Ruby's POV
After the second slow loop around the camp, Carter let out a breath and sank onto the old pack he'd been using as a makeshift seat. His legs were trembling slightly, but there was something smug in his grin. A small, hard-won pride.
“You’re insufferable when you’re proud of yourself,” I said, nudging his knee with mine.
“You just can’t handle how good I look almost dying and then limping in a perfect circle.”
“Oh, I can handle it,” I murmured. “But let’s not get cocky. You still wince when you sneeze.”
He laughed,then winced, exactly like that.
“Told you,” I said, sliding down beside him.
The sunlight was slanting golden through the trees now, turning everything honey-warm and a little unreal. The wind was gentle. The world, for once, felt quiet.
I should’ve leaned into
