Tyler’s POV
Cindy watches until they disappear into the trees, then lifts her voice without turning.
“Show’s over,” she calls. “If you’re that hungry for justice, you can report to southern patrol at dawn.”
Branches rustle. The eyes in the trees vanish. The clearing empties quickly once work is attached.
Silence rushes in behind them. The pit yawns open, raw and ugly. Chalk dust flakes along the rim.
Ruby stands just behind my shoulder, close enough that I can feel her heat. She hasn’t said a word since we left the house.
“Tyler,” Cindy says quietly. “Walk with me.”
Not a request. I glance at Ruby.
“I’ll be fine,” I tell her softly.
Her mouth twitches, but she nods and steps back.
Cindy doesn’t say anything until the yard is nearly empty and we’re standing by the watchtower, half
