Jase
I stayon my feet because she’s there.
Because she won’t let me fall.
Because I don’t get to fall.
Not yet.
Not when she’s still in danger.
“Stay with me,” she says.
And this time—
I don’t argue.
“…always,” I manage.
Even as the heat burns higher.
Even as the world starts to slip.
Even as I know—
This isn’t over.
Not even close.
23
Mila
Location: Forest Edge — Breaking Contact
Time: Continuous
Jase is getting worse.
I can feel it.
Every step he takes is heavier.
Every breath is rougher.
And the heat coming off him?
Terrifying.
“We’re almost out,” I whisper, more to keep him focused than anything else.
“Yeah…” he mutters, but his voice is off now—distant.
Not good.
Not good at all.
Gunfire cracks behind us again.
