I cupped my hands as the water entered my palms. I splashed it on my face, smiling as the cool liquid sank into my skin. The dirt that stained my skin fell away as easily as it came. It felt good to soak in the water and feel clean—as clean as I could be—again.

When I was satisfied, I tied my hair up with the ratty hair tie that was still hugging my wrist. I slipped on my suit. My wet skin stuck the cloth to my body, but I didn't mind. It felt good against my burnt and damaged skin.

I crawled out from the bush that had sheltered me. Only an hour ago, Tilly had fallen unconscious from blood loss. The sock had loosened, allowing the blood to join with the water around her. She had been knocked out cold for a few minutes.

My mind felt like a balloon was swelling in my head. We were dropping so quickly. I couldn't imagine losing Tilly. She was too young to die. She had so much to live for.

I went back to the time where she had fallen in the water, her eyes closed and mouth bloody. Aster had pushed me away, telling me that he could handle it. I knew that he was doing it for me. He didn't want me to see any more.

I felt better, though. I couldn't help but grip my hands on Aster's arms when I met up with him. "How is she?"

I observed the droplets of water that were dripping off the end of his curls and sliding down his forehead. His skin looked clean, and so did his suit.

"I bandaged her wrist up," he said. "She's been up for a while. A little worn out, but she'll be okay."

The corners of my lips tugged upward. His arms encircled my frail body and his lips pressed against my forehead. My stomach fluttered at the feeling. I lifted my head, staring at a scab on Aster's temple. I lightly traced it with my finger, wondering how many more scabs he had. If one day they'd all turn into scars, which he'd need to hide with long sleeve shirts. And the only time he would take his shirt off was so I could see them. Because I had been there when he got them. And only I could understand the pain he went through.

My smile grew bigger at the image of him helping Tilly. After everything he'd been through, he still didn't hesitate to help her. I chewed on the inside of my lip. I couldn't imagine being standing there with my arms wrapped around anyone else.

I had been debating whether the kiss that other day had truly meant anything. If it would change anything between us. But I understood now. I wanted him. I wanted to be with him when the Pestilention was done. I wanted to live the rest of my life in his arms.

Aster's hands released my torso, but I pulled them back. I then clasped my hands on his face, kissing him with a passion that I hadn't felt before. Aster tensed, so I nearly pulled away. He then slid his body closer to mine and embraced me with the same intensity that I felt.

My heart was wild against my chest. I had never felt like this with anyone else. I had never desired to be with someone so much. The longing caused my body to ache. My feet felt like they weren't touching the floor. I was flying. Everything except for Aster was gone. It was only him and me right then in an eternal embrace.

I felt Aster's smile under my lips. He pulled away for a second, placing his hand under my chin. He lifted my head up enough so that our eyes locked. There was a look on his face that was hardly readable. He was relieved. Thankful that I felt the same way about him.

Aster had probably liked me for a long time. Maybe since he had laid eyes on me. And now that I looked back, I couldn't think of a moment when he wasn't looking at me that way. With hope and gratefulness. He didn't need to say anything for me to know.

Aster leaned in closer, his lips centimeters from mine. I wanted to lift myself up and continue what we had started, but my body was paralyzed under his gaze. He looked at me indecisively before placing his mouth next to my ear.

"I'm going to check on Tilly, okay?" Aster's voice was as smooth and soft as velvet. The warmth of his breath sent steady chills down my spine. I nodded. He turned around slowly. Aster's fingers unclasped mine as he walked away, leaving my lips tingly and my heart racing at a hundred miles a minute.

"How's it going, Tilly?" It was the first time that I had seen her ever since Aster had pulled the arrow out of her arm. It was now bandaged in black material. By the tear in Tilly's pant leg, I could only assume that that's where the resource came from.

Tilly smiled weakly, giving me a thumbs up. I squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. She stared at me, sniffling.

"Is the Pestilention almost over?" she whispered. I didn't answer. That wasn't something that I could be sure of. How long had we been there for? A month? Most obstacles lasted three to seven weeks, so I couldn't tell whether we were close. I looked at Aster for help.

He didn't hesitate to reply. "Of course we are." Aster smiled. "Trust me, we'll be out of here before we know it."

Tilly nodded, unconvinced. I understood. If we would be out of there before we knew it, then we would have been able to see the finish line.

Hey, guys! Tilly's okay, hallelujah! Kat and Aster are officially a thing now, aren't they? Do you guys think they're meant to be? Or will there always be an obstacle in the way?

If you guys enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to comment, read, and share this story with your friends. Vote for this chapter with your arm. Stay awesome guys.

This song is calledLet Me Love You by DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber. Because after the heck of a ride they've been through, they're still in love, huh?