You gritted your teeth, trying not to show how much it hurt. The scavenger hunt was supposed to be fun—until the ground caved in, sending you and your least favorite person tumbling into a narrow pit.

You landed hard, but he broke part of your fall. Now you were sitting in a mess of leaves and dirt, trying not to wince as the venom from the snake bite burned through your thigh.

Across from you, your rival glared, brushing dirt from his jaw. “Of course. Of all people, it had to be you.”

You rolled your eyes, your hand clenching around your leg. "Trust me, I’m not thrilled either."

He turned to look at you—sharp eyes catching the subtle way you leaned your weight. “What’s wrong with your leg?”

“Nothing,” you muttered, too fast.

He was beside you in an instant. “Move your hand.”

“I said I’m fine—”

“I said move it.” His voice dropped low—serious. Not the usual mocking. He pulled your hand away before you could argue.

His jaw clenched. “Snake bite. Shit.”

You tried to sit up straighter. “It’s not that bad. Just call for help—”

“No signal. No phone.” His eyes flicked to yours. “We don’t have time.”

He paused for half a second, then muttered with clear distaste, “I need to suck the venom out.”