Page 277 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

---

Heavy.

Sharp.

Then—

“Fine,” he says.

Again.

Too easy.

Too fast.

I don’t trust it.

Not even a little.

But I don’t have a choice.

Because if I’m right—

And I know I am—

Then whatever Tank hid out there…

Is the reason he died.

And the reason they’re still coming.

I glance at Aspen.

Her eyes are locked on me.

Searching.

Terrified.

Trusting.

And I make her a silent promise.

Clear.

Unbreakable.

I’ll find it.

I’ll protect it.

And I’ll keep her safe.

No matter who I have to go through.

Even if it’s them.

---