Page 170 of Jase

Jase

I stayon my feet because she’s there.

Because she won’t let me fall.

Because I don’t get to fall.

Not yet.

Not when she’s still in danger.

“Stay with me,” she says.

And this time—

I don’t argue.

“…always,” I manage.

Even as the heat burns higher.

Even as the world starts to slip.

Even as I know—

This isn’t over.

Not even close.

23

Mila

Location: Forest Edge — Breaking Contact

Time: Continuous

Jase is getting worse.

I can feel it.

Every step he takes is heavier.

Every breath is rougher.

And the heat coming off him?

Terrifying.

“We’re almost out,” I whisper, more to keep him focused than anything else.

“Yeah…” he mutters, but his voice is off now—distant.

Not good.

Not good at all.

Gunfire cracks behind us again.