Page 86 of A Rebel's Shot

“Merritt, look at me.” Tiikâan leaned over the edge, trying to meet her gaze through the darkness. “I need youto trust me. You are not alone here. The only way out is up, so let’s do this together. I’ll be right here.”

The moment stretched, filled with the sound of her ragged breathing and the quiet whispers of the forest around them. Tiikâan’s heart pounded. He could feel the fear radiating from her—a living, breathing thing that waited to consume her.

“You can do it,” he said again, maintaining his unwavering tone. “You just need to slip into the harness and pull yourself up. I’ll hold the rope taut.”

Silence lingered, and when she didn’t respond, he added in, “I believe in you. You can do this. Okay? On my count.”

“Okay.” Her whispered agreement was a wisp of hope he’d snatch from the air and hang on to with all his might.

“Three… Two… One.” He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “Go!”

There was a muffled rustle, and the rope jerked in his hands, a signal she’d managed to get the harness in place.

Tiikâan’s heart raced as he braced himself against the ledge, his muscles tensing with anticipation and dread. He couldn’t imagine what it felt like for her to be wedged in darkness with her fears pressing down on her.

“Pull!” Tiikâan yelled, straining against the rope.

His body screamed in protest as he felt the weight shift, and he yanked back as she tried to climb. Each inch felt like a victory, and fear gripped him harder as he fought against doubt.

“Tiikâan!” Merritt’s voice was filled with panic. “Ican’t?—”

“Yes, you can! Just focus on getting to me!” He dug his heels into the ground, forcing himself to stabilize as the rope pulled against his hands.

A short, gasp of a laugh reached him.

He smiled, willing to do anything to get her mind off the danger of the climb. “I promise to make it worth your while.”

That earned him a full laugh. “Why, Mr. Rebel, what are you luring me with, exactly?”

“Whatever you want, Skeet.” He shook his head, stifling the groan of pain pulling caused in his side. “You get to the top, and I’ll give you whatever you want.”

“I don’t know.” She grunted. “Sounds a little vague to me.”

Despite her words, he had to pull back on the rope faster. Tiikâan gritted his teeth, heart racing as he willed himself to continue pulling. The rope slackened, and in a moment of resolve, he yanked it taut again—this time pulling on the rope with renewed strength.

“I’m… I’m almost there!” Merritt’s voice broke through the rush of adrenaline blinding him to everything but the rope disappearing into the crack.

Every muscle in his body strained as he closed his eyes and focused solely on that effort, fighting the pain in his side, willing himself to keep going, to give all he had for this moment.

“Merritt! You’ve got this!” he called, voice hoarse with exertion, his fingers aching from holding the rope with pure desperation.

Without warning, her head popped up from the ground like a ground squirrel.

As Merritt crested the edge, Tiikâan reached out, grabbing her arms and pulling her roughly over the final lip. She landed against him with a thud, the impact sending fresh waves of pain shooting through his ribs but also grounding his emotions.

He didn’t let go, refusing to release her from his arms.

She gasped for breath, eyes wide with shock and a mixture of relief and fear. Her body trembled involuntarily against his, her eyes glassy as she stared at him.

“Merritt,” he breathed, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face.

The moment meant more than words could convey. They had survived, against all odds, and yet the lingering threat of danger hung in the air like an ominous storm cloud.

“I’m so sorry, Tiikâan,” she stammered, her voice trembling. “I should’ve never let go of?—”

“Hey,” he interrupted softly, his thumb catching one of her tears before it could slide down her cheek. “I’m here. You’re here. We both made it. That’s what matters right now.”

“No, no, I let you fall. I?—”

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