I wrapped my arms around Quinn’s shoulders, holding her as we watched. As time went on and nothing changed.
“He needs?—”
But before I could finish, Kingston was already moving. He lifted Landon’s chin. He tilted his head back, breathing for him again.
One breath.
Long and slow.
Then another. Chest wall rising high with the force of air rushing in, before falling again.
Kingston pulled back, jumping to return to his chest.
But a choking, gurgling sound filled the cave.
Water rushing out.
And their collective cry of relief that followed as Landon moved for the first time since I’d pulled him from it.
He coughed, his lungs fighting to expel the rest.
Kingston rolled him onto his side, keeping his airway clear. He held his head steady.
Quinn rubbed his back, quiet sobs breaking free from her throat even as she fought to swallow them.
And I knelt, frozen, watching them from a distance.
When Landon’s cough subsided, Kingston pressed his head to his Knight’s shoulder. A choked sob broke free from his throat, so filled with relief, it constricted my chest.
With tears in his eyes, he stared into Landon’s, his smile bright with hope.
Landon’s body shook. “Kingston…?”
“You’re alright,” Kingston breathed, awe and relief potent in every word. “You’re alright now.”
Quinn dropped her head, resting it beside theirs as her tears fell freely. Her small fingers clenched Landon’s shirt. Kingston’s hand came over hers, and they stayed that way for a minute, reveling in being together.Alive.
And I watched them from the outside.
For the first time, sure, I wanted to be a part of it.
All of it.
Together, they slowly eased Landon onto his back, and I reached forward to help. Quinn sat up beside me and leaned into my body. Pulling me into their fold without saying a word.
But a gasp echoed in the cavern.
And the happiness on Kingston’s face morphed into horror as Landon’s eyes rolled back in his head.
“Landon?” Kingston pressed his head closer. “Landon!”
He didn’t say anything.
“No!” Quinn screamed. She grabbed Landon’s body while I held onto her. “Landon, no!”
Kingston’s fingers dug into his neck, hunting for a pulse. He rose quickly off his heels, but his brow furrowed. He pressed down harder.
I placed my fingers over Landon’s artery on the other side, feeling the erratic, thready pulse beneath his icy skin. And I stared at Kingston.
