The forest remained hushed around them, undisturbed, as if it had learned long ago how to keep what mattered safe.
Kim approached carrying two gun cases. One of them Maya recognized at once—the same case Dahlia had placed in her hands earlier, back in the study. Kim set both down with quiet precision, inclined her head, and stepped back without a word.
Dahlia acknowledged her with a brief nod before turning fully to Maya. She reached for her hand, her grip warm and steady, anchoring.
“Ready?” she asked, a soft smile touching her lips.
Maya’s chest tightened for a moment, then determination softened her features. She returned the smile and nodded. “Yes. I’m ready.”
The afternoon unfolded at its own unhurried pace.
They started with lunch beneath the trees—simple food, warm, unpretenti
