Page 108

Sayer looks toward the tree line.

"I can feel when something is wrong."

"Like the entity?"

He nods.

"But different."

"Explain."

"It's like..."

He searches for words.

"The entity feels like a hole."

"And you?"

He looks down.

"Like something is filling it."

No one speaks. Because all three of us understand the same thing. Sayer isn't just connected to what is happening. He may be part of the reason it is happening.

A sensor. A key. A target.

Carys steps off the porch.

"Enough."

"He needs rest."

She's right. Of course she is. I hate how often that happens.

Sayer heads inside. I stay outside.

Carys remains beside me.

"You knew."

It isn't a question.

"Suspected."

"Since when?"

"Since he threw that pencil."

She nods.

"And you didn't tell me because..."

"Because I needed to be certain."

Her expression hardens.

"It’s not up to you to decide when I deserve the truth."