Rhian took a big sigh. For the first time since falling into this hellish ravine, he felt like there was nothing holding him back.
His body was sore, his thoughts heavy, but there was a strange confidence in his chest.
He hadn't trained with his new abilities, hadn't even tested what he could really do now, but he felt like he didn't need to.
For now, strength and speed would be enough.
He turned to Nia again and crouched beside her. Carefully, he slipped his arms underneath and lifted her in a princess carry. Her weight wasn't a problem. What held his attention was her face.
Even bruised and pale, she looked delicate.
The same girl who had once crushed a Spine Crawler's leg like it was a piece of bark now lay still, like she could disappear if he looked away. Rhian's eyes lingered a little too long.
Cough! cough!
He coughed and looked forward again, trying not to think too much.
