea of staying out here to await rescue, there was more at play than just returning to town. “Go,” I urged.
