Something has changed.
It feels like the first spring breeze after a long and harsh winter. I love the snow, of course. And the hot chocolate and stepping from the cold into a warm, cosy home, fingers numb and cheeks red. But the warmth, life and light of spring is something not even the reflection of a sunrise in snow can top, even through the lens of a camera.
"Hey, wait up!" There's a burn in my legs and lungs that feels both good and bad at the same time.
"Maybe you should take a break."
I look up at Lara, how she's bouncing on her feet, her ponytail swinging with each switch from leg to leg.
"I will, after this lap."
She may be stubborn, but I will not be left behind. I'm tired of being the damsel in distress. This time I'm going to rescue Lara, and this time it's not a fight against an army of sleazy bastards or zombie-samurai or storm-controlling spirits, this time's it's a fight against inner demons.
I'm glad, I've never been much good in a fist fight. Or shooting arrows. Or any kind of fight with physical elements really. That always was something intricately Lara's.
I'm a killer at pushing buttons though.
"Okay."
She is talking to me again. In fact, running together was her idea. I know in a way it's because she feels like she should be in top-condition, for if the next insane body-snatching royal starts stirring up a storm.
I stretch my tired muscles and manage a grin. "Let's go babe."
I swear I'm going to die saving Lara.
Those inner-demons better be fat and lazy.