Varek nods once. “Good.”
“Any sign he was followed?” Sonny asks.
“No immediate indication,” Shanae answers. “But we’re not assuming anything.”
“Smart.”
“Necessary.”
I step closer to the table, taking in the layout. Routes in and out of Dathanor, the outer settlement, the path towards the bowling alley that serves as the front. All of it suddenly feels a lot more fragile.
“She let him come back,” I say, more to the room than anyone in particular.
Varek’s gaze shifts to me fully this time. “Yes.”
“That’s not mercy.”
“No.”
“It’s pressure.”
A trace of approval crosses Shanae’s face. “Exactly.”
“She wants us to react,” I continue. “Split and panic. Make a mistake.”
“And you think we won’t?” Sonny asks.
“I think she’s counting on it,” I reply. “Which means we don’t give it to her.”
Kael studies me for a moment. “You’re suggesting we do nothing?”
“I’m suggesting we don’t do exactly what she wants us to do.”
“Which is?”
“Hand over Jamie,” Sonny mutters.
“Or rush in blind,” I add.
Aelith’s voice cuts through from the doorway behind us. “You assume there is time not to.”
Every head turns.
He’s on his feet, sort of.
Iris is right behind him, clearly seconds away from either dragging him back or knocking him out again herself. The bandaging on his side is already stained where he’s pushed himself too far too soon, but he stands anyway, one hand braced against the wall for support.
“You should be lying down,” Kael says.
“You should be less bossy,” Aelith shoots back.
“Sit,” Iris snaps.
“No.”
“Sit or I make you.”
He ignores her. Brave considering that at any moment, she could ask her mate to do it instead.
