A man’s face—sharp, striking—came into view.
One arm held me against his chest with effortless strength, while the other gripped a climbing anchor launcher, the tether embedded deep in the rock wall.
With fluid precision, he adjusted the rope’s length, guiding us steadily downward.
I could feel the controlled power in his body, the effortless way he moved.
The moment my feet touched solid ground, my legs gave out, and I sank to my knees, my heart still hammering from the fall.
The man chuckled, hauling me upright.
“I saved your life, but you don’t have to kneel in gratitude,” he teased. “You’re the first to make it up that way. Gotta say, I’m impressed.”
Slowly, I exhaled. “Thanks… for the compliment. And for saving me.”
The rain drenched me, seeping into my bones. He shrugged off his waterproof jacket and handed it over.
Noticing my lingering exhaustion, he tilted his head.
“You need me to carry you?”
I forced myself to stand straighter, chin lifting. “No. I’m good. I’m Zayla. Who are you?”
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an ID, flashing it at me.
“Ace. Head of the Rescue Division.” His gaze lingered, amused. “I remember you. You didn’t board the convoy, and when I went back for you, you were gone. Thought you were dead.”
He paused, then added, “So… this makes our second meeting. I don’t usually like seeing the same person too often,” he admitted. “Usually means they’re the kind of unlucky person who keeps getting into trouble.”
His lips quirked slightly. “But you’re different. You always surprise me.”
Something inside me stuttered.
I glanced at him, trying to steady my pulse.
I couldn’t tell if my heart was still racing from the near-death experience—
Or because of him.
