Liam pulled back, breaking free of the moment, and accepted a water bottle from one of the teenagers. His throat felt like he’d gargled sandpaper, but the cool liquid helped. He scanned the group, reality crashing back.
His pack was gone. Their lifeline—water filter, stove, food, first aid kit—all tumbling down the river. Its weight would’ve drowned him for sure, but without it…
“I had to ditch my pack.”
“I know.” Nimue’s voice carried unmasked fear. “For a second, I thought it was?—”
He put his arms around her and pulled her to himself, holding tight.
He was still shaking. Or maybe it was her, but yeah, he just closed his eyes and held on. Breathing. Alive. Here.
“I thought you were gone till your hand popped up.” The burly teen’s voice held leftover adrenaline. “That water’s like chocolate milk.”
“Doesn’t taste like chocolate.” Liam released Nimue.
She reached up and wiped mud from his face. Smiled at him.
Very much alive.
He got up. “Time to assess the damage.”
Nimue’s pack held clothes, that sketchpad she treasured, toiletries—all probably soaked now.
A quick headcount confirmed what he’d feared. Twelve mouths to feed, not including himself. Twelve souls to keep warm and alive. Zero supplies. A flash flood between them and Phantom Ranch. And somewhere behind them, the Bratva might still be hunting.
Perfect.
“I’m Liam.” He studied the shell-shocked faces surrounding him. “This is Nimue.”
“Brian.” The burly kid pointed around the circle. “That’s Michelle, Jeff, Amy, J.J., David, DeAnna, Amanda, Rob, Aaron, Noel.”
Half of those names would disappear from his memory in five minutes, but he nodded. “Guessing you’re here without permits.”
Amy—a slight girl with defiance written in every line of her posture—folded her arms. “What makes you think that?”
Bravado couldn’t hide the red-rimmed eyes, the tremor in her voice.
“I’m a backcountry ranger.” His voice carried authority now. Professional mode. “No permits have been issued for this area this month.”
Brian’s shoulders sagged. “We wanted to celebrate graduation. My brother did this a couple years ago. Didn’t get caught so we thought…”
“You thought you’d be stupid.”
Brian flinched.
Nimue put a hand on Liam’s arm. “They’ll face consequences later—fines, community service. Right now, you need to keep them breathing.”
He glanced at her. Nodded. Turned back to Brian. “Your families know you’re here?”
The kids exchanged guilty glances. Finally DeAnna spoke up. “They think we’re on a church youth trip. Don’t expect us back till Sunday.”
No cavalry coming. No search party mobilizing.
They were on their own.
“Supplies?”
“Not much.” Brian’s voice went flat. “The flash flood hit fast. Jeff and Aaron grabbed packs, but they’re just clothes. Rob found that rope yesterday in the wash.”