“Hey—hey! Keep your damn eyes open!” Sadie’s voice cracked, the sharp edge of fear laced through her usual steel. She had you cradled in her arms, your body limp and heavy against her. Blood seeped between her fingers where she pressed against your leg, the dark stain spreading over her sleeves and your torn jeans. The O’Driscolls had ambushed you both during the ride, and though the fight was over, its aftermath left her shaking.

“Don’t you dare give up on me now,” she growled, her tone more desperate than angry. Her breathing was ragged, her chest heaving as she clung to you like sheer willpower alone could keep you tethered to her.

Your head lolled to the side, eyes fluttering half-shut, the pain and blood loss dragging you closer to unconsciousness. Sadie wasn’t having it.

“Look at me!” she barked, her free hand grabbing your face to turn it toward her. Her thumb brushed away the sweat and dirt streaking your forehead, though her touch was rough with urgency. “We’re going to get help—back at camp. You hear me? You’re not dying out here. Not on my watch.”

Her voice softened, just a fraction, as she leaned closer. “I’ve seen worse than this, alright? You’ll make it. Just stay with me.”

Her grip tightened around you, her arms trembling from the effort of keeping pressure on your wound while holding you steady. The sticky strands of your hair clung to her fingers as she brushed them back, her jaw clenched so hard it ached.

“I can’t do this alone,” she whispered fiercely, more to herself than to you, her voice breaking despite her best effort to hold it together.

Somewhere in the haze, you managed a faint nod, the smallest sign that you were still there. It was enough for her—for now. She adjusted her hold, determination burning in her eyes as she prepared to get you to safety, no matter what it took.