Kapitel 39: Chapter 39

"Kiara." His voice was softer now, steady. "You're going to be fine. You've got this, okay? Just… find a way out. I'll… I'll meet you outside."

The pain in my chest felt like a physical weight, and I struggled to breathe. "You promise?" My voice broke on the word.

"Yeah," he said, his tone holding that same impossible confidence. "I promise."

Another tremor, and I felt the ground shift again, the floor beneath me cracking further. I was losing my balance, sliding toward the gaping hole as the edges crumbled.

"Jason!" I cried, reaching out, clinging to the last solid piece of flooring.

And then, as if in answer, his voice cut through, steady and strong, even through the wall of debris. "Kiara… I'm fine. Trust me. Now go!"

I closed my eyes, gulping.

Adrenaline flowed through my veins, pushing me forward, forcing me to pull myself up.