The truck groaned beneath them, old axles wincing with every twitch of wind. Rain hammered the roof in steady bursts. The air smelled of wet metal and sweat.
Zara sat in the back, Leo tucked into her arms. He'd fallen asleep there, face nestled against her chest, breaths deep and even. But her own breathing wasn't as calm. Her chest felt tight, her heart pounding like a second storm inside her ribs. Her fingers, tangled in Leo's curls, trembled.
Winter sat nearby, not speaking. Just watching her. Quiet concern in his eyes. Understanding. The kind that didn't require words.
She hated that he could see her unraveling. But she didn't pull away.
Would they understand?
Ima. Marcus. Sam. Mike. Miles. Naomi…
Would they see Leo as a child? Or would they see the impossible?
Would they try to use him?
Would they protect him?
Would they fear him?
The thought made bile rise in her throat.
