“Sure!”
The moment Hadley cleared the danger zone, an ominous creak echoed through the space, followed by a thunderous crash and renewed chaos. Chunks of debris and thick mud cascaded down like a deadly waterfall. Eric broadened his shoulders and arched his back into a protective curve, shielding her completely within his desperate embrace.
Just as the rescue team prepared to secure Hadley, they discovered she refused to release her grip.
“Hadley?” Eric glanced down to find her fingers desperately clutching his collar, knuckles white.
Her moisture-laden eyelashes fluttered frantically, and her lips formed words too soft to hear.
“Hadley, what are you saying?” Eric strained to understand. Unable to bend lower, he drew her closer until her lips nearly touched his ear. “Hadley, repeat those words… I’m listening intently.”
Hadley whispered again. This time, her words reached him with crystal clarity.
“Together… together… we leave together.”
Eric’s eyes flew wide, his heart stumbling over its rhythm. In this critical moment, Hadley was fully conscious. She grasped their dire predicament and understood his intention to send her to safety first. That explained her desperate plea to escape together.
Tears flooded Eric’s eyes as his heart dissolved into overwhelming tenderness. Hadley was genuinely concerned for his safety.
“Hadley.” He breathed her name like a prayer, lowering his head to press a tender, moisture-dampened kiss against her forehead. “You must leave immediately. I’ll follow directly behind you.”
Even as he spoke, he tried to gently pry her fingers from his collar, but Hadley kept an iron grip, shaking her head emphatically and repeating her desperate mantra. “Together… together…”
“Yes, together.” Eric’s throat constricted with emotion as he offered gentle reassurance. “This space is too cramped for both of us. You must go first so I can follow immediately. I promise I’m right behind you. Trust me—please let go.”
Your escape is on g ? ln σ ν s?com
Whether from sheer exhaustion or faith in his promise, Hadley gradually loosened her hold.
“Now!” Seizing the precious opportunity, Eric swiftly transferred her to the rescue team’s waiting arms. “Keep her secure!”
“We have her, Mr. Scott.”
But how could Eric possibly contain his worry?
“Handle her carefully! My wife may have sustained injuries—please be extremely gentle!”
“Understood, Mr. Scott!”
With a massive structural shift, another violent tremor shook the cavity.
“Mr. Scott…”
“Evacuate her immediately!”
Eric curved his spine, taking Hadley’s position without a moment’s hesitation. However, the structural movement had compressed the space even further. Such discomfort meant nothing to him now.
.
.
.