bChapter /b472

    The doctor’s face was grave. As a physician, this was thest thing she

    wanted to see.

    She and Max stood silently, both staring at Alessia. Herplexion was ghostly pale, lips drained of all color. Neither said a word.

    “The radio’s still dead, and the road’s blocked–no way an ambnce can get up here. We’ll have to carry her down the mountain ourselves. Right now, keeping her alive is all that matters.” Max stood up, his own face tight with worry.

    “I agree,” Cole said quietly. He held Alessia’s cold, limp hand in his, his other hand gently brushing her brow.

    The doctor sighed, knowing there was no other way.

    “I’ll have my team stabilize her for the descent. Our hospital staff are waiting halfway down. The road from the vige is passable–once you reach it, you can drive the rest of the way. But…” She hesitated, her voice dropping. “Her blood type is rare. Even if you get her to the hospital, if there’s ino /imatched donor, then-”

    She didn’t finish the sentence.

    “Let’s get her down first. Once we have cell service at the hospital, we’ll figure out the rest.” Cole’s voice was steady, but his jaw was set in determination.

    “Lessie’s tougher than anyone I know. She’ll make it through this.”

    “If you need anything, call my assistant. I’ll stay behind to help here.” Max ced a reassuring hand on Cole’s shoulder.

    It was clear–he was entrusting Alessia to Cole’s care,

    The mountain path was rough and treacherous. Their group had split in two–some stayed in the vige, others remained here. Every extra pair of hands made a difference with time running out.

    12.20

    If Alessia were conscious and standing here, Cole knew, she’d have insisted on staying to help too.

    But Alessia was his first priority–always. There was never any question.

    “Take care of yourself,” Cole said, ncing at Max as the medics finished securing Alessia for the journey.

    Max just nodded silently, understanding passing between them without a word. Then they each turned to their tasks.

    At that moment, a newmotion broke the tense stillness.

    “Cole! Max!”

    Both men turned to see the Morton brothers, Justin, Ste, and Queenie racing toward them, breathless and covered in dust. Gone were their usual polished appearances.

    “What’s the situation? Where’s Lessie?” Ethan called as he hurried over.

    By the time their friends reached the vige, most of those trapped inside had already been rescued. The buildings here were mostly single–story, and after the chaos, the elderly and children had alle out, searching for loved ones. Thankfully, few were left trapped.

    When word spread that the younger group was stranded at the summit, the entire vige had mobilized. The elders and women worked through the night, clearing the path to the mountain. Only now did the friends finally make it.

    But there was no time for relief or small talk.

    “Lessie’s in critical condition–she needs a transfusion as soon as possible. We have to get her down right away. You’re just in time; help us carry her. Everyone else, stay here and assist where you can,” Cole summarized quickly.

    No one hesitated. Without a singleint, everyone sprang into action, not even pausing for a sip of water.

    These were young men and women used to lives offort and

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    privilege, but in this moment, there was no trace of fragility–only

    determination to help, to do more, to keep going.

    They didn’t let relief at rescuing their friend blind them to the devastation around them. Instead, as they clung to the hope that Alessia would survive, they wished the same for everyone still waiting to be saved.

    They knew the vigers—elders and women alike–shared the same hope, the same urgency.