That shift.
Protector.
Strategist.
Something darker underneath it now.
Good.
Because I feel it too.
“How?” I ask.
A pause.
Then—
“We break pattern.”
Of course.
Simple.
Dangerous.
Effective.
I nod once.
Even though he might not see it.
“I’ll draw the right side,” I say.
Immediate response.
“No.”
I almost snap back.
Almost.
But I don’t.
Because I know why he said it.
Not control.
Protection.
“You won’t get a clean shot from your position,” I counter.
A beat.
“I don’t need clean.”
My jaw tightens.
Yes.
