Kaya checked his pulse. Still there. Weak, but there.
"He needs rest. Fluids. Proper medicine." She looked at Veer. "None of which we have."
"He also needs not to die in the next hour," Veer said pragmatically. "Which means keeping the hunters away from him. From us."
"Agreed."
Cutie appeared at the gap in the rocks, slightly out of breath. "I covered our tracks as best I could. Used branches to sweep the ground, scattered leaves. But if they have someone who's good at tracking—"
"They'll find us eventually," Kaya finished. "I know. But eventually is better than immediately."
She positioned herself at the gap, looking out at the approach. From here, she had a clear view of anyone coming. And anyone coming would have to squeeze through a space barely wide enough for one person.
"Veer, watch the sides. Make sure there's no way to climb over or around. Cutie—" She paused, considering. "Can you fly?"
"Yes?"
