"Then we move," she said, quieter but sharper. "Now."
Veer held her gaze for a second longer, like he was checking how close she was to snapping. Whatever he saw there made his shoulders settle just a little.
"You take his legs," he said. "I'll take his back. Don't let his head roll."
"Like I'd ever let go of him," Kaya muttered, shifting to hook her arms under Cutie's knees. Her fingers were shaking, but her grip was iron.
They lifted him together, Veer's arm sliding behind Cutie's shoulders, supporting his head with a care that didn't match the blood on his knuckles. Cutie's hand twitched, instinctively reaching out; Kaya shifted closer so his fingers could catch her sleeve.
"I've got you," she said under her breath. "So don't you dare pass out just to scare me."
A weak, almost soundless snort left him. It was enough.
