A SECOND CHANCE TO LIVE

[LENA]

"Wait!"

I was too stunned to react immediately, but then I followed Luca outside the cave and grabbed his arm. "Luca, what on earth are you thinking? You're still recovering! You can't go out there!" I ranted. 

He met my angry gaze calmly. "I'll be fine. I also have to check out the area and make sure that it's really safe."

"Your wounds are going to open if you exert yourself," I snapped.

"I won't. I'll be careful. Now go back inside."

I scowled as I stared at his retreating back, acting as if he wasn't incapacitated just hours ago. I marched up to his side. "I'm coming with you," I announced.

Luca stopped and turned to me. "No."

"No?"

"We don't know anything about this area, and I don't want to put you in danger—"

"But there is no danger. Nothing happened when I went out, I told you!"