Tyler’s POV
The map is spread out in front of me. I’ve marked spots with pins, string, and charcoal rings where I want the chaos to land.
I’ve done this so many times, in so many places. I look for the weak spot, turn it into a lesson, and make sure the first hit hurts but doesn’t kill.
Today, my focus slips. I blink and try to bring it back. The east wall has two towers and a blind dip that any raider would target. That’s where I need to look.
But I keep seeing Ruby’s back as she walked away. Spine straight. Shoulders stiff.
I try to focus on distances, angles, and the wind. Cindy’s sentry shifts. I remind myself this is what matters. The raid drill is in three days. The pack is stretched thin. The warriors are tired. The elders are waiting for us to fail.
Every time I try to focus,
