"…Came just in time, huh?"
The smile I gave her didn't reach my eyes. I barely felt it on my face.
We were away from the crowd now. Not far, but far enough. In my periphery, Hailey's people were crouched around her, hands slick with blood as they worked. Others lingered in small knots, rifles slung but ready. Terri, Aubrey, and Hale stood nearby, free of the burlap sacks, shaken but alive.
I looked back at Lila.
Blood had pooled at the corner of her lips. Her hair was a mess, clinging to her face and neck. Her chest barely moved, shallow breaths scraping in and out like breathing itself hurt.
There was something wrong in her eyes.
Not panic, not regret.
Something tight. Coiled.
"Lila," I said quietly. "Are you okay?"
She didn't answer.
Didn't blink.
Her gaze stayed locked on me, unflinching.
"Are you hurt?" I tried again. "Anywhere?"
Still nothing.
The silence crept under my skin, sharp and uncomfortable.
