“Yes.”
Her voice softens slightly.
“Because it was already beginning.”
I shake my head.
“That’s not justification.”
“No,” she says.
“It’s reality.”
Wren suddenly twists hard in the man’s grip.
He wasn’t expecting it.
For half a second his balance shifts.
Russ takes a step forward instantly.
“Now!”
But Mara’s pistol presses harder against Wren’s side.
“Don’t.”
Everyone freezes again.
The moment gone.
The man jerks Wren back upright.
“You’re feisty.”
“Let go of me,” she snaps.
Even hurt, she sounds furious.
And I can’t help the flicker of pride that cuts through the fear.
Mara watches her carefully.
“You shouldn’t have fought.”
“You shouldn’t have kidnapped me.”
That almost earns a smile.
Mara looks back at me.
“She’s brave.”
“Yeah.”
“Which makes this harder.”
The man holding Wren suddenly grunts.
