Hauk clenched his teeth as old memories surged past the darkest place he tried to keep them relegated to. “We fell because your father hit me before I could finish tying in to the belay station. I slipped and the anchors failed until we were down to only one. I was inverted, attempting to right myself and hold on with one hand, while I was trying to steady Keris with the other.” He held his hands up to show Darice the scars he had from the rope burns. “My knot was coming undone and the last anchor was slipping. We both knew what was about to happen. Even so, I didn’t stop trying to hold on for both of us. Next thing I knew, Keris pulled out his knife and sliced through the rope before I could stop him.”

Darice fingered the scars on Hauk’s hands. “You really didn’t cut it.”

“I would have died before I cut my brother loose.”

Darice wrapped his hands around his uncle’s scars. “You were my age.”

“A few months older.”

He swallowed hard as if it finally dawned on him just how horrific that event had been. Then, he threw himself into Hauk’s arms. “I won’t fall, Uncle Dancer.”

Sumi’s throat went tight as she saw the look on Dancer’s face as he held Darice against him.

“I know you won’t, Dare. And don’t let Sumi fall, either.”

Darice inclined his head to him. “I’ll bring you back a feather.”

Dancer ruffled his hair. “Deal.” He handed Darice his climbing helmet.

Sumi offered Dancer a bittersweet smile as he met her gaze. “We’ll be very safe. I just need to get him a feather and return, correct?”

He nodded. “Remember, the sparn will attack if she thinks you’re going after her nest.”

“Don’t worry. You rest and we’ll be back before you can even miss us.”

Hauk scoffed at her words. “Not possible. I miss you already.”

She made the most adorable expression before she kissed his cheek and buried her hand in his hair.

Hauk wanted to hold her like this forever.

Unfortunately, Thia came running, which caused Sumi to release him. She handed her bright pink helmet to Sumi, and a pair of sport sunglasses. “Good luck. Try not to strangle Darice.”

Darice glared at her as he fastened his helmet on.

“Thanks, Thia. You’ll take good care of the guys while I’m gone, right?” Sumi fastened her helmet before Hauk rechecked her harness and sling.

She sighed heavily, but said nothing about his paranoia.

“Absolutely. Be safe.” Thia kissed her cheek then moved to stand beside Hauk.

Sumi inclined her head to them and clapped Darice on the arm. “Ready, champ?”

“I’m your belay slave, mu tara. Acrena tu.”

“He said after you,” Thia translated.

“Thanks.” She led the way to the approach.