***CONRY***

We kept climbing the damned hill like it had no end. Step after step. Loose stones sliding under our boots. The air felt thin, like the world was running out of breath with us. The wind brushed past my ears, carrying every small sound farther than it should. Jade climbed behind me—quiet at first, then slower, dragging his feet like he was pulling his whole life behind him.

I checked the map again. Held it close so the wind wouldn’t rip it from my hands. The ink was faded. ...