Mitchel held Raegan tightly, his eyes filled with intensity.

Raegan sensed he was shaking. She blinked, unsure of what to make of it at first. It took her a moment to understand. He was scared!

Mitchel's voice was rough. “Raegan, promise me you'll never leave me."

"I..." Raegan was still stunned.

Mitchel abruptly released her, his gaze dark and chilling. “Promise me!" His tone was commanding with a hint of anger. His frustration was evident! Now that danger was past, it was time to address the issue.

Raegan grasped what had frightened him and softened her tone as she said, “I promise."

Yet, his stern look remained unchanged, his irritation not soothed.

He pinched her cheek, his gaze icy and piercing. “When you risked your life to save the little boy, did you even consider..."

Mitchel meant to ask Raegan whether she had considered him.

Hesitating, he reframed his question. “Did you think of Janey?"

Mitchel's pinch stung. Yet, Raegan didn't flinch, letting him vent his frustration. "I did think it through. My actions weren't meant to be reckless. It was a misjudgment."

If only she had acted quicker, she might have climbed up the tree with Misael.

At the thought of Misael, she asked, “What about the young boy?"

Mitchel's patience snapped when he realized she was still worried about others. He icily replied, "He's gone!"

After saying this, he relaxed his hold on her and turned to walk further into the dense forest. It seemed like he didn't want to see her.

"Mitchel. . Raegan grasped the cause of his irritation and hurried after him, her voice soft and soothing.

But Mitchel seemed to not hear her, his expression stern as he strode forward.

Raegan's calves ached. They had been battered by the rocks, Likely bruised. The quick pace only intensified her discomfort.

"Ah..." Unable to keep up, she let out a sharp cry of pain, louder than needed.

Mitchel stopped in his tracks and turned back, concern evident as he grasped her shoulders. "What happened?"