The first thing Lila noticed was how heavy he was.
Not because Adrian had suddenly gained weight.
Because he wasn't helping anymore.
Before, even when he'd been coughing blood, even when his legs had folded beneath him, there had still been something. Some tiny instinct inside him that tried to stand. Tried to walk. Tried to meet her halfway.
Now…
Nothing.
His body sagged completely against hers.
His head lolled onto her shoulder, his cheek cold against the side of her neck.
"Adrian…"
No answer.
She swallowed and hooked both arms beneath his, planting her boots deeper into the snow before pulling with everything she had.
His body shifted only a few inches.
The effort nearly knocked her off balance.
"…Come on."
Her voice came out smaller than she'd intended.
"You've carried me before."
She laughed once under her breath.
It sounded miserable.
"My turn."
She adjusted her grip and pulled again.
