Ashley's POV
"No."
I repeated, stepping back to widen the gap between us. The loose gravel beneath my feet made a faint crunch that pierced through the silence of the mountaintop.
Hebert's hand froze midair. He didn't look upset, just tilted his head slightly, his deep eyes fixed on me.
"Give me a reason," he said, his voice low and steady.
"I'm scared."
I admitted it. There was no point acting tough standing at the edge of this cliff.
"You're too fast. When we came up here, it felt like my insides were being left behind. And now..." My hand instinctively rested on my flat stomach, that lingering nausea still clawing at my throat. "I can't handle that."
"I can slow down," he shot back instantly, his tone firm.
"I don't believe you."
I lifted my head and lock
