Mara may believe in the Architect.
But she still doesn’t want Wren dead.
And that hesitation might be the only advantage we have.
Behind Wren, the wounded man shifts his weight.
Russ sees it instantly.
Adam too.
Three rifles adjust slightly.
The man holding Wren suddenly realizes something.
He’s standing in the open.
Surrounded.
Outnumbered.
And for the first time since this started—
He looks nervous.
Which means the balance of power just shifted.
And if Wren gets one more opening—
This entire situation might explode.
25
Wren
My shoulder feels like it’s on fire.
Every time the man behind me tightens his grip, the pain shoots down my arm like electricity.
But pain can be useful.
Pain means nerves still work.
Pain means I’m still conscious.
Pain means I’m still in the fight.
The cold mountain air burns in my lungs as I force myself to breathe slowly.
In.
Out.
Boone stands ten yards away in the gravel driveway.
Completely still.
But I know him well enough now to see the truth.
