We’re not stopping.
Not really.
Not anymore.
13
Mila
Location: Forest Ridge — Split Point
Time: Late Morning
We shouldn’t split up.
That’s the first rule.
The only rule.
And somehow—
We’re already breaking it.
“Go,” Jase says, low and sharp. “I’ll draw them off.”
“No.”
Not happening.
Not even a little.
“You’re slower right now,” I fire back. “Which means that plan is terrible.”
“I’ll manage.”
“I don’t like plans that involve you bleeding out in the woods.”
His jaw tightens.
“Then keep up.”
Gunfire cracks again—closer this time.
Too close.
We’re out of time.
He grabs my arm—pulls me in just enough to make sure I’m listening.
“Listen to me,” he says, voice dropping. “They want you.”
My chest tightens.
“I noticed.”
“That means I’m expendable.”
“No,” I snap. “It means you’re an idiot.”
