Page 181 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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77

Aspen

The Tavern is quieter now.

Not safe.

Not really.

But calmer.

I made sure Dylan and Grandpa were sleeping.

Everyone gave us space.

Not on purpose.

Just instinct.

And now it’s just us.

Havoc sits on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, head slightly bowed like he’s trying to gather himself back together.

Like that’s even possible after what just happened.

I lean against the wall across from him.

Watching.

Waiting.

Neither of us speaks right away.

Because what do you even say after that?

“That was a bad idea,” he finally says.

I let out a small breath.

“Yeah.”

A beat.

“Do you regret it?” he asks.

There it is.

The real question.

I push off the wall slowly.

Walk toward him.

“No,” I say.

His head lifts.

Our eyes meet.

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