My eyes were heavy, but the cold, damp cloth pressed against my forehead forced them open. Beside me, Cas was dabbing my skin with a piece of moss soaked in ice‑water.
His face was a map of exhaustion. dark circles under his eyes, a bruise blooming on his left cheek where a rock had smashed it the night before. Yet when he saw my pupils dilate, a grin split his scarred lips.
''Baby,'' He exhaled in relief, and pressed his lips to mine. ''Stop scaring me!''
I smiled back, the corners of my mouth trembling. I turned my head, taking in the familiar canvas of our tent, leather straps, and a few scattered herbs. ''Someone had to save you,'' I said, teasing, my voice light despite the ache throbbing behind my ribs.
Cas's brow furrowed. ''What happened yesterday?'' He asked, the wet cloth sli
