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Always three steps ahead.
I check the perimeter.
Nothing immediate.
That doesn’t mean anything.
It just means they’re repositioning.
Pain hits harder now.
Adrenaline’s wearing off.
Timing’s about right.
I brace a hand against the rock, steadying myself.
Don’t react.
Don’t—
“Sit down.”
I glance at her.
She’s already moving toward me.
Focused.
Calm.
Not asking.
Commanding.
“I’m fine.”
She gives me a look.
Yeah.
That one.
The one that says she’s about two seconds from ignoring me completely.
“Sit. Down.”
I exhale.
Not because I’m agreeing.
Because arguing takes more energy than I’ve got right now.
I lower myself carefully against the rock.
She drops in front of me.
Close.