In this excerpt from "The Gathering" by Kelley Armstrong, the narrator experiences a moment of surprise as they catch up to someone they were pursuing. The narrator is so focused on the chase that they only realize how close they are to the other person when they come within arm's reach.
The interaction is lighthearted, marked by a playful exchange between the characters. The person being chased, despite being caught, asserts that they have stopped, revealing that they have reached a limit in their ascent. This moment encapsulates a blend of competition and camaraderie within the narrative.