?Chapter 2858:


    But how?


    Hadley lifted her head, eyeing the steep slope.


    Should they climb back the way they came?


    That was impossible.


    The incline was too sheer. Coming down had been a struggle, and the spot where she’d fallen was practically vertical. Maybe Eric could have managed it if he were uninjured—but with his back like this, his upper body nearly useless, it was out of the question.


    “Hadley.” Eric watched her, reading the storm of worry on her face. He exhaled softly.


    “Come here.”


    “What?” She turned, still caught in her thoughts.


    “Stop overthinking.” Eric shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    “We’ll wait here.”


    “But—”


    “No buts.” He reached for her hand and held it gently.


    “I’m injured. I can’t look after you like this. Don’t make me worry about you too, okay?”


    Her lips pushed into a pout, clearly unconvinced.


    Eric softened his tone, coaxing her.


    “Phillips and the others wille. It’s only a matter of time. Don’t worry—it’s just a trap. I can endure it.”


    Hadley stayed quiet for a long moment before finally nodding.


    “Okay.”


    “That’s better.” Eric let out a shallow breath, his face tightening as pain flickered across it.


    “Does it hurt?” she asked—then immediately gave a shakyugh.


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    “What kind of stupid question is that?” Of course it hurt. He wasn’t made of iron.


    She slid an arm beneath his.


    “Can you stand?”


    “Yeah, I think so.”


    “Then get up.” She nodded toward a nearby tree.


    “We’ll get you over there to lean against it. That’ll be better than sitting like this.” Staying in that position was clearly too exhausting—and too painful—for him.


    “Alright.” Eric agreed, letting her help him to his feet.


    “Slowly… there we go.” Hadley guided him carefully, easing him back against the tree trunk so it wouldn’t press on the trap. She studied his face, her voice soft but firm.


    “Is that better? Does it pull at the wound?”


    “It’s fine. Much better.” Eric nodded, exhaling slowly.


    “Are you lying to me again?”


    “No. Really—better than before.”


    Seeing no trace of pretense in his expression, Hadley finally loosened the knot in her chest.


    She sat beside him, and her eyes immediately fell to the wound—jagged metal teeth sunk deep into his shoulder.


    Her gaze lingered on his damp hair clinging to his pale forehead. Without a word, she lowered her head, took out a towel, and gently wiped the sweat from his skin.


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