Page 313 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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I shake my head once.

“No.”

His jaw tightens.

“You don’t understand—”

“I understand exactly,” I cut in.

I hold up the patch.

“This isn’t your operation anymore.”

His eyes narrow.

“It never stopped being ours.”

“That’s the problem,” I say.

Silence.

Sharp.

Cutting.

Because now we’re back here again.

Same line.

Same standoff.

But this time?

The stakes are higher.

Way higher.

Behind me, I feel Aspen step closer.

Right at my back.

Trusting me.

Choosing me.

Again.

Always.

I think about grandpa.

Still at the tavern.

Safe.

For now.

Dylan too.

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