Mitchel's expression hardened as he urged, "Quick!"

Tears blurred Raegan's vision as she stretched to grasp his arm.

With a grimace, Mitchel summoned all his strength to lift her.

Just as Raegan felt herself being pulled up a bit, she slid back down.

The earth under Mitchel was giving way again, sending a cascade of stones down, causing Raegan to slip further.

The situation was extremely dangerous, made worse by the unstable mountain soaked by days of rain.

Raegan watched as the collapsing area on the ground expanded, her heart turning cold with dread. If this went on, both of them would fall.

Trying to mask her despair, Raegan forced a light tone. “Mitchel, didn't you ask if I missed you?"

“Raegan..." Mitchel's voice was rough, laden with urgency. "Stop talking." Conserving his energy was crucial for hanging on until the rescue team arrived. In about ten minutes, the guards should find them. They just needed to endure for those ten minutes. The rescue was within reach!

"I miss you..." Raegan said.

The three words hit home, causing Mitchel's body to tremble uncontrollably.

As Raegan spoke again, her tears flowed freely. "I miss you so much..."

ALL the turmoil seemed trivial now. She was dying. Why couldn't she confess that she had developed feelings for Mitchel? Since her return, Mitchel had been good to her. Even when she clung to the past, behaved irrationally, provoked Mitchel, made him angry, struck him, he never left her side, always silently protecting her. How much better it would have been if she had seen it sooner! But now...

Tears welled up in Raegan's eyes as she said softly, "Mitchel, let me go..."

Her pleading gaze sent a wave of panic through Mitchel. "I won't let you come to harm!" he said with resolve.

Raegan bit down on her lip so hard it turned white. "Mitchel, we can't afford to fall together!"

After saying this, she made the tough choice to release the grip she had so firmly held.

"Don't let go!" Mitchel roared.

His body inched forward even more.

"Raegan..." Mitchel's voice cracked, echoing his despair. "Hold on!