His attention stays on the valley. “We create movement east. Pull the scouts off course.”
“And leave the civilians exposed?”
“We control the direction they chase.”
“That’s not control,” I snap softly. “That’s gambling.”
His jaw tightens.
“We’re out of options.”
“No.” I shake my head immediately. “There has to be another way.”
“Olivia.”
The way he says my name stops me cold.
Low.
Firm.
Already decided.
“If they box us in,” he says quietly, “this ends here.”
I know he’s right.
That’s the worst part.
I stare down into the valley where the scouts move slowly between the rocks below.
Closer.
Always closer.
Then the words leave my mouth before I can stop them.
“I’ll go.”
Every head turns toward me.
Russ’s reaction is instant.
“No.”
Flat.
Absolute.
“I can draw them off,” I continue anyway, ignoring the warning in his eyes. “I’m already injured. I’m slower—”
“You’re not bait.”
“I can make them follow me.”
“The answer is no.”
Anger sparks hot in my chest.
