Aster crouched, scooping Syn onto her back with ease, her arms hooking under his knees as she straightened.
His weight settled against her broad frame, his arms draped loosely over her shoulders, his cheek brushing against her ponytail. Her boots thudded in a steady rhythm as she carried him out of the gym, the bright overhead lights and the stench of sweat and metal fading behind them.
"I still don't believe a spaceship this big has no wheelchairs," Syn muttered, his tone dry, but exhaustion softened the bite.
Aster shifted his weight slightly, her grin audible in her voice. "If you don't believe me, go check for yourself." She paused. Letting the challenge hang between them, knowing full well he couldn't. His ankles still bound him to her care—a fact they both understood too well.
"You know I can't," he shot back, his hazel eyes narrowing as he tilted his head to catch her profile, his tone laced with dry accusation.
