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“Callie.”

The sound is closer.

I press myself against the dirt.

Don't move.

Don't fucking move.

“I know you're here.”

No, you don't.

A branch snaps.

I squeeze my eyes shut.

Think.

I open them again.

A rock sits beside my shoe. It’s not big, about the size of my palm. But it’ll do.

I pick it up.

His footsteps crunch over leaves, closer.

Then they stop.

My fingers tighten around the rock.

Come on.

Come on.

Nothing.

I wait.

Maybe he⁠—

A shadow moves above the bank.

I stop breathing.

Mercer appears at the edge.

His gaze moves through the trees. Then past me.

He doesn't see me.

Holy shit.

He turns and starts in the opposite direction.

I wait for a few beats, then I rise just enough to look over the trunk.

His back is to me.