I turn then, meeting her eyes.
Most people would feel relief.
They’d think they bought time.
We know better.
“He changed tactics,” I say.
Scout’s expression doesn’t shift much—but I see it. That flicker of recognition. Of alignment.
“Yes.”
No hesitation.
No doubt.
That right there?
That’s what Sentinel saw.
That’s what he’s going to come after.
“You felt it too,” I add.
“I’ve been feeling it since we left,” she says quietly. “Like… something’s already in motion.”
It is.
We just don’t see it yet.
I step closer to her, lowering my voice even though we’re alone.
“He’s not going to push from the outside anymore.”
Scout watches me carefully. “No.”
“He’s going to hit something we can’t defend.”
That lands between us.
Not fear.
Understanding.
Because we both know what that means.
Not perimeter.
Not position.
Something internal.
Something close.
My jaw tightens.
“No one moves alone,” I say. “Not anymore.”
