Page 27 of Passions Ignite

She tore a strip from the hem of her shirt, using it to bind the wound as best she could. The fabric was rough, but it was better than nothing. Lux winced as Zoey tied the makeshift bandage, but she didn’t complain.

When Zoey finished, she sat next to Lux on the log. Zoey could see the exhaustion in her posture, the way her shoulders slumped and her breath came in shallow gasps.

“We can’t go far like this,” Zoey said. “You need to rest.”

“We need to get to higher ground,” Lux said, opening her eyes. “It’s safer uphill.”

Zoey glanced at the slope ahead of them. The ground was covered in a thick layer of underbrush. The trees were dense and their branches cast long shadows in the fading light. It was the logical choice—they’d have a better view of the area, and it would be harder for the fire to reach them. But Zoey could also see howdifficult the climb would be, especially for Lux in her current state.

“You can’t make it up there right now,” Zoey said. “Not with that leg.”

Lux’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, Zoey thought she was going to argue, but Lux sighed..

“I hate this,” Lux said. “I hate feeling so helpless.”

“You’re not helpless.” Zoey reached out to squeeze her hand. “You’re hurt, and we need to be smart about this.”

Lux looked down at their joined hands, and she brushed her thumb over Zoey’s knuckles. “I just...I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You’re not. We’re in this together. We’ll figure it out. Let’s just rest for a few minutes and think.”

Lux nodded, though she still looked uncertain. Zoey could see the conflict in her eyes—the desire to push forward battling with the reality of her injuries. It was a struggle Zoey knew all too well, the instinct to keep moving even when every part of her body screamed to stop.

They fell into a comfortable silence with the only sounds rustling leaves and fire crackling. The stress of their situation weighed heavily on Zoey, but she pushed those thoughts aside.

“Lux,” Zoey said after a while, “we need to talk about what we’re going to do next.”

Lux opened her eyes and met Zoey’s gaze. “I know.”

“I don’t think you’re in any shape to climb that hill. We’re better off staying here and waiting for rescue.”

“But what if no one comes?” Lux said, her voice tinged with fear. “What if we’re stuck here?”

“We’re not going to think like that,” Zoey said. “We have to believe that help is on the way.”

Lux looked away; her brow furrowed. “I don’t want to stay here. It feels too exposed.”

“I know,” Zoey said. “But we need to be realistic. We’re close to the crash site, which means any rescue team will start looking for us there. And we’ll be easier to find if we stay put.”

Lux was silent for a moment, her eyes distant as she considered Zoey’s words. Zoey could see the fear and uncertainty in her expression, the way her fingers twisted in the hem of her shirt.

“What if the fire spreads?” Lux asked.

“Then we’ll move. But right now, it’s our best option.”

Lux’s shoulders slumped as she exhaled. “I just hate sitting here doing nothing.”

Zoey reached out, placing a hand on her arm. “You’re not doing nothing. You’re recovering your strength. And that’s just as important.”

Lux looked at her, her eyes searching Zoey’s face. Zoey held her gaze, hoping to convey the strength and reassurance she didn’t entirely feel.

“Okay,” Lux agreed. “We’ll stay here.”

Zoey felt a small surge of relief, though she knew their situation was still precarious. The wreckage was a stark reminder of the danger they were in, the charred metal and twisted debris scattered across the ground like a graveyard of their hopes.

“Let’s make a plan.” Zoey stood and brushed off her hands. “We need to set up a safe area, away from the fire and make some sort of shelter.”

Lux nodded, following Zoey’s lead. Zoey could see the effort it took for her to move, the pain etched into her features with each step, but Lux never complained.

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