“I don’t know yet,” I say honestly.
Finn studies me for a long second, then nods. “Okay.”
Zane leans back slightly. “Then we don’t rush it.”
“You say that like everything else hasn’t been… very fast,” I point out.
Finn grins faintly. “We can be patient.”
And then, because my body apparently decides timing without consulting me, the exhaustion hits all at once.
The adrenaline crash. The emotional weight. The fact that I haven’t actually slept properly in… I don’t even know how long.
“I think…” I start, then yawn mid-sentence, which feels deeply disrespectful to the gravity of the situation.
Finn smiles, softer now. “Yeah. That.”
Zane shifts immediately, already reaching for the jacket. He sets it beside me like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Lie down,” he says.
“I’m fine,” I begin.
“You’re not,” he replies calmly.
Finn pats his thigh. “We have excellent bedside manners. Very professional.”
I hesitate for about two seconds.
Then give up.
I settle carefully, using the jacket as a pillow, my shoulder brushing Zane’s leg, my hand still loosely wrapped around Finn’s sleeve like I forgot to let go.
Neither of them moves away.
Zane’s hand rests lightly against my arm.
Finn’s fingers curl around mine, warm despite everything.
The last thing I hear before sleep pulls me under is Finn: “We’ve got you.”
Then all of a sudden, I’m standing on the Lookout Trail.
Only it’s different.
Brighter.
Softer somehow, like the world has been turned slightly toward warmth.
Everything smells like pine and wildflowers and a sweetness I can’t quite name.
I know this place, I’ve stood here before, but now there’s more.
A feeling.
Like I’m not alone.
“Rory girl.”
