Chapter 206

The helicopter hovered steadily at high altitude. The moment the door opened, powerful gusts of wind rushed in, almost yanking people right out of the cabin. Celeste felt her breath catch in her throat. One by one, team members jumped out into the sky, their figures vanishing into the rush beneath the roaring rotors. "Ethan... I don't think I can do this," she stammered, nerves coiling tightly in her chest. Even though she wasn't jumping solo, everything about this was terrifying. "Close your eyes. It'll be okay." Ethan's voice cut through the noise, calm yet firm. Before she had time to react, they were airborne-dragged into the wind. A scream burst from her lips as her eyes squeezed shut in panic. She couldn't open them no matter how hard she tried. Time lost meaning. Then all of a sudden, the downward pull gave way, like a rubber band snapping back. The drop slowed. The rushing air softened. A familiar voice spoke right near her ear. "You can open them now." Celeste hesitated, heart