Chapter 5

We push forward, following the narrowing path that hugs the edge of a steep incline. The forest around us is dense, the thick trees offering little sunlight and even less comfort. The air grows colder as we ascend, each breath a sharp bite against my lungs. Caleb moves ahead, his steps careful but sure, scanning for any sign of danger.

The ground beneath our boots shifts unpredictably with loose rocks and damp soil. Every step is a risk, and my muscles stay coiled tight, ready for anything. Caleb keeps glancing back to check on me, his concern barely hidden behind the tight set of his jaw. I don't need his pity—I just need him to keep moving.

The silence between us stretches thin, broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the distant calls of birds overhead. The tension in my shoulders doesn't ease until Caleb breaks the quiet.

"After all this... what's the first thing you'll do?" His voice is low, cautious, as though afraid the forest itself might listen in.

I hesitate. It's a question I've never let myself consider. There's no after—only the next mission, the next fight, the next breath. Instead of responding, I rely on my regular pattern. Silence. Something he doesn't seem to have a concept of.

Caleb chuckles. "You've said a total of fourteen words. I think you can spare a few more."

I don't respond. There's no point. Why is he even counting?

The trail narrows further until we're skirting the edge of a sheer cliff, the ground falling away in a stomach-turning drop on one side. Caleb moves carefully, one step at a time, testing the earth beneath his boots. I follow just behind, every muscle on edge. Even though I have walked this path before, it doesn't make it any better. The rocky ravine below is even less appealing as I avert my eyes. 

Without warning, the ground beneath Caleb shifts—a sudden crack of rock splitting under his weight. His foot slips, and before I can react, he's tumbling toward the edge.

"Caleb!"

I lunge forward, grabbing his wrist as he begins to fall. My boots dig into the loose soil, my body straining to counter his weight. The cliff's edge crumbles beneath him, small stones tumbling into the void below. My footing slips as I fall onto my stomach, pulling us further to the edge, I grab onto a thick root protruding from the rocky mountainside. My side screams in pain. Caleb's eyes are wide with panic as he clings to my arm, his free hand scrambling for a hold that isn't there.

The ground shifts beneath me. Out of time. I let go of the branch, grabbing his hands with both mine and pull. My arms burn, the pain in my side flaring white-hot. But I don't let go. His boots scrape against the cliff face, searching blindly for something solid. For a terrifying second, there's nothing. Then—his foot catches on a narrow ledge, just enough to ease some of the strain. I take the opportunity to pull harder, hauling him inch by inch back toward solid ground. Once high enough I grab his shirt, shoving him forward and leap after him onto the path as the remaining earth collapses beneath my feet. 

I lay on top of him as we pant for breath. Scrambling off of him, I make it a point to push into his stomach, satisfied with the whoosh of air that leaves his lungs.

Caleb rolls onto his back, staring up at the sky. His face is pale, eyes wide with lingering fear. "That was—"

"Stupid," I cut him off, my voice sharp with leftover adrenaline. 

"That." He agrees as he brushes himself off.

I sit back, pressing a hand against my aching side. "You could've died."

"But I didn't," he says, turning his head to meet my eyes. "Because of you."

The gratitude in his gaze makes me uncomfortable. I look away, focusing on the horizon instead. "We should keep moving."

Caleb pushes himself upright, slower this time, careful with every movement. "You saved me again. That's twice now."

"I didn't do it for you." The words come out harsher than I mean them to.

"I know." His voice is softer, understanding without pity. "But at least it makes us even."

Annoyed, I shove past him, taking the lead myself. We press forward, this time with more caution. The path widens as we move deeper into the forest, the steep cliffs giving way to dense underbrush and flat ground. Caleb stays closer now, matching my pace rather than pushing ahead.

The sun begins its slow descent, casting long shadows across the ground. Every step feels heavier, exhaustion settling into my bones. But we don't stop. We can't afford to.

After hours of silence, Caleb speaks again. "You ever think maybe... it doesn't have to be like this forever?"

I don't answer. 

But I wonder what it would feel like to believe him.

We find a small clearing as night falls, setting up a meager camp beneath the cover of thick branches. Caleb lights a small fire, careful to keep it hidden from sight. The warmth is a welcome comfort, though I don't let myself relax. Every muscle stays tense, ready for whatever comes next. It feels colder tonight.

Caleb sits beside me, staring into the flames. "Did you like being part of that army?"

Frowning at the question, I shake my head. What is there to like? Grueling days, terrible food, and people that hate each other? It is a means of survival. At least, the only option I was given to survive. 

"Is that where your scars are from?"

He touches the pale lines that trail up my right wrist and disappear under my sleeve. I pull my arm from his. This scar is probably the only one that is my fault for getting stuck in some wire. The rest covered by my clothing were given. Caleb takes my silence as answer enough and goes back to staring at the fire.

I hate these questions.

Silence settles over us once again, the fire crackling softly between us. Caleb shifts closer, just enough for the warmth of his presence to be felt without touching. My skin prickles at his close proximity, but I don't pull away. He falls asleep quickly and I risk studying his face. Shaking my head, I turn away cursing myself for starting to actually tolerate him.

For the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself close my eyes—if only for a moment—and breathe. We better find them tomorrow because I am getting sick of nearly dying with just Caleb to entertain me. I liked it better when I didn't talk to him at all.