Tave struggled to deploy his gliding tool. His grip on Lina was too tight. He couldn't risk letting go, not even for a second. She was completely unresponsive now, her body stiff as stone. Releasing her to activate the gear would be worse than leaving her behind.
But they were falling. Fast.
Too fast.
The ground was racing up toward them like a blade, and there was no time left.
There was no one else to help. Velion had gone ahead to assist others. The rest of the team? They'd be lucky to survive their own landings. They wouldn't have the strength or focus to worry about anyone else.
And Tave? He was out of options.
"Kaelira!" he screamed, his voice raw. "Give me the wings! Now!"
His arms locked around Lina. He held her tightly as the wind tore at them both, howling like death itself.
She wasn't moving anymore. Unconscious. Limp.
She had probably passed out from fear.
Tave didn't blame her.
No one deserved this kind of fall.
