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He gives us an understanding smile that somehow makes him seem older than 15.

"I'll yell if the creepy shadow monster shows up."

I can't help laughing.

"Please do."

Rhett and I walk several yards deeper into the trees until Sayer can no longer hear us. The silence between us isn't uncomfortable. It's heavy. Important. Finally…

He speaks.

"You changed the plan."

"I improved it."

"You put yourself closer to the entity."

"I put myself where I needed to be."

His jaw tightens.

"I don't like it."

"I noticed."

"You think it'll follow you."

"I know it will."

"That's exactly why I'm objecting."

I fold my arms.

"You don't get an objection."

"The hell I don't."

His voice remains calm. That somehow makes it more intimidating.

"I can protect you."

"You can't protect me from everything."

"I can try."

"I don't need you trying."

His eyes narrow.

"No."

One word. Quiet. Absolute.

"You don't get to decide whether you're expendable."

"I never said I was."

"You didn't have to."