"See! Whatever I did, punish me if you must—but she needs help!" Jayden pleaded, his voice raw with desperation.

Emric's jaw tightened, his eyes burning with hatred, but after a brief hesitation, he gave up. Together, they pushed against the massive boulder, crushing her fragile body. The rock shifted, then tumbled away, kicking up dust as it rolled. She barely stirred—her breathing shallow, her skin deathly pale. Without another thought, Jayden scooped her into his arms and took ...