Noah POV

*****

The cave is quiet, and I do a slow sweep before I let myself relax — sound, scent, the movement of air. Nothing large nearby. A bird somewhere high in the canopy, wind brushing through distant trees, something small rustling in the undergrowth far to the left. Nothing hunting. Nothing that matters. Zoe chose well.

I lower myself down beside her carefully, one hand braced against the ground, the other coming to rest lightly across her side. She doesn't stir. ...