** Parker’s POV **

I follow Remy through the back door and into the morning chill. The sun is over the treetops, casting shadows across the grass, but the warmth hasn’t reached us yet.

Remy’s pacing along the tree line, his jaw tight, hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie like he’s trying to hold himself together.

He doesn’t look at me when I stop beside him. He just stares out toward the forest like it might offer him an escape.

“You okay?” I ask.

He laughs bitterly. ...