He rose slowly, the leather of his jacket creaking as he crossed the cell and crouched beside me. “You’re scared for people you love. That’s not weakness. That’s human.”
I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.
Because even if it was normal—even if my emotions were understandable—I still hated how powerless I felt. How small.
I was tired of being small.
Tired of everyone towering over me in strength and speed and supernatural gifts.
Tired of pretending that just because I could shoot didn’t mean I didn’t wish I had something more.
And just as I was spiraling deeper into that pit of insecurity, everything changed.
The comm in my ear buzzed sharply, and then Rett’s voice cut through, breathless and urgent.
“Movement. Angelica reports six vehicles. Fast approach. They took the bait. We’re in moti
