Page 29 of Sy

“That’s not good,” Tor growled, already moving toward her.

The tremor got worse, and loose stones began falling from the ceiling. A crack appeared in the rock beneath her feet, spreading like lightning across the floor.

“Move!” Kal’s shout was nearly drowned out by the growing rumble. He grabbed for her just as the ground gave way.

She screamed as the floor collapsed beneath her. Her stomach lurched as she began to fall, but Kal’s strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against his chest. They hit the slope of falling rock hard, sliding on all the debris.

Dust filled her lungs as they tumbled. She couldn’t tell up from down, could only cling to Kal as rocks crashed around them like thunder. He curled his body around hers, taking all the hits as they fell.

“Hold on!” Tor’s voice came from somewhere above.

The rumbling grew deafening. More of the ceiling collapsed, bringing tons of rock down with it. She squeezed her eyes shut as they fell, the air thick with dust and the sound of shattering stone. Her world narrowed to the feeling of Kal’s arms around her and the thunderous roar of the cave coming down around them.

They hit something solid, another slope or ledge, and began sliding again. Kal grunted in pain as he maneuvered to keep her on top of him, protecting her from the worst of the impact. The earthquake seemed to come from everywhere at once, making the whole cave system groan like it was alive.

A massive crack split the air like a gunshot. She opened her eyes just in time to see a massive section of ceiling give way directly above them. Kal’s muscles tensed, ready to move, but there was nowhere left to go.

Her heart leaped into her throat as the stone crumbled beneath them, sending them plummeting into a void so dark it seemed to swallow even the echoes of the collapsing tunnel above. Her stomach lurched as musty air whipped past her face, like old, wet rocks and dirt.

She couldn’t tell which way was up anymore, could only feel Kal’s hard grip around her waist as they tumbled through nothingness. She clung to him, desperate to hold on to something, anything, as they fell into darkness.

11

Blood. How the hell had he missed it?

Sy’s world narrowed to the dark stain on Ashley’s leg. The dried streak painted her skin like an accusation, only revealed now as she favored her left side on their final approach to the garrison. They’d been moving for hours, picking their way across broken ground and debris, trying to help survivors, and he’d been too caught up in their mission to notice she was injured.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?” The words came out sharper than he’d intended, worry making his voice rough.

Her steps didn’t falter as she shot him a hard look. “It’s just a scratch. We had more important things to worry about.”

You failed to protect her,his Rage accused.She was injured under your watch.

“I’m fine,” she added, but he was already at her side, one arm coming around to support her despite her protests.

Shut up,he snapped at the voice.What exactly did you expect me to do? Control the weather?The voice growled but offered no solution, which only irritated him more.

“Sy.” Her tone carried a hint of exasperation as she tried to pull away. “Seriously. I can walk on my own.”

He loosened his grip but didn’t let go entirely.

“Humor me. Please.”

The words came out softer this time, almost pleading. To his surprise, she nodded and stopped resisting, allowing him to help her up the final stretch to the garrison’s entrance.

The simple acceptance sent an unexpected warmth spreading through his chest. She was letting him care for her, even though they both knew she was more than capable of managing on her own. The feeling was… pleasant.

She trusts you,his Rage grumbled, its tone shifting from accusatory to something almost protective.This is good. Don’t waste that trust.

He adjusted his grip on her waist as they navigated the entrance. She was warm against his side, her breathing steady despite the pain she must be feeling. Every small wince or catch in her breath made him want to sweep her up and carry her the rest of the way, but he knew that would push too far. She was already tolerating more fussing than he’d expected.

“As soon as we get inside, you’re getting that leg looked at,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “Before anything else.”

She sighed, but he caught the slight upturn at the corner of her mouth. “Yes, sir,” she murmured, the words carrying a hint of fond mockery that made his chest tighten in an entirely different way.

Protect,the Rage voice rumbled in agreement, and for once, he found himself in complete alignment with it. He would make sure she was taken care of, whether she liked it or not. The fact that she was allowing it, even with obvious reluctance, made something protective and possessive curl through his chest.

They reached the main entrance, and he tightened his hold slightly as they prepared to enter the chaos he could already hearbeyond the doors. He’d get her treated first and then deal with whatever other crises awaited them inside. Right now, nothing else mattered more than making sure she was okay.

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