The time crept toward eleven at night as Bruce, Lisa, Xavier, Ace, and Meret walked toward the woods.

Bruce had earlier told her he wanted to talk, but Meret had stopped him.

“Hold whatever you want to say,” she had told him calmly. “Right now, I don’t want emotions. I don’t want confusion. I don’t want my feelings conflicted. If we survive this—and we will—then you can tell me. Just make sure you survive this.”

Bruce nodded.

Ace stayed close to her side, overly protective, ...