The rope tore one strand at a time above Evelyn’s head.
Lucian lay flat at the edge of the gorge with both hands locked around the line. His boots cut trenches through the snow as her weight dragged him forward.
“Marcus,” he snarled.
Evelyn struck the cliff again.
Pain burst through her shoulder. The rope around her chest tightened until every breath became work.
Above, Marcus forced himself onto the injured leg.
“No,” she shouted. “Your wound—”
He reached Lucian anyway.
Marcus dropped beside him, wrapped both hands around the rope, and pulled.
Blood spread through the bandage beneath his boot.
“On three,” Marcus said.
Lucian bared his teeth. “Now.”
They hauled together.
Evelyn searched the cliff with her boots.
Loose stone broke under the first.
The second found a narrow ri
