Ryder POV

The compound was dead silent when we got back. No music from the garage, no laughter from the fire pit. Just the sound of our boots on gravel and the wind through the pines.

I carried Jolie inside. She hadn't said a word since we left the Council chamber.

"Put me down." Her voice was small. "I can walk."

"I know you can." I kept holding her anyway. "Doesn't mean you have to."

Doc was waiting in the main hall, medical kit already open on the table. "Let me check her."

I set her on the ...