Fucking Alphas.
If we don't move now—and I still haven't figured out cages, do I build them or buy them, because buying cuts into the goat fund and I can't show up with—
Kestria grabs the cart handle. I stand there watching his back disappear into the trees, broad shoulders cutting through undergrowth.
"You coming?"
"I've made a terrible mistake."
"Yup. He called your bluff. But—" She nods toward the forest. "He's leaving without us."
The forest swallows us within minutes. Keer takes the cart from Kestria without asking—just reaches back, closes his hand over the handle, and pulls it forward. She lets go. Doesn't argue. He leads without speaking, cutting through undergrowth, and I'm behind the cart watching his shoulders. The left one has a scar I haven't seen before and that's not—plants.
Mugwort. Nettles. Poisonous berries—those ones, the dark purple clusters. Goldenseal, good for infection, should come back for it later. Plants are safe. Plants don't have broad shoulders and a voice that—
Paste ratios. Two parts carrier oil to one part extract, but if the moonbright's older growth I'll need to adjust—maybe three parts, maybe four, the dilution shifts when the potency's high enough to burn tissue and I haven't seen this batch yet, could be strong, could be—
"So." Kestria breaks the silence. "This is fun."
I don't answer.
"Really great team energy. Love the vibe."
"Kestria." I shove her shoulder.
"Just an observation."
Keer doesn't respond. Doesn't turn.
"The market's about four hours." Too loud. I know it's too loud.
Nothing.
"Then the moonbright field. Back before dark if we push."
His boots hit the ground steady and hard, not slowing.
"Should be simple. Market, flowers, home."
"I know the route." Rough. Clipped. Still hasn't turned around.
"Great. So we're all on the same—"
"We're not on any page. You're doing what you wantregardless of what anyone says."
"I'm doing what needs to be done. There's a difference."
"Is there?"
"Yes. Because people need paste, and people need eggs, and I can't sit around—"
"You couldn't wait one more day to plan this properly."
"I have a plan. Market. Flowers. Home."
"That's a list."
"A list is a plan—"
