The beach was quieter now.
Footsteps faded in the distance as Quinn and Soren chased after Henry. The sound of wheels on pavement disappeared. What remained was the ocean, steady and indifferent.
Scarlet sat on the sand with her knees pulled to her chest. Her cast rested awkwardly across her lap. She tipped a beer back, swallowed, then set it beside her and reached into her pocket instead.
Ward noticed immediately. “Scarlet.”
She did not look at him.
She tipped her head back, eyes fixed on the stars like they were something soft enough to hold her up.
“Do you ever think it’s funny how the sky doesn’t care?” she asked.
Ward exhaled through his nose and sat beside her, careful to leave space between them. “I need to ask you some things.”
She smiled faintly. “You always do.”
“And I
