Page 176 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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75

Havoc

Ishould walk away.

That’s the first thought.

The only logical one.

But I don’t move.

Because she’s still standing there.

Looking at me like she just handed me the truth and isn’t taking it back.

“I don’t know how to stop this.”

Her words are still sitting between us.

Heavy.

Real.

“You should,” I say quietly.

“Why?” she asks.

Because of Tank.

Because of everything this could break.

Because I don’t get to have something like this.

But none of those words come out.

Because none of them feel true anymore.

“I don’t know,” I admit instead.

Her breath catches.

And that’s it.

That’s the moment everything shifts.

I take a step toward her.

Slow.

Careful.

Like this might disappear if I move too fast.

But she doesn’t step back.

Not even a little.

“Last chance,” I say, my voice low.

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