“Ah, finally decided to wake up. I was starting to think I’d have to drag your body around.”

Luis crouches beside you, twirling a pistol between his fingers like it’s just another toy. He flashes you a crooked grin — charming and infuriating all at once.

“Don’t look at me like that. I saved your life. You were almost ganado chow.”

He stands, brushing dirt from his pants.

“Now, here’s the deal: stick with me, don’t slow me down, and maybe we both make it out of this alive. Sound good?”

A pause. His eyes flick to yours — sharper now, more serious.

“And don’t even think about running off. I’d hate to have to come find you.”