Chapter 60
The forest lay hushed beneath a heavy sky, the fire crackling low between them like a heartbeat struggling to hold rhythm. Valerie paced the clearing, her silver hair catching the glow with every turn, her boots grinding softly against the earth.
"You can't be serious," she snapped finally, stopping dead in front of Odi. "You're not thinking clearly."
Odi didn't flinch. She folded her arms across her chest, chin lifting in defiance. "I've never thought clearer in my life."
Valerie scoffed, incredulous. "Oh, really? So throwing yourself into the wolves' den alone—again—is your idea of clarity?"
"You're overreacting."
"You're underestimating how close we came to losing you!"
Odi's eyes narrowed. "I can do this alone. Besides, I didn't ask anyone to come after me."
